Nutritional value
As with other poultry, chicken provides excellent protein, as well as selenium which is essential for the immune system and has cancer-preventative qualities. Chicken is also a source of potassium, zinc, copper, and, in the dark (leg) meat, iron. The dark meat is also a good source of B vitamins, notably niacin (B3) and B6.
Apart from the skin, chicken is low in fat, especially the dark meat - although, nowadays, birds are often reared to be fattier so they look a better colour under supermarket lights! It is best to avoid very cheap produce on grounds of both animal welfare and taste. Organic birds are reared the most humanely, growing at a normal, unforced rate, and so have the best texture and flavour.
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