Chicken prices dropped slightly in 2026 due to increased production, but retail prices stayed high amid ongoing health and supply challenges.

U.S. chicken prices have declined slightly due to rising broiler production, which reached 47.6 billion pounds in 2026, up 3.5% early in the year. Wholesale prices for boneless, skinless breasts fell from $2.77 to $1.16 per pound by year-end, but retail prices stayed high at $4.17 in January 2026. Strong demand persists due to chicken’s affordability versus beef, though ongoing challenges include avian influenza outbreaks, low breeder flock fertility rates averaging 75%, and supply chain disruptions that can last over a year after outbreaks. Industry efforts to improve bird health without antibiotics continue, and analysts expect production growth to slow later in 2026, potentially leading to higher prices, though chicken will remain a more affordable protein than beef.