Chicken production remains one of the largest sectors of U.S. agriculture, with the industry heavily concentrated in the Southeast. Favorable climate conditions, established poultry infrastructure and integrated production systems have enabled several states to become major suppliers of chicken for both the domestic market and exports. The U.S. poultry industry is primarily focused on broiler production, while egg production represents a separate segment of the industry.
According to the latest data, the United States produces approximately 8 billion broiler chickens annually. Georgia remains the nation's largest chicken-producing state with 1.3 billion birds, followed by Alabama (1.2 billion) and Arkansas (1.1 billion). North Carolina ranks fourth with 984.7 million chickens, while Texas produces 731.8 million birds each year. Other leading poultry-producing states include Mississippi (701.1 million), Maryland (322 million), Kentucky (291 million), Missouri (284.2 million), Delaware (263 million), Virginia (248.4 million), Pennsylvania (244.5 million) and South Carolina (237 million). Oklahoma also remains an important producer with 181.3 million chickens annually.
In terms of global chicken production, the United States is one of the top producers, alongside countries such as China, Brazil, and Russia. The US plays a major role in the international poultry market, exporting significant quantities of chicken products worldwide. As global demand for chicken continues to rise, driven by factors such as population growth and dietary preferences, the United States is well-positioned to maintain its status as a leading chicken producer.
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