The poulet de Bresse or volaille de Bresse is a French chicken product which has appellation d'origine contrôlée status, and which was registered as a Protected Designation of Origin under EU and UK law as Volaille de Bresse / Poulet de Bresse / Poularde de Bresse / Chapon de Bresse. It may be produced only from white chickens of the Bresse Gauloise breed raised within a legally-defined area of the historic region and former province of Bresse, in eastern France.
Bresse chickens are raised specifically in the Bresse region of eastern France. They are kept in free-range environments where they have ample space to forage, which is vital to maintaining the quality for which they are known. The region's climate and environment contribute significantly to the characteristics of the breed.
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 3/5
Bresse chickens are renowned for their superior quality meat, often considered among the best-tasting of any chicken in the world. They are raised under specific conditions that are strictly regulated to maintain their high standards. The Bresse chicken has a distinct appearance with a red comb, white feathers, and blue legs, symbolizing the French flag.
The approximate area of production of the poulet de Bresse (in red)
White Bresse de Bény chickens