The bones in my cooked chicken are dark gray or black — is that dangerous?

Dark Bones Are Perfectly Normal — And Not Dangerous

Dark bones in cooked chicken are typically not a sign of danger. As mentioned, they are a result of natural processes involving bone marrow and are especially common in young chickens. This is a normal occurrence and does not indicate that the meat is unsafe to consume.

Family-style roasted chicken on a platter with serving utensils
Family-style roasted chicken on a platter with serving utensils

It’s important to note that as long as the chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C), it is safe to eat.