8 Foods You Should Not Combine With Chicken Meat — Everyone Should Know to Avoid Health Risks

Chicken is commonly paired with side dishes, but some combinations can actually become harmful.

Combining chicken with different foods can enhance flavor and make meals more enjoyable. However, chicken is considered incompatible with certain foods, and eating them together may be detrimental to health. Below are 8 foods that should not be eaten with chicken, which everyone should know to avoid potential problems.

1. Raw garlic and raw onions

In many regions, people enjoy chicken dipped in salt with slices of raw onion or garlic. According to traditional Eastern medicine, chicken is sweet and warm in nature, garlic is hot, while onion is cold. Combining them can create an imbalance of heat and cold, potentially disturbing blood circulation and overall vitality.

2. Shrimp

Eating chicken together with shrimp may cause skin reactions such as itching, as both foods are considered warm in nature. Their combination is believed to trigger “wind activation,” leading to discomfort.

3. Mustard greens and garlic

While chicken, mustard greens, and garlic are all nutritious, both chicken and mustard greens are warm in nature. Consuming them together can increase internal heat, which may negatively affect the body.

4. Vietnamese coriander (laksa leaf)

Vietnamese coriander is known for supporting muscle strength and eyesight. However, excessive consumption may reduce libido in men. When combined with chicken, it may form substances that are harmful to the digestive system.

5. Dog meat

Chicken is warm in nature, while dog meat and dog liver are extremely hot. Eating both together can generate excessive internal heat, potentially leading to digestive disorders such as dysentery.

6. Sesame salt

Chicken is associated with the “wood–wind” element. When eaten with sesame salt and aromatic herbs, it may stimulate liver wind, causing symptoms such as dizziness and body tremors. If this occurs, drinking licorice root water is traditionally believed to help relieve the symptoms.

7. Carp

Chicken is warm in nature, while carp is considered cold. Eating them together may lead to skin issues such as boils or acne. In such cases, drinking black bean water is traditionally recommended.

8. Vietnamese balm (kinh giới)

Chicken is warm and associated with the wind element, while Vietnamese balm is spicy and dispersing. Eating them together may trigger itching and allergic-type reactions.

Experts also note that not only should these combinations be avoided, but people with allergies, high blood pressure, keloid scars, or those currently suffering from chickenpox should also refrain from eating chicken to reduce health risks.