1chick·en 
/ˈtʃɪkn̩/ noun
plural chick·ens /ˈtʃɪkn̩/ noun 1 a [count] : a bird that is raised by people for its eggs and meat
b [noncount] : the meat of the chicken used as food
▪ We had chicken for dinner. ▪ fried/roasted/grilled chicken — often used before another noun ▪ chicken soup/broth ▪ chicken salad 2 [count] informal : a person who is afraid : coward
▪ It's just a spider, you chicken! ▪ Don't be such a big chicken.
b [noncount] : the meat of the chicken used as food
▪ We had chicken for dinner. ▪ fried/roasted/grilled chicken — often used before another noun ▪ chicken soup/broth ▪ chicken salad
▪ It's just a spider, you chicken! ▪ Don't be such a big chicken.
count your chickens
◊If you count your chickens or (US) count your chickens before they hatch or (Brit) before they're hatched, you believe that something you want to happen will definitely happen before you know for certain that it really will.
▪ Don't count your chickens before they hatch—we don't know yet if she will accept our offer.
▪ Don't count your chickens before they hatch—we don't know yet if she will accept our offer.
your chickens come home to roost — see 2roost
— see also spring chicken
