How To Draw a Chicken

Here’s a step-by-step process on how to draw a chicken.

Step 1 – Start with Basic Shapes

Begin by drawing two overlapping circles: a smaller one for the head and a larger oval for the body. Position the head slightly above and to the left of the body.
Add two short lines beneath the body to indicate the placement of the legs.
These simple shapes form the structural foundation of the chicken and help guide proportions as you refine your drawing.

Sketch the chicken’s neck by connecting the head and body with smooth, curved lines.
Begin defining the beak by extending a small triangle from the head, and shape the neck into a more bird-like curve.
Outline the tail with an upward sloping curve from the body, adding a layered look to suggest feathers.
Draw the legs with slightly bent joints and add three-toed feet, pointing slightly outward. This creates a balanced stance.
Erase unnecessary guideline overlaps to clean up the silhouette.

Refine the chicken’s head by drawing the comb (the fleshy crest) on top of the head using a series of bumpy, rounded shapes.
Draw a small wattle (the flap of skin under the beak), and add the eye as a small circle with a darker center for depth.
Enhance the shape of the wing by sketching a soft curve along the side of the body.
Add toes and claws on each foot, making sure they look slightly curved and natural.
Begin lightly outlining feather texture, especially around the wing and tail areas.

Darken the outlines of the body, tail, and legs to bring clarity and definition to your drawing.
Shade areas under the wing, belly, and neck to add depth and form.
Add texture to the feathers using short, curved lines following the body’s contour. Focus especially on the wing, tail, and upper back.
Enhance the eye with a highlight spot and deepen the shadow around it for realism.
Shade the feet slightly and add small lines to indicate scales and joints.
Adjust the comb and wattle with subtle shading to show volume and light direction.