Intensive animal farming faces rising societal concerns about animal welfare standards. This article presents findings of a study that aimed to understand the attitudes of a representative sample of U.S. residents (N = 1,000) regarding the welfare of chickens raised for meat.The study had two objectives. First, the representative survey data was examined to determine whether Americans supported improved welfare conditions for chickens raised for meat. The vast majority of respondents (81%) supported improving conditions in line with the Better Chicken Commitment, a set of standards for food companies and restaurants. On average, respondents were willing to pay 28.7% more for chicken meat that met its conditions. Additionally, 88% of respondents favored the idea of food companies providing a Better Chicken Commitment label on their products.Second, the study examined how beliefs about animal cognition related to moral consideration and consumer attitudes in the context of chicken farming. Findings reveal that those who attributed a higher level of cognitive abilities to chickens were more likely to support the Better Chicken Commitment and willing to pay more for meat from companies that met its standards. Conversely, attributing lower levels of cognitive abilities to chickens was associated with a commitment to meat consumption, reduced willingness to pay more, and less support for welfare standards. The study’s findings contribute to research on motivated reasoning in meat consumption and the objectification of animals.