How Many Calories Are in a Cooked Chicken Breast?

Chicken is popular for those who want a nutritious and affordable protein source. It is rich in high-quality protein and low in calories, and it can be eaten grilled, baked, or boiled. It is cheap and versatile, making chicken one of the most consumed meats in the world.

Chicken is a favorite among fitness enthusiasts, and suitable for people who want to manage their weight. Moreover, chicken is an excellent source of rich nutrients like Phosphorus, Vitamin B, Zinc, Potassium, and copper. These nutrients help in producing energy and elevate your health. 

Protein in Chicken (100g)

What makes chicken a go-to option for health-conscious individuals are its high protein content and low fat/calories. However, the amount of protein depends on the cuts of the chicken and the way it is prepared.  

So, how much protein is there in 100 grams of chicken?

Depending on the method of preparation and cuts, the amount of protein on average in:

• 100g raw chicken is 27g
• 100g boiled chicken is 30g (due to water loss during cooking, the protein concentration is slightly higher)
• 100 g of skinless chicken breast is 31g. Chicken breast contains the highest amount of protein and the lowest calories because it is the leanest cut.

Protein Variation by Cuts

The protein content also differs depending on which part of the chicken you are consuming. The cooked chicken breast contains the lowest calories and the highest protein. Below mentioned data provides the approximate protein quantity found in different parts of the chicken.

• 100g of Cooked Chicken Breast contains 31g 

• 100g of cooked chicken thigh contains 23g 

  
• 100g of Cooked chicken drumstick contains 24g 
• 100g of Cooked chicken wing contains 24g 

Chicken is a High-Quality protein source

Chicken is an excellent source of protein. It is packed with essential amino acids your body cannot produce on its own. Minimal fat content and high protein make chicken an ideal choice to improve overall health.

Benefits of Chicken 

Chicken Protein is essential for your muscle health. It supports vital bodily functions. If you are looking to make a nutritious addition to your diet, Chicken has to be your first choice. It includes all the nine amino acids required for protein synthesis, tissue repair, and nutrient absorption. So, how does chicken help improve your health?

Rich in Amino Acids

Our body requires various amino acids to function properly. However, our body cannot make nine out of twenty amino acids, also known as the essential amino acids. Chicken contains all the nine amino acids. These help in breaking down the food, growing and repairing your bodily tissues, providing energy to function throughout the day, boosting your immune system, and maintaining a healthy digestive system.

Builds and Supports Muscle Health

Your body uses 20 different amino acids to undergo digestion and make protein. This helps to build muscles. The amino acid Leucine helps your body make protein and growth hormones. It repairs muscle tissues, heals wounds, and helps build muscles. 

Enhances Overall Health

Chicken also contains essential vitamins important for well-being. Chicken in your meal can keep you full for a long time because of its high protein quantity. Amino acids present in chicken convert food into energy helping you stay active and focused throughout the day. 

Why is Chicken Breast Popular for Fitness?

A Chicken Breast is a favorite among fitness enthusiasts, bodybuilders, athletes, and those who want to lose weight. The reason is that chicken is one of the few foods that is high in nutrient content, and low in calories yet tastes good.

100 grams of cooked chicken breast contains 31 grams of protein. The best part is it contains only 3.6 grams of fat and calories as low as 165. This is why chicken is recommended to people who want to shed excess fat.

Unsaturated fat in chicken promotes cardiovascular health and reduces the risk of heart disease. High protein density in chicken helps prevent muscle breakdown during the weight-loss phase. It helps build and repair muscles due to the presence of amino acids.

Chicken breasts also provide essential nutrients to repair damaged muscles. This is why chicken is favored by athletes and bodybuilders because it reduces muscle soreness. It also speeds up muscle recovery.

Tips for Cooking Chicken to Retain Protein

How many calories one takes from a chicken breast depends on how you cook the meat. Frying the chicken is probably the worst way because it adds a lot of fat and calories to your meal. Best ways to cook a chicken breast while maintaining the most protein content:

Grilled Chicken: Preparing grilled chicken requires a very small amount of oil which keeps the fat content low. Grill some vegetables along with chicken to get a fulfilling, nutrient-packed meal.

Baked Chicken: Baking chicken requires little to no oil, and is great for people on a weight loss diet.

Poached Chicken: Just like poaching an egg, simmer the chicken in water along with some vegetables. This meal provides a good amount of fiber and nutrients.

Stir-fried Chicken: You can saute the chicken with vegetables, however, remember to use very little oil to keep the fat content low. This meal is great in taste as well as nutrients.

Conclusion

If you are looking for one food that is a powerhouse of nutrients, Chicken is your answer. It is packed with vitamins and minerals required by your body to operate. Low-calorie content and high protein in 100 grams of cooked chicken breast make it an ideal choice for weight management and a healthy diet.

FAQs

Can I eat 100 grams of chicken daily?

Chicken is a lean meat and does not have much fat. So, you can have 100 grams of chicken daily as a part of your diet. Chicken breasts are high in protein and per 100 grams of it contains 31g of protein keeping you fuller for a long time.

Is 200 grams of chicken enough protein?

200 grams of chicken per day provides a sufficient amount of protein. However, balance the protein along with nutrient-rich food like vegetables for a balanced diet.

Can I eat 200 gm of chicken daily?

200 grams of chicken daily is completely safe to consume. 200 grams of chicken per day can provide enough protein to build muscles. However, balance it with other food groups.

Which is better, 100 gm paneer or 100 gm chicken?

Chicken and paneer both are excellent sources of protein, however, chicken is more rich in protein than paneer. Per 100 grams of paneer approximately 20g of protein, whereas per 100 grams of skinless chicken breast contains approximately 31 grams protein. Also, calories in paneer are higher than calories in chicken. Calories per 100 grams of paneer is 265-320, on the other hand, calories per 100 grams of skinless chicken breast is 165.

* Medical Disclaimer: The following information is for educational purposes only. No information provided on this website, including text, graphics, and images, is intended as a substitute for professional medical advice. Please consult with your doctor about specific medical advice about your condition(s).