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Chicken Calories
High protein, low fat, source of B vitamins and selenium
In season: Spring · Summer · Autumn · Winter
CALORIES
GI
POTASSIUM
FIBER
Quick answer
1 piece (medium) of Chicken (150 g) has 248 calories. That works out to 165 calories per 100 g. It contains 0 g of carbs, 46.5 g of protein, 5.4 g of fat and 0 g of fiber. Its 20.5 mg of B3 covers 128% of the Daily Value. Its glycemic index is 0 (low), so it raises blood sugar slowly.
What is Chicken?
Chicken is the meat of the domestic bird, with familiar cuts such as breast, thigh and wings. Its mild flavour and tender texture make it adaptable to everyday cooking across the world. In English-speaking kitchens, it may be roasted for a Sunday meal, grilled, added to soups and salads, or cooked in dishes such as curries and stir-fries; seasonings and methods vary widely by region.
It is a protein-rich choice, with 31 g of protein per 100 g, and is relatively low in fat when served without the skin. Pair it with vegetables, grains or beans for a satisfying meal. For a lighter preparation, choose skinless breast and grill, roast or poach it rather than adding a heavy coating or rich sauce.
Chicken Nutrition Facts
Selected: 100 g
165
KCAL / 100G
Carbs
0g
· 0% DV
Protein
31g
· 62% DV
Fat
3.6g
· 5% DV
Fiber
0g
· 0% DV
DV is the share of the daily value covered, on a 2,000 kcal reference diet.
Calories come from: Carbs 0% · Protein 79% · Fat 21%
Chicken Vitamins & Minerals
Vitamins
B3
13.7mg · 86% DV
B6
0.6mg · 35% DV
B5
1mg · 20% DV
B12
0.3µg · 13% DV
Minerals
Selenium
24µg · 44% DV
Phosphorus
210mg · 30% DV
Zinc
1mg · 9% DV
Potassium ⭐
256mg · 8% DV
How Nutritious Is Chicken?
Nutrient density
Very high
How many vitamins, minerals and how much fiber this food carries per calorie. A high score means a lot of nutrition for few calories.
Satiety score
Medium
An EatBetter score computed from fiber, protein and calorie density. A high score means staying full longer on the same calories.
Both scores are calculated per 100 g and do not change with the selected portion. The satiety score is EatBetter's own calculation, not a clinical measure.
Chicken Glycemic Index
GLYCEMIC INDEX
GLYCEMIC LOAD
Accounts for portion size — a more realistic measure than GI alone.
How to Burn Off Chicken
To burn the 165 calories in 100 g:
🚶
Walking (5 km/h)
🏃
Running (8 km/h)
🚴
Cycling
🏊
Swimming
Times are calculated with the MET equation for a 70 kg adult. Actual burn varies with your weight, age and pace.
Is Chicken Processed?
NOVA 1
Unprocessed
1. Unprocessed
2. Minimally Processed
3. Processed
4. Ultra-Processed
NOVA classifies foods into 4 groups by industrial processing. NOVA 1 (unprocessed) is the healthiest.
Does Chicken Contain Allergens?
No known major allergens
Which Diets Is Chicken Good For?
Vegan
— Not suitable
Vegetarian
— Not suitable
Gluten-Free
✓ Suitable
Dairy-Free
— Not suitable
Mediterranean
✓ Suitable
Paleo
✓ Suitable
Whole30
— Not suitable
DASH
— Not suitable
Keto
✓ Suitable
Low FODMAP
— Not suitable
Chicken Fat Profile
SATURATED
1g
MONOUNSATURATED
1.2g
POLYUNSATURATED
0.7g
Omega 6:3 ratio 10:1
Above the ideal 4:1 (10:1).
Compare Chicken
Foods Similar to Chicken
Frequently Asked Questions About Chicken
How can you tell when chicken is cooked through?
The most reliable way to check chicken is to use a food thermometer in the thickest part. Clear juices and white-looking meat are not dependable safety tests, especially near joints or in unevenly cut pieces.
How long does raw chicken last in the fridge?
Raw chicken keeps only briefly in the refrigerator, so cook it by the package use-by date. Store it sealed on the lowest shelf to prevent drips from contaminating other foods, and keep it separate from ready-to-eat ingredients.
Can you refreeze chicken after thawing it?
Yes, chicken thawed in the refrigerator can be refrozen, although its texture may suffer. If you thawed it in the microwave or cold water, cook it before freezing it again rather than putting it back raw.
Why does chicken breast become dry?
Chicken breast dries out mainly because it is cooked too long; its low fat content leaves little room for overcooking. Use even-sized pieces, check doneness with a thermometer, and let the meat rest briefly before cutting.
Is pink chicken safe to eat?
Sometimes, yes: chicken can remain slightly pink even after it is safely cooked, especially near the bone. Color alone cannot confirm doneness, so check the thickest part with a food thermometer instead of relying on appearance.
How should you thaw chicken safely?
Thaw chicken in the refrigerator, or use a microwave if you will cook it immediately. Avoid leaving it on the counter: the outer surface can warm enough for bacteria to multiply while the center is still frozen.
How can you tell if raw chicken has gone bad?
Spoiled chicken may smell sour or unpleasant, feel slimy, or show an unusual color change. If you notice these signs, discard it without tasting; cooking cannot reliably make spoiled chicken safe to eat.
Should you wash chicken before cooking it?
No, washing raw chicken can spread bacteria through splashes onto sinks, counters, and nearby food. Cooking kills harmful bacteria; wash your hands and clean any surface or utensil that touched the raw chicken instead.
What is the difference between chicken breast and thigh meat?
Chicken breast is leaner and cooks quickly, while thigh meat is darker, richer, and usually stays juicier during longer cooking. Choose breast for a mild, lean cut and thighs for braises, grilling, or dishes that benefit from a fuller flavor.
How long can cooked chicken leftovers stay in the fridge?
Keep cooked chicken leftovers refrigerated in a covered container and eat them within a few days. Refrigerate them promptly after serving, and reheat only the portion you plan to eat so the rest is not repeatedly warmed and cooled.
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Nutrition data compiled from USDA FoodData Central and scientific sources.