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Pale pink, slightly glossy pieces of chicken meat with smooth surfaces and irregular cut edges are arranged on a plate.
●Low GI
★Natural
💪High Protein

Chicken Meat Calories

High protein, low fat, source of B vitamins and selenium

In season: Spring · Summer · Autumn · Winter

CALORIES

165kcal

GI

0low

POTASSIUM

256mg

FIBER

0g

Quick answer

1 piece (medium) of Chicken Meat (120 g) has 198 calories. That works out to 165 calories per 100 g. It contains 0 g of carbs, 37.2 g of protein, 4.3 g of fat and 0 g of fiber. Its 16.4 mg of B3 covers 103% of the Daily Value. Its glycemic index is 0 (low), so it raises blood sugar slowly.

What is Chicken Meat?

From breast and thigh to wings, chicken meat is used in a wide range of everyday dishes. Breast tends to be lean and firm, while thigh is usually juicier; the mild flavour takes well to marinades, herbs and spices. It is roasted, grilled or pan-cooked, and also turns up in soups, stews, salads and sandwiches across many cuisines. In Turkey, it is common in home-cooked meals, grilled dishes and rice-based plates.

Chicken meat is protein-rich and relatively low in fat, especially when you choose lean cuts. Pair it with vegetables, grains or a fresh salad for a balanced meal; grilling or baking can keep the preparation simple.

Chicken Meat 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 Meat 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 Meat?

Nutrient density

High

70/ 100

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

54/ 100

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 Meat Glycemic Index

GLYCEMIC INDEX

0
Low
0 Low5570100

GLYCEMIC LOAD

0
Low

Accounts for portion size — a more realistic measure than GI alone.

How to Burn Off Chicken Meat

To burn the 165 calories in 100 g:

🚶

41min

Walking (5 km/h)

🏃

17min

Running (8 km/h)

🚴

22min

Cycling

🏊

19min

Swimming

Times are calculated with the MET equation for a 70 kg adult. Actual burn varies with your weight, age and pace.

Is Chicken Meat 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 Meat Contain Allergens?

No known major allergens

Gluten free
Dairy free
Eggs free
Peanuts free
Tree nuts free
Fish free
Soy free
Sesame free

Which Diets Is Chicken Meat 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 Meat Fat Profile

SATURATED

1g

MONOUNSATURATED

1.2g

POLYUNSATURATED

0.7g

⚖️

Omega 6:3 ratio 7.1:1

Above the ideal 4:1 (7.1:1).

Compare Chicken Meat

🍗vs🥩
Chicken Meat vs Ground Beef85 kcal fewer per 100 g
→
🍗vs🍢
Chicken Meat vs Chicken Skewer25 kcal more per 100 g
→
🍗vs🥩
Chicken Meat vs Sauteed Lamb65 kcal fewer per 100 g
→
🍗vs🍗
Chicken Meat vs Smoked Turkey55 kcal more per 100 g
→

Foods Similar to Chicken Meat

🥩

Ground Beef

250 kcal

🍢

Chicken Skewer

140 kcal

🥩

Sauteed Lamb

230 kcal

🍗

Smoked Turkey

110 kcal

🥩

Beef Kavurma

230 kcal

🍆🍖

Meatballs with Eggplant Purée

155 kcal

🥩

Beef Cubed

250 kcal

🍗

Chicken (Sauteed)

165 kcal

Frequently Asked Questions About Chicken Meat

How can you tell when chicken meat is fully cooked?

Chicken meat is safely cooked when its thickest part reaches 165°F (74°C). Check with a food thermometer rather than judging by color or clear juices, and keep the thermometer tip away from bone.

Why can chicken meat still look pink after cooking?

Chicken meat can remain slightly pink even when safely cooked, because pigments in the meat or cooking conditions affect its color. Check that the thickest part reaches 165°F (74°C); color alone cannot confirm safety.

Is dark chicken meat less healthy than white chicken meat?

No, dark chicken meat is not inherently unhealthy. Thighs and drumsticks contain more myoglobin, which gives them a darker color and richer flavor; breast meat is milder and leaner. Both can fit into a balanced diet.

Can you cook chicken meat straight from frozen?

Yes, chicken meat can be cooked from frozen in an oven or on the stovetop, but it takes longer than thawed meat. Make sure the center reaches 165°F (74°C), and do not cook frozen chicken meat in a slow cooker.

How long can raw chicken meat stay in the fridge?

Keep raw chicken meat in the refrigerator for just 1–2 days before cooking or freezing it. Store it in a sealed container on the lowest shelf so its juices cannot drip onto other foods.

Should you rinse chicken meat before cooking it?

No, rinsing chicken meat does not remove harmful bacteria and can spread them through splashes onto sinks, counters, and nearby food. Handle it without washing, then clean your hands and any surfaces it touched.

How long should you marinate chicken meat?

Marinate chicken meat in the refrigerator, not on the counter. A few hours is enough for flavor; acidic marinades left on too long can make the surface mushy. Never reuse marinade that touched raw chicken unless you boil it first.

Why does chicken meat turn rubbery?

Chicken meat often turns rubbery when it is overcooked, especially in the microwave or when lean breast meat dries out. Cook it evenly and use a thermometer to stop at 165°F (74°C), rather than leaving it on heat longer.

How should you thaw chicken meat safely?

Thaw chicken meat in the refrigerator in a covered container to catch drips. For faster thawing, keep it sealed in cold water or use a microwave; cook it immediately after either quick method.

Does chicken meat contain antibiotics or hormones?

Chicken meat may come from birds treated with antibiotics, but regulations require withdrawal periods so residues stay within permitted limits. In the United States, hormones are not allowed in poultry production; rules and labeling differ in other countries.

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Nutrition data compiled from USDA FoodData Central and scientific sources.