If you're trying to watch your calories, you may be wondering how much you can indulge in some chicken. Well, one large piece (yield after cooking, bone and skin removed) of skinless chicken will give you approximately 162 calories.
Chicken is a popular protein option that is not only delicious but also healthy. Apart from being high in protein, chicken is also loaded with important nutrients like vitamins B6 and B12, niacin, and selenium.
In this article, we'll explore the calorie count and nutritional information of chicken, its health benefits, various cuts of chicken, the difference in calorie count between grilled and fried chicken, and how to make your chicken meals healthier.
Calories in One Large Piece of Chicken
As mentioned earlier, one large piece (yield after cooking, bone and skin removed) of chicken has approximately 162 calories. This calorie count may vary depending on factors like cooking method and seasoning.
How Many Calories in Chicken?
The number of calories in chicken varies depending on the cut, cooking method, and seasoning used. Here's a breakdown of the calorie count of different chicken cuts per 3.5 ounces (100 grams):
- Chicken breast (boneless, skinless): 165 calories
- Chicken thigh (boneless, skinless): 209 calories
- Chicken wing (bone-in, skin-on): 203 calories
- Chicken drumstick (bone-in, skin-on): 192 calories
Chicken is a good source of protein and many important nutrients. Here are the nutritional values per 3.5 ounces (100 grams) of skinless, boneless chicken breast:
- calories: 165
- Protein: 31 grams
- Fat: 3.6 grams
- Carbohydrates: 0 grams
In addition to the nutrients mentioned above, chicken also contains important vitamins and minerals like vitamin B6 and B12, niacin, phosphorus, and selenium.
Health Benefits of Chicken
Apart from being a rich source of protein, chicken also offers various health benefits. Some of these benefits include:
- Improves muscle mass and strength
- May aid weight loss
- Can reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke
- May lower the risk of cancer
- Strengthens bones and teeth
Calories in Different Cuts of Chicken
As mentioned earlier, the calorie count in chicken varies depending on the cut. Here are some examples of the calorie count per 3.5 ounces (100 grams) of different chicken cuts:
- Chicken breast (boneless, skinless): 165 calories
- Chicken thigh (boneless, skinless): 209 calories
- Chicken wing (bone-in, skin-on): 203 calories
- Chicken drumstick (bone-in, skin-on): 192 calories
Grilled vs. Fried Chicken Calories
The cooking method also plays a role in the calorie count of chicken. While grilling and baking are healthier alternatives, fried chicken gives you more calories. Here's a comparison of the calorie count of grilled and fried chicken:
- Grilled chicken breast (boneless, skinless): 165 calories
- Fried chicken breast (boneless, skinless): 270 calories
- Grilled chicken thigh (boneless, skinless): 209 calories
- Fried chicken thigh (boneless, skinless): 290 calories
- Grilled chicken wing (bone-in, skin-on): 203 calories
- Fried chicken wing (bone-in, skin-on): 280 calories
- Grilled chicken drumstick (bone-in, skin-on): 192 calories
- Fried chicken drumstick (bone-in, skin-on): 250 calories
How to Lower the Calorie Count of Chicken
If you're looking to lower the calorie count of your chicken meals, here are some tips:
- Go for skinless chicken
- Grill, bake or roast instead of frying
- Avoid using high-calorie sauces and marinades
- Limit your portion size
Chicken as a Lean Protein Source
Chicken is an excellent source of lean protein. Unlike other meats like beef and pork, chicken has less fat content. In addition to that, it's also rich in other important nutrients like vitamins B6 and B12, niacin, and selenium. Including chicken in your diet can help you meet your protein requirements and also aid weight loss.
Chicken Vs. Other Meat: Which is Healthier?
When it comes to choosing between chicken and other meats like beef and pork, chicken is a healthier option. Chicken has less fat content and is also a rich source of lean protein. Additionally, chicken is loaded with important nutrients like vitamins B6 and B12, niacin, and selenium.
Chicken Recipes Low in Calories
If you're looking for chicken recipes that are low in calories, you're in luck. Here are some delicious and healthy chicken recipes that you can try:
- Grilled chicken breast with roasted vegetables and quinoa
- Chicken and vegetable stir-fry
- Lemon and herb baked chicken breast with steamed broccoli
- Chicken salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and balsamic vinaigrette
According to the USDA, chicken is an excellent source of protein, with 31 grams of protein per 100 grams of chicken breast. Chicken is also a good source of vitamins B6 and B12, niacin, and selenium.
FAQs about Chicken: calories, Nutrition, and More
1. How many calories are in one large piece of chicken?
One large piece of chicken (yield after cooking, bone and skin removed, skin not eaten) contains approximately 162 calories.
2. What are the nutritional benefits of chicken?
Chicken is a great source of protein, which is vital for building and repairing muscles, tissues, and organs. It also contains essential vitamins and minerals, such as vitamin B6, vitamin B3, and selenium.
3. Is chicken a good option for weight loss?
Yes, chicken can be an excellent option for weight loss. It is low in fat and calories, making it a great protein source for those trying to lose weight or maintain a healthy weight.
4. How should I cook chicken to keep it healthy?
To keep chicken healthy, it's important to avoid adding too much oil or salt during cooking. Baking, broiling, grilling, or roasting chicken are all good options for keeping it healthy.
5. Are there any risks associated with eating chicken?
There can be risks associated with eating chicken if it is not cooked properly. Raw or undercooked chicken can contain harmful bacteria, such as salmonella, which can cause food poisoning. It's important to ensure that chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of at least 165°F to kill any harmful bacteria.