If you're looking for a healthy and delicious protein source, consider roasted, broiled or baked chicken! With only 28 calories per ounce (yield after cooking, bone removed), it's a great choice for weight management and overall health.

Not only is chicken low in calories, but it's also high in protein, providing around 8 grams per ounce. It's also low in carbs and fat, making it an ideal choice for those on a low-carb or low-fat diet. Chicken is also a good source of several vitamins and minerals, including niacin, phosphorus, selenium, and vitamin B6.

In this article, we'll explore the nutritional benefits of roasted, broiled or baked chicken, the different ways you can prepare it, and how to incorporate it into your diet for optimal health.

Calories in Roasted Broiled or Baked Chicken

As mentioned earlier, roasted, broiled or baked chicken is low in calories, providing only 28 calories per ounce (yield after cooking, bone removed). This makes it an excellent choice for those watching their calorie intake, as it can help with weight management and weight loss efforts. However, it's important to note that the calorie count can vary depending on the cooking method and seasoning used. For example, fried chicken will have a much higher calorie count due to the added fat from frying. To keep the calorie count low, opt for roasted, broiled or baked chicken with simple seasoning, such as herbs and spices.

Protein in Roasted Broiled or Baked Chicken

Chicken is an excellent source of protein, providing around 8 grams per ounce (yield after cooking, bone removed). Protein is important for maintaining and repairing muscle tissue, aiding in recovery after exercise, and keeping you feeling full and satisfied. In fact, studies have shown that increasing protein intake can help with weight loss and weight management, as it can boost metabolism and reduce appetite. To get the most protein from your chicken, opt for skinless, boneless chicken breasts or thighs, which are lower in fat and higher in protein.

Carbs in Roasted Broiled or Baked Chicken

Chicken is low in carbs, with less than 1 gram of carbs per ounce (yield after cooking, bone removed). This makes it an excellent choice for those on a low-carb or ketogenic diet. However, some commercial marinades and sauces can add carbs, so it's important to read labels and choose options with low sugar content. To keep carbs low, season your chicken with herbs, spices, and a drizzle of olive oil or lemon juice.

Fat in Roasted Broiled or Baked Chicken

Skinless, boneless roasted chicken is low in fat, providing less than 1 gram per ounce (yield after cooking, bone removed). This makes it an ideal choice for those on a low-fat diet, or those looking to reduce their overall fat intake. However, chicken skin is high in fat, so it's best to remove it before cooking. Also, some marinades and sauces can add fat, so it's important to choose options with low fat content. To keep fat low, opt for skinless, boneless chicken breasts or thighs and season with herbs, spices, and a small amount of healthy fat, such as olive oil.

Cholesterol in Roasted Broiled or Baked Chicken

Chicken is a moderate source of cholesterol, providing around 22 milligrams per ounce (yield after cooking, bone removed). However, research has shown that dietary cholesterol has little effect on blood cholesterol levels in most people. If you have high cholesterol or a family history of heart disease, it's important to talk to your doctor before adding chicken to your diet. To keep cholesterol low, choose skinless, boneless chicken breasts or thighs and limit your intake of high-cholesterol foods, such as red meat and dairy products.

Sodium in Roasted Broiled or Baked Chicken

Chicken is naturally low in sodium, providing only around 15 milligrams per ounce (yield after cooking, bone removed). However, some commercial seasonings and sauces can add significantly to the sodium content. To keep sodium low, opt for low-sodium seasonings and sauces or make your own at home using herbs, spices, and natural ingredients. If you're watching your sodium intake, it's important to pay close attention to labels and choose options with the lowest sodium content.

Vitamins and Minerals in Roasted Broiled or Baked Chicken

Chicken is a good source of several vitamins and minerals, including niacin, phosphorus, selenium, and vitamin B6. Niacin is important for metabolism, phosphorus is essential for bone health, selenium is a powerful antioxidant that supports immune function, and vitamin B6 is important for brain function and the production of red blood cells. To get the most nutrients from your chicken, opt for high-quality, pasture-raised chicken, which has higher levels of omega-3 fatty acids and other important nutrients.

Benefits of Eating Roasted Broiled or Baked Chicken

Eating roasted, broiled or baked chicken has numerous health benefits. It's a great source of protein for building and repairing muscle tissue, and it can help with weight management and weight loss efforts due to its low calorie and high protein content. Chicken is also a good source of several vitamins and minerals, including niacin, phosphorus, selenium, and vitamin B6, which support overall health and wellbeing. Additionally, chicken is versatile and delicious, making it a great addition to any healthy diet.

Ways to Cook Roasted Broiled or Baked Chicken

There are many ways to cook roasted, broiled or baked chicken, depending on your personal preference and dietary needs. Roasting or baking chicken is a healthy and simple option that requires minimal seasoning and can be cooked in large batches for meal prep. Broiling is a quick and easy way to cook chicken, especially when you're short on time. Grilling is also a great option, as it imparts a smoky flavor and crisp texture to your chicken.

How to Include Roasted Broiled or Baked Chicken in Your Diet

There are many ways to incorporate roasted, broiled or baked chicken into your diet, making it a versatile and delicious protein source. You can add chicken to salads, stir-fries, and soups for a healthy and filling meal. You can also cook chicken in batches and freeze it for later use, making meal prep a breeze. Experiment with different seasoning and cooking methods to find your favorite way to enjoy chicken, and enjoy the many health benefits it has to offer!