How often do you find yourself asking “How many calories are in a chicken breast?” It’s an important question to consider, thy particularly if you’re looking to lose weight or maintain a healthy diet.
Fortunately, the answer is not as complicated as it may seem. A single 8 oz chicken breast contains around 250 to 350 calories. Now that we know the rough answer, let’s dive into the details and figure out what counts towards these calories so you can make informed decisions about your food.
In this article, we will explore what factors influence the caloric content of an 8 oz chicken breast and how to use this information to your advantage. So grab a seat and let’s get started!
Nutrition Facts
Chicken breast
| Amount Per 8 oz (226.8 g) |
| Calories 374 |
| % Daily Value* | |
| Total Fat 8.2 g | 12% |
| Saturated fat 2.3 g | 11% |
| Cholesterol 192.8 mg | 64% |
| Sodium 167.8 mg | 6% |
| Potassium 580.6 mg | 16% |
| Total Carbohydrate 0 g | 0% |
| Dietary fiber 0 g | 0% |
| Sugar 0 g | |
| Protein 70 g | 140% |
| Vitamin C | 0% | Calcium | 3% |
| Iron | 12% | Vitamin D | 2% |
| Vitamin B6 | 70% | Cobalamin | 11% |
| Magnesium | 16% |
How Many Calories Are in 8 Ounces of Chicken Breast?
You may have heard that chicken is a great lean protein source. But have you ever wondered how many calories are in 8 ounces of chicken breast? The answer depends on the type of breast.
For boneless, cooked, skinless chicken breast, contains 246 calories in 8 ounces. If the raw chicken breast is still with its skin on, it contains 281 calories in 8 ounces. If you’re wondering about calories with and without skin, then 8 ounces of chicken breast provides from 260 kcal to 375 kcal depending on whether it’s cooked with or without skin.
So now you know – if you’re looking for a lean protein source to include in your daily diet, grab some chicken breast!
Healthy Sides to Pair With Your 8-Ounce Chicken Breast
When it comes to eating a balanced, healthy meal, figuring out the right combo of carbohydrates and proteins is key. An 8-ounce chicken breast packs a lot of protein—there are about 140–180 calories in one serving—but it won’t necessarily fill you up alone. That’s why pairing your chicken with some staples from the vegetable and carb group is a great way to round out your meal.
One great side dish option is roasted or steamed vegetables. Try broccoli, Brussels sprouts, or bell peppers that have been tossed with some olive oil and herbs for a flavorful addition to your plate. Or if you’re looking for something heartier, potatoes are always a good choice. Baked sweet potatoes are packed with fiber and vitamins, while roasted white potatoes can give you the extra carbs to fuel your day.
If you want to go even further, whole wheat pasta or brown rice are also delicious options. For an Asian-style twist, opt for sticky rice or quinoa for a mix of flavor and texture that also provides plenty of fiber and protein besides what you get from your chicken breast. Whatever combination you choose to go with your 8-ounce chicken breast serving, make sure it’s perfectly balanced and full of nutrients for an enjoyable meal!
Chicken Breast Nutrition Facts: More Than Just Calories
If you’re curious about what else is there in an 8-oz chicken breast, you’ll be happy to know that it’s packed with nutrients. Apart from the high amount of proteins, it contains vitamins B3, B6, and B12, and minerals like Selenium and Phosphorus.
Here’s the breakdown of the nutrition facts of an 8-oz chicken breast:
- Calories: 322
- Protein: 56g
- Fat: 9g
- Carbs: 0g
- Sodium: 167.8mg
- Cholesterol: 192.8mg
- Vitamin B3 (Niacin): 10% of the Daily Value (DV)
- Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine): 12% DV
- Vitamin B12 (Cobalamin): 42% DV
- Selenium: 72% DV
- Phosphorus: 228% DV
Besides all that, it’s also low in saturated fats — making it a healthy choice for your diet, especially if you’re eating it as your protein source. And if you’re looking for something even healthier, there are always skinless options available.
Grilled vs Baked Chicken Breast: Does Cooking Method Change the Calories?
You may be wondering if the cooking method of your chicken breast has an effect on the number of calories it contains. The answer is yes! Grilled chicken is slightly lower in calories than baked chicken, by about 10 calories per 8 oz serving. The difference is because the grilling process fat is cooked off whereas baking leaves more fat in the meat.
The caloric content per 8 oz of grilled and baked chicken breast looks like this:
- Grilled: 248 calories
- Baked: 258 calories
For a slightly leaner option, grilled chicken is definitely a good choice – and it tastes delicious too! Whether you choose to grill or bake, rest assured that you’re still getting a healthy protein source that’ll provide plenty of benefits for your body.
Skinless vs With Skin: Which Has More Calories?
Now that you know the number of calories in 8oz chicken breast, let’s talk about something else you might not be aware of—the difference in calories between skinless and “with skin” chicken breast.
Because the skin is mainly fat, it stands to reason that it would increase the calories in chicken—and you’d be right. The caloric difference between a skinless and with-skin 8oz chicken breast is quite significant, actually:
Skinless Chicken Breast
At 271 calories per 8 ounces, a skinless chicken breast is low in fat and calories. It typically has around 135 – 140 calories from protein.
With Skin Chicken Breast
At 334 calories per 8 ounces, a with-skin chicken breast has much higher fat content (49g vs 35g for a skinless) and almost double the total calorie count of per 8 oz. portion.
So when looking at the calorie content of an 8oz chicken breast, make sure to consider which one it is—skinless or with skin—as this will affect how many calories it contains.
Baked Chicken Breast: Another Low-Calorie Option
If you are looking to opt for a healthier cooking method, you may want to consider baking your chicken breast. On average, an 8 oz. baked chicken breast contains about 280 calories. While this is slightly higher than grilled or boiled chicken, it still offers a low-calorie option and can be a great substitution if you’re trying to cut calories from your diet.
Baking an 8 oz. chicken breast is also rich in vital nutrients. A 3½-ounce serving of cooked chicken provides about 30 grams of protein – that’s more than half the daily recommended intake – as well as selenium, phosphorus, B vitamins, iron, and zinc. The same serving also contains 24 percent of the daily recommended value for iron and 10 percent for zinc 1⭐⭐This is a referenced link: https://www.livestrong.com/article/326824-calories-in-8-oz-baked-chicken/.
Plus, if you prepare it correctly with the right herbs and spices, it can be really flavorful too! So if you are looking for a low-calorie option that will provide your body with essential nutrients and vitamins plus delicious flavor, baking an 8 oz. chicken breast can definitely be one of the best options out there!
Different Cuts of Chicken and Their Calorie Counts
Did you know there are different types of chicken breast cuts, and each type has its own calorie count? Here’s a quick overview:
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts have the lowest calorie count—just 284 calories in 8 ounces.
- Skin-on chicken breasts will have slightly more than boneless, skinless—upwards of 314 calories per 8 oz.
- Bone-in chicken breasts can exceed both of these numbers, clocking in at around 355 calories for 8 oz.
Here’s the thing: The type of cut does make a difference when it comes to calories in chicken breast. So if you’re counting your intake or need to be mindful of your caloric intake for one reason or another, you’ll want to do your research and select the cut that works best for you!
Ways to Reduce the Calories in Chicken Breast
8 oz of chicken breast has about 240 calories, but there are plenty of ways you can reduce that number. Here are some tips:
- Trim the fat – Trimming off any visible fat from the chicken breast will help lower its calorific content.
- Skinless – removing the skin from the chicken before cooking also helps as it eliminates additional fat and calories.
- Baking or grilling – choosing to bake or grill the chicken instead of frying it in oil also helps reduce calories and adds a better flavor to the dish.
- Avoid breading and marinades – opt for seasoning with herbs and spices instead as these won’t add any extra calories to your dish.
- Portion control – measuring out 8 oz of chicken at a time ensures that you don’t eat more than you need to, helping reduce total calorie intake per meal.
Following these simple tips can help you enjoy an 8 oz chicken breast without worrying about unhealthy levels of calories!
Also Chicken breast recipes
Are you tired of serving the same old chicken breast recipe every week? Fear not! We have compiled a list of delicious and easy-to-make recipes that will take your taste buds on a journey. From baked to grilled, fried to slow-cooked, we have it all covered in this ultimate guide for chicken breast full recipes. Say goodbye to boring and hello mouth-watering meals that will leave your family asking for seconds. So roll up your sleeves, grab some seasoning, and let’s get cooking!
Recipes
Recipes are the heart of any kitchen, and when it comes to chicken breast recipes, there’s an endless array of delicious options. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight meal or something more elaborate to impress your guests, there’s a recipe out there for everyone.
One popular option is baked chicken breast. This method ensures that the meat stays moist and tender while cooking in its own juices. Top with your favorite herbs and spices for added flavor.
Grilled chicken breast is another classic choice, perfect for summer barbecues or a healthy dinner option any time of year. Thy Marinate the chicken beforehand to infuse it with even more flavor.
For those who love fried food (who doesn’t?), frying up some crispy breaded chicken breasts might be just the ticket. Serve alongside mashed potatoes and green beans for a comforting meal that will satisfy all your cravings.
Slow-cooker chicken breast is ideal for busy days when you don’t have much time to spend in the kitchen. Simply add all ingredients into the slow cooker and let it work its magic until dinnertime arrives.
If you’re looking for a one-pot wonder, try making some deliciously creamy rice with juicy chunks of seasoned chicken breast mixed in. It’s an easy solution that feels like comfort food but won’t leave you feeling weighed down afterward.
Other mouthwatering options include honey garlic chicken breast, creamy sun-dried tomato chicken breast, sriracha lime chicken breast, and Greek lemon chicken breast – each full of unique flavors sure to tantalize taste buds.
With so many tasty ways to prepare this versatile protein source at home – from simple methods like baking or grilling up fresh cuts on their own; experimenting with different spice combinations; marinating overnight before cooking them low-and-slow using crockpot technology…there truly is no limit!
A. Baked Chicken Breast
Baked chicken breast is a healthy and easy option for dinner. The key to making flavorful and juicy baked chicken breast is to season it properly. Preheat your oven to 375°F, and lightly grease a baking dish with cooking spray or olive oil.
To start the recipe, you can begin by seasoning the chicken with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Then brush some olive oil over each piece of chicken to help keep it moist while baking.
Its Arrange the seasoned chicken breasts in a single layer on the prepared baking dish. Bake in preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes until cooked through or until internal temperature reaches 165°F.
For added flavor, you could add different herbs like rosemary or thyme to give your baked chicken breast an extra pop of flavor! Additionally, you can try adding some vegetables such as bell peppers and onions around your seasoned chicken breasts before placing them into the oven.
This simple recipe makes for an easy weeknight meal that’s both healthy and delicious!
B. Grilled Chicken Breast
Grilled chicken breast is a classic dish that never gets old. It’s easy to prepare and can be enjoyed any time of the year. Here are some tips on how to make the perfect grilled chicken breast.
First, start with high-quality chicken breasts. Make sure they are fresh and don’t have any bruises or discoloration. You can also marinate the chicken beforehand for added flavor.
Next, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. It’s Brush the grates with oil to prevent sticking.
Place the chicken on the grill and cook for 6-8 minutes per side, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. Avoid overcooking as this will result in dry and tough meat.
For added flavor, you can brush the chicken with BBQ sauce or sprinkle some herbs and spices before grilling.
Once done, remove it from heat and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing into it. This allows all those delicious juices to redistribute throughout the meat!
Grilled chicken breast is versatile and can be served alongside a variety of sides such as roasted vegetables or rice pilaf. It’s a healthy option that doesn’t compromise on taste!
C. Fried Chicken Breast
Fried chicken breast is a classic comfort food that’s hard to resist. The crispy exterior and juicy interior make it a favorite among many people around the world. There are countless ways to prepare this dish, but here’s one recipe you can try at home.
To start, marinate your chicken breasts in buttermilk for at least an hour or overnight. This will not only tenderize the meat but also give it flavor and help the coating stick better.
Next, mix flour with your desired seasonings – salt, black pepper, paprika – in a separate bowl. Dredge each piece of chicken in the flour mixture until fully coated.
Heat up oil in a deep skillet over medium-high heat until hot enough for frying (around 350°F). Carefully place each chicken piece into the oil and cook until golden brown on both sides.
Once done, transfer them onto paper towels to drain off any excess oil before serving hot with your favorite dipping sauce or side dishes like mashed potatoes or coleslaw.
Fried chicken breast is perfect for those who love their meals crispy and flavorful without spending too much time cooking. Give this recipe a try and see how satisfying homemade fried chicken can be!
Conclusion
All in all, 8 oz of chicken breast is a lean and healthy protein source that can be part of a balanced diet. It’s a good source of vitamins and minerals and is low in calories, fat, and carbs. Keep in mind that the number of calories in the chicken breast can vary depending on the size and the cut of the chicken.
As long as you’re tracking how much chicken you’re eating, you can enjoy this lean protein source without having to worry about over-consuming calories. And adding vegetables and/or whole grain sides is a great way to make a balanced and nourishing meal with 8 oz of chicken breast.
