Calories in Chicken Breast
Updated July 2026 · Reviewed by CaloriesCalc Team · Source: USDA FoodData Central
🥩 Calculate Calories for Any Chicken Breast Weight
Nutrition Facts
* % Daily Value based on a 2,000 kcal diet.
Vitamins & Minerals — per 100g
| Nutrient | Amount | % Daily Value | Bar |
|---|---|---|---|
| Niacin (B3) | 13.7mg | 86% | |
| Vitamin B6 | 0.90mg | 53% | |
| Selenium | 27.6µg | 50% | |
| Phosphorus | 220mg | 18% | |
| Vitamin B12 | 0.31µg | 13% | |
| Zinc | 1.0mg | 9% | |
| Potassium | 256mg | 5% | |
| Magnesium | 29mg | 7% | |
| Pantothenic acid | 1.0mg | 20% | |
| Riboflavin | 0.12mg | 9% |
Calories in Chicken Breast by Weight
| Weight | Calories | Protein | Fat | Carbs |
|---|
Calories in Different Chicken Breast Servings
| Serving | Weight | Calories | Protein | Fat | Carbs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Per 100g | 100g | 165 kcal | 31.0g | 3.6g | 0.0g |
| medium breast (174g) | — | 287 kcal | — | — | — |
| 100g cooked | — | 165 kcal | — | — | — |
Macronutrient Breakdown — per 100g
Cooked chicken breast is 65% water, zero carbs. All calories from protein (75%) and fat (20%). Leanest common meat.
Micronutrient Highlights
Chicken Breast Health Benefits
Highest Protein Density of Any Common Meat
Skinless cooked chicken breast provides 31g of protein per 100g at only 165 kcal — the best protein-to-calorie ratio of any commonly consumed meat. A medium breast (174g) provides 54g of protein — exceeding the daily requirement for an average sedentary adult. The protein digestibility-corrected amino acid score (PDCAAS) of chicken breast is 1.0 — the maximum possible, meaning it is a perfect complete protein.
Leucine and Muscle Protein Synthesis
Chicken breast is particularly rich in leucine — the amino acid that triggers muscle protein synthesis via the mTOR pathway. A medium breast provides ~4.3g of leucine — well above the 2-3g threshold to maximally stimulate muscle building. This makes chicken breast one of the most anabolically efficient foods available for muscle growth and recovery.
Weight Loss — Satiety per Calorie
Protein is the most satiating macronutrient per calorie. Research shows increasing protein to 30% of calories reduces daily food intake by ~441 kcal without deliberate restriction. Chicken breast's 75% protein calorie ratio makes it ideal for satiety-based weight loss strategies.
B Vitamins for Energy
Chicken breast is rich in niacin (86% DV) and vitamin B6 (53% DV). Niacin is essential for 400+ NAD-dependent enzyme reactions in energy production and DNA repair. B6 is required for protein metabolism, serotonin synthesis, and dopamine production — making it important for both physical and mental performance.
Chicken Breast vs Other Meats — Calorie Comparison
Is Chicken Breast Suitable for Your Diet?
Related Calculators
Frequently Asked Questions
Sources
Nutrition values from USDA FoodData Central. Not medical advice.