Steam-Cooked Chicken Breast: Calorie Count And Nutrition Facts

Chicken is a versatile and popular meat dish, but how many calories are in a steam-cooked chicken breast? Chicken is a good source of lean protein, with chicken breast being one of the most popular cuts of chicken. It is also a great source of vitamins and minerals. The calorie count of chicken breast can vary depending on the cooking method and whether the skin is removed, but it is generally considered a low-calorie option.

A 3-ounce (85g) grilled chicken breast has 128 calories

Chicken is a versatile lean protein that can be cooked in a variety of ways. It is a popular food choice due to its relatively low-calorie content, high protein content, and neutral taste, which makes it easy to pair with different flavourings. The number of calories in chicken can vary depending on the specific cut and cooking method.

A 3-ounce (85g) grilled chicken breast contains approximately 128 calories. This serving size also provides 26 grams of protein and 2.7 grams of fat, with zero grams of carbohydrates. The calories in a chicken breast mainly come from protein, with about 80% of the calories derived from this macronutrient.

Compared to other cooking methods, grilling chicken requires minimal oil, which helps to keep the fat content low. Other healthy cooking methods that can reduce the calorie content of chicken include baking, poaching, roasting, and steaming.

It is important to note that the calorie content of chicken can increase when the skin is left on or when it is cooked with added fats, oils, or sauces. For example, a 3-ounce (85g) serving of roasted, broiled, or baked chicken breast with the skin on provides 166 calories, while a skinless, boneless, and cooked chicken breast of a similar weight typically contains around 165 calories.

Skinless chicken breast has fewer calories than chicken breast with skin

Chicken is a versatile and popular source of lean protein. It is relatively low in calories and fat, making it a good choice for those trying to lose weight or build muscle. The number of calories in chicken can vary depending on the cut, cooking method, and whether it is served with the skin on or off.

A 3.5-ounce (100-gram) serving of boneless, skinless chicken breast typically contains around 165 calories, with 31 grams of protein and 3.6 grams of fat. This means that approximately 80% of the calories in skinless chicken breast come from protein, while only 20% come from fat. Skinless chicken breast is an excellent choice for those looking to reduce their calorie and fat intake.

On the other hand, a chicken breast with skin on adds significantly more calories and fat. A 3.5-ounce (100-gram) serving of chicken breast with skin contains about 197 calories, with the same amount of protein but a higher fat content of 6.6 grams. This is because chicken skin contains quite a lot of fat and can add more than 30 calories to a 100-gram serving of chicken breast.

Therefore, it is clear that skinless chicken breast has fewer calories than chicken breast with skin. If you are watching your weight or trying to reduce your fat intake, opting for skinless chicken breast is a wiser choice. You can further reduce the calorie count by choosing healthier cooking methods such as steaming, grilling, or baking, which require minimal or no oil.

However, it is important to note that while skinless chicken breast is lower in calories and fat, it may not be as flavorful as chicken with skin. The skin can add moisture and enhance the taste of the meat. Ultimately, the decision to choose skinless or skin-on chicken breast depends on your personal preferences and dietary goals.

Chicken breast calories vary depending on cooking method

Chicken is a versatile lean protein with high protein and low-calorie content. The calorie count of chicken breast varies depending on the cooking method and whether the skin is removed.

A 100-gram chicken breast cooked with the skin on contains 165 calories, while a similar-sized chicken breast cooked without the skin has 165 calories. This is because chicken skin contains a lot of fat and adds more than 30 calories to a 100-gram serving of chicken breast.

Cooking methods can also affect the calorie count of chicken breast. Frying chicken adds a significant amount of fat and calories, while grilling, baking, poaching, and steaming are healthier options that keep the calorie count low. For example, a 100-gram serving of batter-fried chicken has 246 calories, while boiled, grilled, or steamed chicken breast has about 165 calories.

In addition to the cooking method, the size of the chicken breast also matters. A typical chicken breast is about 3 ounces, but commercially packaged chicken breasts can be much larger. So, if you eat a single breast, you're probably consuming more than a single serving.

When it comes to nutrition, chicken breast is an excellent source of protein, vitamins, and minerals. It contains niacin, selenium, phosphorus, B vitamins, zinc, potassium, and copper. These nutrients offer various health benefits, including improved skin and hair, enhanced immunity, better thyroid function, and healthier bones and teeth.

Overall, chicken breast is a nutritious and low-calorie food option, especially when cooked without the skin using methods like grilling, baking, poaching, or steaming.

Chicken breast is a good source of lean protein

Chicken breast is also a good source of many other beneficial micronutrients. It contains vitamins and minerals that are good for overall health, including niacin, selenium, phosphorus, and B vitamins.

The number of calories in a chicken breast can vary depending on how it is cooked and whether oils, seasonings, or flavourings are added. A 100-gram chicken breast typically contains around 165 calories, but this can be reduced to around 128 calories for a 3-ounce (85-gram) serving if the skin is removed.

Preparing chicken breast with minimal fats and without the skin is the healthiest option. Baking, steaming, or pressure cooking are good methods to avoid adding extra fat and calories. Spices and herbs can also be used to season the chicken without adding extra salt or sugar.

Chicken breast is a versatile and inexpensive source of lean protein that can be prepared in a variety of ways, making it a convenient and healthy option for people looking to include more protein in their diet.

Chicken breast is a great source of vitamins and minerals

Chicken breast is an excellent source of lean protein, with most of the chicken breast calories and macronutrients (macros) coming from protein. This means that chicken breast can help those who eat it to maintain muscle mass and preserve a healthy metabolism.

Chicken breast is also a very good source of selenium, phosphorus, vitamin B6, and niacin. Selenium is important for thyroid function and making DNA. Niacin and B6 are both in the family of water-soluble B vitamins that play an essential role in cellular functioning.

Chicken breast is also a good source of B vitamins, vitamin A, and zinc. It's also a decent source of selenium, iron, and niacin.

Chicken breast is also a great source of amino acids (aka the building blocks of protein). Your body doesn't produce essential amino acids on its own, so you need to get them from your diet.

In addition, protein is the most filling macronutrient and can keep you full for a long time. So, if you start to get hungry soon after eating, adding a combo of chicken breast and beans to your plate can keep you much more satisfied.

Frequently asked questions