Chicken Breast: The Perfect Protein Powerhouse
Chicken breast is an incredibly versatile and nutritious food that should be a staple in any healthy diet. With its lean protein content, low fat and carbohydrate count, and numerous vitamins and minerals, chicken breast offers a range of health benefits and can be enjoyed in countless ways.
Nutritional Profile
One cooked chicken breast (approximately 172 grams) provides:
- Calories: 198
- Protein: 37 grams
- Fat: 4.3 grams
- Carbohydrates: 0 grams
- Fiber: 0 grams
- Sugar: 0 grams
- Potassium: 340 mg
- Phosphorus: 230 mg
- Niacin: 10.5 mg
- Vitamin B6: 0.5 mg
As you can see, chicken breast is an excellent source of protein, providing nearly half of the recommended daily intake for most adults. It is also low in fat and carbohydrates, making it a good choice for people who are trying to lose weight or maintain a healthy weight. Additionally, chicken breast is a good source of several vitamins and minerals, including potassium, phosphorus, niacin, and vitamin B6.
Health Benefits
The high protein content in chicken breast can help to promote satiety and reduce hunger, which can be beneficial for weight management. Protein is also essential for building and repairing muscle tissue, making chicken breast a good choice for athletes and people who are trying to gain muscle. Additionally, the low fat content in chicken breast makes it a good choice for people who are trying to reduce their risk of heart disease.
Versatility and Preparation
Chicken breast is a versatile food that can be prepared in a variety of ways, including grilling, baking, roasting, and frying. It can be seasoned with a variety of herbs and spices to create different flavors. Chicken breast can be enjoyed on its own, or it can be added to salads, sandwiches, wraps, and stir-fries. Here are a few ideas for how to prepare chicken breast:
- Grilled Chicken Breast: Season chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and your favorite herbs and spices. Grill over medium heat for 8-10 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
- Baked Chicken Breast: Preheat oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Season chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and your favorite herbs and spices. Place on a baking sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until cooked through.
- Roasted Chicken Breast: Preheat oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit. Season chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and your favorite herbs and spices. Place on a baking sheet and roast for 20-25 minutes, or until cooked through.
- Fried Chicken Breast: Season chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and your favorite herbs and spices. Dip in flour, then egg, then breadcrumbs. Fry in hot oil until golden brown and cooked through.
Chicken breast is a delicious and nutritious food that can be enjoyed in many different ways. It is a great source of protein, with 37 grams per serving, and is low in fat and carbohydrates. This makes it a good choice for people who are trying to lose weight or maintain a healthy weight. Additionally, chicken breast is a good source of several vitamins and minerals, including potassium, phosphorus, niacin, and vitamin B6.
How many calories are in Chicken Breast?
Each 1 breast of Chicken Breast contains 198 calories.
Chicken Breast Nutritional Information
| Nutrient | Amount per 1 breast (120g) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 198 Calories |
| Protein | 37g |
| Fat | 4.3g |
| Saturated Fat | 1.2g |
| Cholesterol | 0.102mg |
| Carbohydrates | 0g |
| Dietary Fiber | 0g |
| Sugar | 0g |
| Sodium | 0.089mg |
| Potassium | 0.3072mg |
| Calcium | 0.018mg |
| Iron | 0.0012mg |