![\"Cooked](\"https:\/\/www.pinterest.com\/pin\/create\/button\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.healthline.com%2Fnutrition%2Fis-chicken-good-for-you&media=https%3A%2F%2Fpost.healthline.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2020%2F10%2Flemon-chicken-broccoli-food-healthy-1296x728-header.jpg&description=Is%20Chicken%20Good%20for%20You%3F\")
<\/a>Nutrition<\/a><\/h2>\n\n\n\nChicken is rich in a variety of important nutrients, including\u00a0protein<\/strong>, niacin, selenium, and phosphorus.<\/p>\n\n\n\nOne 3-ounce (85-gram) serving of chicken breast contains.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- Calories: <\/strong>122<\/li>
- Protein: <\/strong>24 grams<\/li>
- Fat:<\/strong> 3 grams<\/li>
- Carbs: <\/strong>0 grams<\/li>
- Niacin: <\/strong>51% of the Daily Value (DV)<\/li>
- Selenium: <\/strong>36% of the DV<\/li>
- Phosphorus: <\/strong>17% of the DV<\/li>
- Vitamin B6: <\/strong>16% of the DV<\/li>
- Vitamin B12:<\/strong> 10% of the DV<\/li>
- Riboflavin: <\/strong>9% of the DV<\/li>
- Zinc: <\/strong>7% of the DV<\/li>
- Thiamine: <\/strong>6% of the DV<\/li>
- Potassium: <\/strong>5% of the DV<\/li>
- Copper: <\/strong>4% of the DV<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Protein, in particular, is essential for building and repairing your tissues and maintaining muscle mass.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Meanwhile, selenium is a trace mineral that\u2019s necessary for proper immune function, thyroid health, and fertility.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Chicken is also rich in B vitamins like niacin and vitamins B6 and B12, which play central roles in energy production, DNA synthesis, and brain health .<\/p>\n\n\n\n
SUMMARY<\/strong><\/p>Chicken is a great source of many key nutrients, including protein, niacin, selenium, and phosphorus.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n
Benefits<\/a><\/h2>\n\n\n\n![\"\"\/](\"https:\/\/c.ndtvimg.com\/2019-03\/li1hno8g_chicken-for-weight-loss_625x300_08_March_19.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nChicken is rich in an array of important nutrients and can be an excellent addition to a healthy, well-rounded diet.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Given that chicken is low in calories but high in protein, it may be especially beneficial for\u00a0weight loss,<\/strong> if that\u2019s a goal for you.<\/p>\n\n\n\nStudies show that increasing your intake of protein may enhance feelings of fullness, increase weight loss, and help maintain lean body mass .<\/p>\n\n\n\n
When paired with resistance training, protein can also help promote\u00a0muscle growth\u00a0.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
What\u2019s more, protein is involved in calcium metabolism and important for optimizing bone health .<\/p>\n\n\n\n
SUMMARY<\/strong><\/p>Chicken is highly nutritious and a good source of protein. Adding chicken to your diet may help support weight loss, muscle growth, and bone health.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n
Downsides<\/a><\/h2>\n\n\n\nNot all types of chicken are created equal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
For example,\u00a0fried\u00a0<\/strong>and breaded varieties like chicken nuggets, popcorn chicken, and chicken tenders are typically high in unhealthy fats, carbs, and calories .<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\nSome types of chicken are also heavily processed, such as lunch meats.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Research suggests that processed meat intake may be associated with a higher risk of heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and certain types of cancer .<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Processed meats\u00a0may also contain high amounts of sodium and preservatives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Reducing sodium intake has been shown to help decrease blood pressure levels, especially in people with high blood pressure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Additionally, some preservatives in processed meats, such as nitrites, can contribute to the formation of carcinogenic compounds .<\/p>\n\n\n\n
SUMMARY<\/strong><\/p>Fried and breaded chicken may be higher in unhealthy fats, carbs, and calories. Certain types of chicken are also heavily processed, and processed meat intake is associated with negative health effects.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n
Healthy preparations<\/h2>\n\n\n\n![\"\"\/](\"https:\/\/lh3.googleusercontent.com\/proxy\/_-LK9z7jGEH1yLlXidiZU78jAArmq9iaNYfqe-0Tq2nST2b1yjA8WQDlj9RY2AayRqubgIzo5_KtsAcE84sFFBQ00yEL0UKzf4ylI1Kkl9AnLCOdVtBNfBpAxZgGkS0Mi2dYe5SB8J9qNFbq5g2RtbuGYX1uEDD68Q-3HpBYttHrBnQ\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nSome common chicken preparation methods are healthier than others.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Here are a few of the best choices:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- Grilled chicken.<\/strong> Grilled chicken can be a quick and healthy way to boost your protein intake. Consider throwing some vegetables onto the grill to help round out your meal.<\/li>
- Baked chicken. <\/strong>Baking your chicken is a great weeknight dinner option, especially if you\u2019re trying to lose weight. In addition to being low in fat and calories, baked chicken is rich in important nutrients.<\/li>
- Stir-fried chicken. <\/strong>Try stir-frying chicken with a bit of oil and your favorite veggies for a high fiber, protein-packed meal.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
SUMMARY<\/strong><\/p>Grilling, baking, and stir-frying chicken are a few of the healthiest ways to enjoy chicken.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n
Unhealthy preparations<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Although chicken can certainly fit into a healthy diet, some types are loaded with extra calories, fat, or sodium.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Here are a few types of chicken that you should limit or avoid:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- Fried chicken.\u00a0<\/strong>Because it\u2019s typically deep-fried and breaded, fried chicken is usually high in calories, carbs, and unhealthy fats .<\/li>
- Rotisserie chicken.<\/strong>\u00a0Store-bought rotisserie chicken is generally brined and heavily seasoned, which can significantly increase the amount of sodium in the final product .<\/li>
- Chicken lunch meat.\u00a0<\/strong>Processed meats, including chicken lunch meats, are often pumped full of\u00a0added sodium\u00a0and unhealthy preservatives to extend their shelf life .<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
SUMMARY<\/strong><\/p>Fried chicken, rotisserie chicken, and chicken lunch meat are a few types of chicken that you should limit or avoid on a healthy diet.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n
Eating tips<\/a><\/h2>\n\n\n\n![\"\"\/](\"https:\/\/i.ndtvimg.com\/i\/2017-12\/bbq-chicken_620x330_41514361762.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nChicken can be a great addition to a\u00a0balanced diet.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Stick to around 3\u20134 ounces (85\u2013113 grams) per serving, which is roughly the size of a deck of cards.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
One 3-ounce (85-gram) serving of chicken breast contains.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- Calories: <\/strong>122<\/li>
- Protein: <\/strong>24 grams<\/li>
- Fat:<\/strong> 3 grams<\/li>
- Carbs: <\/strong>0 grams<\/li>
- Niacin: <\/strong>51% of the Daily Value (DV)<\/li>
- Selenium: <\/strong>36% of the DV<\/li>
- Phosphorus: <\/strong>17% of the DV<\/li>
- Vitamin B6: <\/strong>16% of the DV<\/li>
- Vitamin B12:<\/strong> 10% of the DV<\/li>
- Riboflavin: <\/strong>9% of the DV<\/li>
- Zinc: <\/strong>7% of the DV<\/li>
- Thiamine: <\/strong>6% of the DV<\/li>
- Potassium: <\/strong>5% of the DV<\/li>
- Copper: <\/strong>4% of the DV<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Protein, in particular, is essential for building and repairing your tissues and maintaining muscle mass.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Meanwhile, selenium is a trace mineral that\u2019s necessary for proper immune function, thyroid health, and fertility.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Chicken is also rich in B vitamins like niacin and vitamins B6 and B12, which play central roles in energy production, DNA synthesis, and brain health .<\/p>\n\n\n\n
SUMMARY<\/strong><\/p>
Chicken is a great source of many key nutrients, including protein, niacin, selenium, and phosphorus.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n
Benefits<\/a><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nChicken is rich in an array of important nutrients and can be an excellent addition to a healthy, well-rounded diet.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Given that chicken is low in calories but high in protein, it may be especially beneficial for\u00a0weight loss,<\/strong> if that\u2019s a goal for you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Studies show that increasing your intake of protein may enhance feelings of fullness, increase weight loss, and help maintain lean body mass .<\/p>\n\n\n\n
When paired with resistance training, protein can also help promote\u00a0muscle growth\u00a0.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
What\u2019s more, protein is involved in calcium metabolism and important for optimizing bone health .<\/p>\n\n\n\n
SUMMARY<\/strong><\/p>
Chicken is highly nutritious and a good source of protein. Adding chicken to your diet may help support weight loss, muscle growth, and bone health.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n
Downsides<\/a><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Not all types of chicken are created equal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
For example,\u00a0fried\u00a0<\/strong>and breaded varieties like chicken nuggets, popcorn chicken, and chicken tenders are typically high in unhealthy fats, carbs, and calories .<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Some types of chicken are also heavily processed, such as lunch meats.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Research suggests that processed meat intake may be associated with a higher risk of heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and certain types of cancer .<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Processed meats\u00a0may also contain high amounts of sodium and preservatives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Reducing sodium intake has been shown to help decrease blood pressure levels, especially in people with high blood pressure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Additionally, some preservatives in processed meats, such as nitrites, can contribute to the formation of carcinogenic compounds .<\/p>\n\n\n\n
SUMMARY<\/strong><\/p>
Fried and breaded chicken may be higher in unhealthy fats, carbs, and calories. Certain types of chicken are also heavily processed, and processed meat intake is associated with negative health effects.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n
Healthy preparations<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Some common chicken preparation methods are healthier than others.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Here are a few of the best choices:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- Grilled chicken.<\/strong> Grilled chicken can be a quick and healthy way to boost your protein intake. Consider throwing some vegetables onto the grill to help round out your meal.<\/li>
- Baked chicken. <\/strong>Baking your chicken is a great weeknight dinner option, especially if you\u2019re trying to lose weight. In addition to being low in fat and calories, baked chicken is rich in important nutrients.<\/li>
- Stir-fried chicken. <\/strong>Try stir-frying chicken with a bit of oil and your favorite veggies for a high fiber, protein-packed meal.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
SUMMARY<\/strong><\/p>
Grilling, baking, and stir-frying chicken are a few of the healthiest ways to enjoy chicken.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n
Unhealthy preparations<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Although chicken can certainly fit into a healthy diet, some types are loaded with extra calories, fat, or sodium.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Here are a few types of chicken that you should limit or avoid:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- Fried chicken.\u00a0<\/strong>Because it\u2019s typically deep-fried and breaded, fried chicken is usually high in calories, carbs, and unhealthy fats .<\/li>
- Rotisserie chicken.<\/strong>\u00a0Store-bought rotisserie chicken is generally brined and heavily seasoned, which can significantly increase the amount of sodium in the final product .<\/li>
- Chicken lunch meat.\u00a0<\/strong>Processed meats, including chicken lunch meats, are often pumped full of\u00a0added sodium\u00a0and unhealthy preservatives to extend their shelf life .<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
SUMMARY<\/strong><\/p>
Fried chicken, rotisserie chicken, and chicken lunch meat are a few types of chicken that you should limit or avoid on a healthy diet.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n
Eating tips<\/a><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nChicken can be a great addition to a\u00a0balanced diet.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Stick to around 3\u20134 ounces (85\u2013113 grams) per serving, which is roughly the size of a deck of cards.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- Rotisserie chicken.<\/strong>\u00a0Store-bought rotisserie chicken is generally brined and heavily seasoned, which can significantly increase the amount of sodium in the final product .<\/li>
- Baked chicken. <\/strong>Baking your chicken is a great weeknight dinner option, especially if you\u2019re trying to lose weight. In addition to being low in fat and calories, baked chicken is rich in important nutrients.<\/li>
- Protein: <\/strong>24 grams<\/li>