Chicken breast is one of the most popular sources of lean protein Many people eat it regularly as part of a healthy diet But exactly how many calories are in a 400 gram serving of skinless, boneless chicken breast? Let’s take a closer look.
What Is Chicken Breast?
Chicken breast refers to the pectoral muscle of the chicken, which is located on its chest. It’s a tender, mild-flavored cut of meat that is very versatile.
Chicken breast can be purchased and prepared whole with the skin on and bone in. However, it’s more commonly found skinless and boneless. This removes some of the fat, making it an exceptionally lean protein choice.
Skinless boneless chicken breast is low in calories and fat yet high in protein. It contains all nine essential amino acids that we need to get through food making it a complete protein source.
Nutrition Facts for 400 Grams of Chicken Breast
According to FatSecret a 400 gram serving of skinless. boneless cooked chicken breast contains
- 440 calories
- 92 grams of protein
- 5 grams of fat
- 0 grams of carbs
Chicken is nearly a pure form of protein. In fact, protein accounts for a whopping 89% of the calories in this portion size.
It also provides generous amounts of important nutrients like niacin, vitamin B6, selenium, phosphorus and choline while being very low in sodium.
Furthermore, it’s an excellent source of lean protein while being low in calories and fat.
Calorie Count Can Vary
Although 400 grams of cooked chicken breast has 440 calories on average, the exact calorie count can vary slightly depending on a few factors:
- Cooking method: Frying chicken breast adds more calories from oil compared to baking, grilling or poaching.
- With or without skin: Chicken skin contains more fat, so skin-on breast has slightly more calories.
- Bone-in or boneless: Boneless chicken breast has fewer calories than bone-in cuts.
- Protein content: The calorie content is directly related to the gram amount of protein per serving.
For example, a 400 gram serving of chicken breast cooked with the skin on would have about 70 more calories than skinless.
So the cooking method, preparation and exact protein content can all cause the calorie count for 400 grams of chicken breast to range from about 400–500 calories.
Benefits of Chicken Breast
Chicken breast offers several health benefits:
- High in protein to support muscle growth and maintenance.
- Naturally low in fat and calories for weight control.
- Provides B vitamins, selenium, choline and other nutrients.
- Easy to add to salads, sandwiches, wraps and more.
- Quickly cooks from frozen or fresh within minutes.
- Budget-friendly cost compared to other high protein foods.
With 92 grams of protein in just 400 grams cooked, it’s one of the best muscle-building foods. Plus, protein increases satiety, so adding chicken breast to meals can aid appetite control.
Downsides of Eating Chicken Breast
Despite its many benefits, some potential downsides of frequently eating chicken breast include:
- May lack flavor compared to chicken thighs.
- Not a good source of beneficial fats like omega-3s.
- Fresh chicken requires cooking compared to ready-to-eat proteins.
- Certain cooking methods like charring or frying can form carcinogens.
- Potential for foodborne illness if undercooked or poorly handled.
To maximize the benefits of chicken breast while minimizing the risks, optimize cooking techniques, vary your protein choices and pair it with healthy sides.
The Bottom Line
A 400 gram serving of cooked, boneless, skinless chicken breast contains about 440 calories and 92 grams of protein.
Chicken breast is high in protein, low in fat and nutritious. It’s an extremely popular staple food for health-conscious eaters looking to build lean muscle, manage weight and add protein to meals.
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The Benefits of 400 gm Chicken Protein for Different Fitness Goals
Whether you’re trying to lose weight, build muscle, or just stay healthy, 400 gm chicken protein can be a valuable addition to your diet. Here’s how:
Protein is known to increase satiety, meaning it keeps you full for longer. This can help reduce cravings and prevent overeating.
Chicken is low in calories compared to other protein sources, making it ideal for calorie-controlled diets.
Pairing 400 gm chicken protein with fiber-rich veggies can create a balanced, weight-loss-friendly meal.
To build muscle, your body needs a surplus of protein. 400 gm chicken protein can provide a significant portion of your daily requirement.
The amino acids in chicken help repair and grow muscle tissue after workouts.
Combine chicken with complex carbs like sweet potatoes or brown rice for optimal muscle recovery.
Protein is essential for maintaining muscle mass, especially as you age.
Chicken is rich in nutrients like zinc and iron, which support immune function and energy levels.
Including 400 gm chicken protein in your diet can help you meet your nutritional needs without relying on supplements.
Protein Content of 400 gm Chicken
When we say “400 gm chicken protein,” we’re referring to the amount of protein you can get from consuming 400 grams of chicken.
400g of chicken provides approximately ~124g of protein, making it a high-protein, lean meat choice for muscle growth and health.
But here’s the catch: not all parts of the chicken have the same protein content. For example:
This is the leanest part of the chicken and packs the most protein. 100 grams of cooked chicken breast contains about 31 grams of protein. So, 400 grams of chicken breast would give you approximately 124 grams of protein.
These are slightly fattier but still a great source of protein. 100 grams of cooked chicken thighs contain about 26 grams of protein. 400 grams would give you around 104 grams of protein.
While delicious, wings have less protein and more fat. 100 grams of cooked chicken wings contain about 20 grams of protein. 400 grams would give you roughly 80 grams of protein.
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FAQ
How many calories are in 400 grams of cooked Chicken Breast?
There are 440 calories in 400 grams of Chicken Breast Meat.Feb 4, 2008
Can I eat 400g of Chicken Breast everyday?
There is nothing wrong with it. it will give you 90 to 120g of protein. You should eat more proteins, probably close to 140g (depending from your activity). Only one problem might be getting bored of it. You are right combining it with fat. Chicken breast alone could be quite dry and hard to swallow.
How much protein is in 400g of Chicken Breast per 100g?
| Typical Values | Per 100g |
|---|---|
| Sugars | 0g |
| Fibre | 0g |
| Protein | 21.5g |
| Salt | 0.16g |
Is 200g of chicken breast a day too much?
Conclusion: If you feel comfortable and your overall diet supports it, consuming more than 200 grams of chicken in one meal can be appropriate, especially if it aligns with your protein needs and goals. However, it’s often recommended to distribute protein intake throughout the day for optimal benefits.