How Much Protein is in 6oz of Chicken Breast?

Many people eat chicken breast as a source of protein. A 6oz cooked chicken breast has about 38g of protein, so it’s a great way to get the protein you need every day. This article will talk about how much protein is in a 6oz chicken breast and why eating high-protein foods like chicken is good for you.

What is Protein and Why Do You Need It?

Protein is an important macronutrient that plays many roles in the body Here are some of the top benefits of protein

• Builds and repairs tissues and cells
• Makes enzymes, hormones and other essential chemicals
• Boosts metabolism and promotes fat loss
• Reduces appetite and promotes fullness
• Maintains bone health and reduces osteoporosis risk
• Supports immune function and wound healing

The recommended daily intake of protein is around 0.8 grams per kilogram of body weight or 0.36 grams per pound This equates to around 56 grams per day for the average sedentary man and 46 grams per day for the average sedentary woman However, active individuals and athletes may need more.

Consuming adequate protein from high-quality food sources helps ensure you meet your body’s needs for growth, repair and maintenance.

Nutrition Facts for 6oz Chicken Breast

A 6oz cooked chicken breast with the skin removed contains the following nutrients:

• Calories: 185
• Protein: 38.8g
• Fat: 2g
• Carbs: 0g
• Cholesterol: 97mg
• Sodium: 109mg
• Calcium: 18mg
• Iron: 1.2mg
• Potassium: 428mg

As you can see, nearly all the calories in a 6oz skinless chicken breast come from protein, with minimal amounts of fat. Skinless chicken breast is essentially a pure source of lean protein.

How Much Protein You Get From 6oz Chicken Breast

The exact amount of protein in chicken breast depends on where it comes from and how it is cooked. But the USDA says that a 6oz cooked chicken breast with the skin taken off gives you about 38 8 grams of protein.

This supplies around 70% of the recommended daily intake for protein in just one serving. To put this protein content into perspective, here are some examples:

• A 6oz beef sirloin steak provides around 42g protein
• A 6oz serving of tofu provides around 20g protein
• A cup of lentils provides around 18g protein
• A cup of plain yogurt provides around 15g protein

So you can see that 6oz of chicken breast provides a very high amount of protein compared to other common protein-rich foods.

Chicken breast is low in fat and carbs, so nearly all the calories come from its high-quality complete protein.

Health Benefits of Chicken Breast

Here are some of the top health benefits associated with eating chicken breast:

• Building and maintaining muscle: The high protein content of chicken breast helps build muscle and stops it from breaking down, making it perfect for athletes and other active people.

• Weight control: Protein is the most filling macronutrient. Eating chicken breast can increase satiety and reduce overall calorie intake.

• Heart health: Skinless chicken breast is low in saturated fat and high in B vitamins that support heart health.

• Strong bones: Chicken provides phosphorus, zinc and other minerals important for bone health.

• Nutrient profile: Niacin, selenium, vitamins B6 and B12, and other vitamins and minerals can be found in chicken breast.

Simple Ways to Add More Chicken Breast to Your Diet

Chicken breast is versatile, convenient and easy to add to your diet. Here are some simple ideas:

• Use it in salads, sandwiches, wraps or tacos
• Bake, grill or sauté it plain, marinated or coated in spices
• Make chicken noodle soup or chicken veggie soup
• Enjoy it in stir-fries, curries or fajitas
• Meal prep some baked chicken breasts for the week
• Dice it up to add to eggs, rice bowls and pasta dishes

Chicken can be seasoned in endless ways so you never get bored. It also reheats well, so cook once and eat multiple times.

The Takeaway

A 6oz cooked chicken breast provides around 38.8g of high-quality complete protein in just 185 calories, making it an exceptional source of protein. Chicken breast offers a long list of additional health benefits. It’s easy to prepare and can be incorporated into meals and snacks in many different ways. Include skinless chicken breast as part of a balanced diet to ensure you meet your daily protein needs.

A 6-ounce cooked chicken breast contains approximately 50 grams of protein, according to a user on Reddit.