Does chicken contain a lot of fiber?

January 4, 2026 •

3 min read

According to nutritional data, a standard serving of boneless, skinless chicken breast contains zero grams of dietary fiber. So, does chicken contain a lot of fiber? The simple and factual answer is no, because fiber is found exclusively in plant-based foods, not animal products.

Quick Summary

Chicken, a popular source of lean protein, is completely devoid of dietary fiber. Fiber is an indigestible carbohydrate present only in plants. To get fiber, chicken must be paired with plant-based foods like vegetables, legumes, and whole grains.

Key Points

No Fiber in Chicken: Chicken, like all animal products, contains zero dietary fiber.
Fiber is Plant-Based: Dietary fiber is an indigestible carbohydrate found exclusively in the cell walls of plants.
Focus on Pairings: To add fiber to a chicken-based meal, you must pair it with high-fiber plant foods like beans, legumes, vegetables, and whole grains.
Chicken for Protein: While lacking fiber, chicken is an excellent source of high-quality, lean protein, vitamins, and minerals.
Create Balanced Meals: The key to a healthy diet is combining chicken with plant-based sides to get both your protein and fiber requirements.

Understanding Dietary Fiber: Why It's All About Plants

Dietary fiber is a type of carbohydrate that the human body cannot digest. Unlike proteins, fats, and other carbohydrates that are broken down and absorbed, fiber passes through the digestive system relatively intact. This process is crucial for maintaining digestive health, regulating blood sugar levels, and promoting a feeling of fullness.

Fiber is the structural material of plant cells, consisting of components like cellulose and lignin. This is the fundamental reason why animal products, including all types of meat, eggs, and dairy, contain absolutely no dietary fiber. Animals have skeletons and bones for structure, not fiber. Therefore, expecting to find fiber in chicken is a misconception rooted in a misunderstanding of cellular biology.

The Two Types of Fiber

Dietary fiber is generally categorized into two main types, both important for health:

Soluble Fiber: This type dissolves in water to form a gel-like substance. It can help lower blood cholesterol and glucose levels. Good sources include oats, peas, beans, apples, and citrus fruits.
Insoluble Fiber: This fiber does not dissolve in water. It adds bulk to the stool and helps food pass more quickly through the digestive system, which can prevent constipation. Examples include whole-wheat flour, nuts, beans, and vegetables like green beans and potatoes.

Since chicken is an animal product, it does not contain either of these fiber types.

Nutritional Breakdown of Chicken (The Zero-Fiber Reality)

While chicken offers no fiber, it is a powerhouse of other important nutrients. It is an excellent source of high-quality protein, providing the building blocks for muscle repair and growth. Depending on the cut and preparation, it is also a source of vitamins and minerals.

For example, a standard 100-gram (3.5 ounce) serving of cooked, skinless chicken breast provides a significant amount of protein, along with niacin and vitamin B6. Its zero-carbohydrate and zero-fiber profile makes it a key ingredient in many low-carb and protein-focused diets.

Nutrient Content of Cooked Chicken Breast

Protein: Approximately 31g
Fat: Approximately 3.6g
Carbohydrates: 0g
Dietary Fiber: 0g

Getting Fiber in Your Chicken-Based Meals

For those who love chicken but need to increase their fiber intake, the solution is to pair it with plant-based foods. This strategy ensures you receive both the muscle-building benefits of lean protein and the digestive health advantages of dietary fiber.

High-Fiber Food Pairings with Chicken

Here are some excellent ways to build a complete, balanced meal:

Chicken and Bean Salad: Combine grilled chicken strips with black beans, corn, diced bell peppers, and a light vinaigrette for a fiber-rich meal.
Chicken and Vegetable Skewers: Thread chicken cubes onto skewers with high-fiber vegetables like broccoli, bell peppers, and zucchini before grilling.
Whole-Wheat Chicken Wrap: Use a whole-wheat tortilla to make a wrap with shredded chicken, lettuce, tomatoes, and some black beans.
Chicken and Lentil Soup: Add cooked lentils to a chicken and vegetable soup for a substantial fiber boost.
Roasted Chicken with Sweet Potatoes: Serve roasted chicken alongside baked sweet potatoes (with the skin on) for added fiber.

Fiber Content Comparison: Chicken vs. Plant-Based Foods

To illustrate the stark difference in fiber content, let's compare chicken with several high-fiber plant-based foods.


Food (per 100g cooked)	Dietary Fiber (grams)	Notes
Chicken Breast	0g	Excellent source of lean protein.
Black Beans	~10g	Also high in protein and a versatile ingredient.
Lentils	~8g	Another great source of plant-based protein.
Broccoli	~2.6g	Packed with vitamins and minerals.
Whole-Wheat Pasta	~6g	Significantly more fiber than refined white pasta.

Conclusion: Balance is Key for a Healthy Diet

In conclusion, if you are looking to increase your dietary fiber intake, chicken is not the food to rely on. The zero-fiber content in chicken and other animal products is a fundamental aspect of their biology. This doesn't diminish chicken's value as a nutrient-dense food, particularly for protein. Instead, it highlights the importance of creating a balanced diet that incorporates a wide variety of plant-based foods alongside your protein sources. By pairing chicken with plenty of vegetables, legumes, and whole grains, you can enjoy a complete and healthy meal that meets both your protein and fiber needs. For more details on incorporating fiber into your diet, consult authoritative health sources like the National Cancer Institute.

Frequently Asked Questions

There is no dietary fiber in chicken. Since dietary fiber is derived exclusively from plants, all meat products, including chicken, contain zero grams of fiber.

Chicken does not contain fiber because fiber is a structural component of plant cells. Animal cells, which make up chicken, have a different structure and do not contain this type of carbohydrate.

You can add fiber to a meal featuring chicken by including plant-based sides. Excellent choices include pairing it with beans, lentils, whole grains like brown rice or quinoa, and vegetables such as broccoli and sweet potatoes.

Beans have significantly more fiber than chicken. While chicken has no fiber, a cup of cooked black beans contains around 10 grams of dietary fiber, making it an excellent source.

Chicken is easy to digest, especially when prepared without high-fat ingredients, and can be a good choice for those with certain digestive issues like IBS. However, without fiber, it doesn't provide the bulk needed to promote healthy bowel movements.

Neither skinless nor skin-on chicken contains any dietary fiber. The fiber content of chicken, regardless of how it is prepared or what cut is used, is always zero.

No, you cannot add fiber to the chicken itself. Fiber needs to be added by incorporating plant-based ingredients into your meal. For instance, you could add lentils to a chicken soup or serve the chicken over a bed of quinoa.