How many calories are in 200 grams of boneless chicken breast?

December 31, 2025 •

3 min read

A 200-gram serving of raw, boneless chicken breast contains approximately 240 calories. However, the calorie count changes significantly after cooking due to moisture loss. This guide breaks down the precise number of calories in 200 grams of boneless chicken breast and explores how different cooking methods impact the final nutritional values.

Quick Summary

The calorie count for 200g of boneless chicken breast varies based on preparation, with raw having fewer calories than cooked due to moisture loss. Cooking methods, sauces, and skin significantly alter the final energy content. The total protein and fat content are also affected by how the chicken is prepared.

Key Points

Calorie Variation: 200g of raw, boneless chicken breast has approximately 240 calories, while 200g of cooked chicken breast contains around 302-330 calories due to water loss.
Weighing is Key: To ensure accuracy in calorie counting, consistently weigh your chicken either raw or cooked and use the corresponding calorie information.
Cooking Method Matters: Low-calorie methods like grilling, baking, or boiling keep the calorie count low, whereas frying and adding high-calorie sauces will increase it.
Nutrient Density: Chicken breast is a lean protein powerhouse, with 200g of cooked breast containing around 62 grams of protein and minimal fat.
Lean vs. Fatty: Skinless chicken breast is significantly leaner than other meat cuts like chicken thighs with skin or certain cuts of beef, making it an excellent choice for weight loss.
Macro-Tracking: Always remember that cooking removes water, concentrating the protein and calories into a smaller final weight, which is important for accurate macronutrient tracking.

Calorie Breakdown for 200g of Boneless Chicken Breast

Understanding the calorie content of chicken breast requires a clear distinction between its raw and cooked state. When chicken is cooked, it loses water weight, which concentrates the remaining nutrients and calories into a smaller mass. This is why 200g of cooked chicken has a higher calorie count than 200g of raw chicken.

Raw vs. Cooked Calorie Content

200 grams Raw Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breast: Contains approximately 240 calories and is packed with about 45 grams of protein. This is your baseline measurement for calorie tracking if you prefer to weigh your meat before cooking.
200 grams Cooked Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breast: The calorie count typically increases to around 302-330 calories, depending on the cooking method. The protein content is also higher, at approximately 58 grams, because moisture evaporates and leaves behind a more concentrated protein source.

Macronutrient Profile

Chicken breast is renowned as a lean protein source. In 200 grams, the majority of the calories come from its high protein content. It's virtually free of carbohydrates, and its fat content is low, especially when cooked without added oils or butter. This makes it a popular choice for athletes and those on calorie-controlled diets.

Impact of Cooking Methods on Calories

The way you prepare your chicken breast is the single most significant factor in its final calorie count. While boiling or steaming adds no extra calories, frying can dramatically increase them.

Low-Calorie Cooking Methods

Baking/Roasting: Cooking boneless, skinless chicken breast in the oven adds very few, if any, calories, provided you don't add oil or butter. A 200g serving of baked chicken will be on the lower end of the cooked calorie spectrum, around 300-330 calories.
Grilling: Similar to baking, grilling is a healthy cooking method that concentrates the chicken's natural flavors. The calorie count will be comparable to baked chicken, assuming minimal oil is used.
Boiling/Steaming: These methods cook the chicken with no added fat, resulting in the lowest calorie count for cooked chicken. A 200g serving of cooked, boiled chicken breast will have around 302 calories.

High-Calorie Cooking Methods

Frying: Pan-frying or deep-frying chicken breast in oil can add a significant number of calories and fat. The amount of extra calories depends on the type and amount of oil used. For a lower-calorie fry, consider using a non-stick pan with a minimal amount of cooking spray or a controlled amount of healthy oil like olive oil.
Sauces and Marinades: Pre-made sauces and marinades can contain high levels of sugar, sodium, and fat. Always check the nutrition labels, as a high-calorie sauce can easily double the calorie count of a seemingly healthy chicken dish.

Comparing 200g Boneless Chicken Breast to Other Meats

This comparison highlights why chicken breast is often favored for weight management and lean muscle gain. Values are approximate for cooked, skinless, boneless meats.


Meat Type (200g)	Approx. Calories	Approx. Protein	Approx. Fat
Boneless Chicken Breast	330	62g	7g
Beef Burger (Lean)	412	34g	High
Chicken Thigh (Bone-in, Skin-on)	~418	55g	15g
Pork Tenderloin	~350	~60g	~11g

Making an Informed Choice

For those tracking their calories, it is crucial to weigh your chicken consistently, either raw or cooked, and apply the correct calorie value. Weighing it raw and then using the raw calorie data is often the most accurate method, as moisture loss during cooking can be inconsistent. If you must weigh it cooked, factor in the extra calories per gram due to water reduction. Cooking methods and added ingredients also require careful consideration to prevent unexpected calorie increases.

Conclusion

In summary, while 200 grams of raw, boneless chicken breast contains approximately 240 calories, this number rises to about 302-330 calories once cooked. The cooking method is paramount, as adding fats, oils, or sugary sauces can significantly increase the final calorie total. As a high-protein, low-fat option, chicken breast remains a versatile and popular choice for healthy eating, provided you are mindful of your preparation. For the most accurate calorie tracking, weigh your chicken when it's raw and account for any added ingredients.

For more in-depth nutritional data on chicken and other foods, consult the official USDA FoodData Central database for the most reliable information. U.S. Department of Agriculture

Frequently Asked Questions

No, the cooking process itself does not add calories. The perceived increase in calories for the same weight is because cooking removes moisture, concentrating the calories from the protein and fat into a smaller mass.

Weighing chicken raw is often more accurate because the amount of water lost during cooking can vary. Using the raw weight provides a consistent and standard measure for your calorie intake.

A 200-gram serving of cooked, boneless chicken breast contains approximately 58-62 grams of protein.

The lowest-calorie cooking methods are boiling, steaming, and grilling or baking without any added oil or butter.

Yes, leaving the skin on chicken breast adds a significant number of calories and fat. A skinless breast is a much leaner, lower-calorie option.

Sauces and marinades can substantially increase the calorie count of your chicken dish, particularly if they are high in sugar or oil. Always check the nutrition facts for these additions.

While 200g (approximately 7 ounces) is a common amount in many recipes, a standard serving size is often considered to be closer to 3 to 4 ounces (85-113g).