How Many Calories Are in 6oz of Ground Chicken?

November 8, 2025 •

4 min read

According to nutritional data, a standard 6oz serving of raw ground chicken contains approximately 243 calories, though this amount varies significantly based on the meat's lean-to-fat ratio. Understanding how many calories are in 6oz of ground chicken is key for meal planning and managing your health goals.

Quick Summary

Calories in a 6oz serving of ground chicken range from approximately 186 to 243, depending on its fat content. The exact nutritional profile and health implications vary between lean and regular versions.

Key Points

Fat Content is Key: The calorie count in 6oz of ground chicken depends on whether it's lean (breast meat) or regular (a mix of dark meat and skin).
Varies by up to 30%: A 6oz serving of extra-lean ground chicken breast has approximately 186 calories, while a regular cut can have around 243 calories.
High-Quality Protein: Ground chicken is an excellent source of complete protein, which is vital for muscle repair and metabolism.
Versatile for Healthy Meals: It is a lean, adaptable protein that works well in a variety of dishes like burgers, tacos, and chili, fitting into many dietary patterns.
Prevent Dryness: Cook ground chicken gently over medium-low heat and avoid overcooking to prevent it from becoming dry, a common issue with leaner cuts.

The Calorie and Nutrition Breakdown for 6oz Ground Chicken

The number of calories in a 6oz serving of ground chicken is not a single, fixed figure. It depends entirely on the composition of the ground chicken, specifically its lean-to-fat ratio. Labels like 'ground chicken breast' or '93% lean' will have a different calorie count than 'regular ground chicken,' which typically includes a mix of white and dark meat and skin.

How Fat Content Affects Calories

For those focused on weight management or controlling fat intake, the difference in calorie count can be significant. Lean ground chicken, made from breast meat, is notably lower in fat and, therefore, calories. Regular ground chicken, with higher fat content, provides a richer flavor but also adds more calories to your meal.

Nutritional Table: Lean vs. Regular

To illustrate the difference, here is a comparison table outlining the approximate nutritional values for a 6oz serving of different types of ground chicken, based on available data.


Nutrient	6oz Extra Lean Ground Chicken (Breast)	6oz Regular Ground Chicken (Raw)
Calories	~186 kcal	~243 kcal
Protein	~35g	~30g
Total Fat	~3g	~14g
Saturated Fat	~0g	~4g
Cholesterol	~98mg	~146mg

It is important to remember these are approximations, and the nutrition facts can vary by brand. Cooking method also plays a role; pan-browning without draining fat will result in a higher calorie count, while draining the fat can lower it.

Cooking Ground Chicken for Optimal Nutrition

Because ground chicken is so lean, especially the breast meat variety, it can dry out easily if not cooked correctly. Proper cooking techniques can help retain moisture and flavor without adding unnecessary calories.

Tips for Juicy Results

Don't Overcook: Cook ground chicken just until it is no longer pink and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Overcooking is the most common reason for a dry, rubbery texture.
Add Moisture: Incorporate finely chopped onions, mushrooms, or other vegetables to the pan while cooking. For dishes like meatballs, adding a dollop of yogurt or a splash of broth helps with binding and moisture.
Lower the Heat: Cook ground chicken at a medium-low temperature instead of high heat. This gentle cooking process helps prevent the meat from drying out too quickly.
Season Generously: Ground chicken has a mild flavor, so it’s a blank canvas for seasonings. Don't be afraid to use spices, herbs, garlic, or a hint of soy sauce to build a rich flavor profile.

Recipe Ideas with Ground Chicken

Ground chicken is incredibly versatile and can be used in a variety of healthy and delicious meals. Here are some ideas:

Ground Chicken Burgers: Form patties and add your favorite seasonings. Cook on medium heat to keep them juicy. Serve on a whole-wheat bun with plenty of vegetables.
Chicken Lettuce Wraps: A light and refreshing meal, you can cook seasoned ground chicken with water chestnuts and serve it in crisp lettuce cups.
White Chicken Chili: A hearty and flavorful alternative to traditional chili, combining ground chicken with white beans and spices.
Meal-Prep Bowls: Cook ground chicken with your choice of seasonings (e.g., taco, teriyaki, or Italian), and portion it out with rice and steamed vegetables for easy weekday lunches.
Stuffed Bell Peppers: Mix ground chicken with cooked quinoa, onions, and herbs, then stuff into bell peppers and bake until tender.

The Health Benefits of Choosing Ground Chicken

Choosing ground chicken, especially the leaner cuts, offers several health benefits. It is an excellent source of high-quality, complete protein, which is essential for muscle growth, repair, and maintaining a healthy metabolism. It also provides a range of essential vitamins and minerals:

B Vitamins: Ground chicken is rich in B vitamins, such as B3 (niacin) and B6. Niacin plays a crucial role in converting food into energy, while B6 is vital for brain health and immune function.
Lower in Saturated Fat: Lean ground chicken has significantly less saturated fat compared to many cuts of ground beef, making it a heart-healthier protein option.
Rich in Selenium and Phosphorus: Chicken is a good source of selenium, an important antioxidant, and phosphorus, which is essential for healthy bones and teeth.

Conclusion

The number of calories in 6oz of ground chicken is not a one-size-fits-all answer; it is directly tied to the fat content of the meat. Extra-lean ground chicken breast provides around 186 calories for a 6oz serving, while regular ground chicken is closer to 243 calories. By selecting leaner cuts and using healthy cooking methods, ground chicken can be a flavorful and nutritious part of a balanced diet. Its versatility in recipes and rich supply of protein and essential nutrients make it an excellent choice for meal prep and healthy eating. Ultimately, by checking product labels and understanding the impact of fat content, you can easily incorporate ground chicken into your routine to meet your specific dietary goals.

For more detailed nutritional information, consult the USDA FoodData Central database.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, the way you cook ground chicken can slightly affect its calorie count. Draining the fat after browning it can reduce the total fat and calorie content. However, the initial nutritional value is based on the raw product.

Lean ground chicken is typically made from chicken breast meat and has a lower fat percentage (e.g., 93% lean or higher), resulting in fewer calories. Regular ground chicken includes a mix of white and dark meat, and sometimes skin, giving it a higher fat and calorie content.

Yes, ground chicken is a fantastic source of high-quality, complete protein, providing all nine essential amino acids necessary for muscle repair and growth.

To prevent dry ground chicken, cook it over medium-low heat and avoid overcooking. Incorporate moisture by adding finely chopped vegetables, a splash of broth, or a dollop of yogurt during preparation.

Both are healthy choices, and which is 'healthier' depends on your specific goals. Extra-lean ground chicken breast is generally lower in calories and fat than ground turkey. However, ground turkey can sometimes contain more B vitamins and minerals like zinc and selenium.

No, ground chicken is a meat product and does not contain any carbohydrates or fiber. This makes it an ideal protein source for low-carb or keto diets.

For easy meal prep, you can cook a large batch of seasoned ground chicken and use it throughout the week in dishes like tacos, lettuce wraps, chili, or mixed with rice and vegetables for balanced bowls.