How many calories are in 8 oz of shredded chicken?

November 14, 2025 •

3 min read

An average 8 oz serving of plain, shredded chicken breast contains approximately 264 to 296 calories, though this can vary significantly based on how it's prepared. This versatile, high-protein food is a popular choice for salads, tacos, and meal prep, but understanding the precise calorie count is key for managing your nutritional goals.

Quick Summary

The calorie count for 8 oz of shredded chicken varies, primarily influenced by the cut of meat and preparation method. Lean chicken breast offers a lower calorie count, while thighs and the inclusion of skin or oils increase the total. Factors such as seasoning, sauces, and cooking technique directly impact the final nutritional data.

Key Points

Calorie Range: 8 oz of plain, shredded chicken breast typically contains 264-296 calories, but this can vary significantly based on preparation.
Cut of Chicken Matters: Using leaner breast meat results in fewer calories, while darker, fattier thigh meat increases the overall count.
Preparation is Key: Cooking with added oils, butter, or sauces will add calories. Plain, boiled chicken is the lowest-calorie option.
Read Store Labels: Pre-packaged or rotisserie chicken may contain added fats and seasonings, leading to a higher calorie count than homemade versions.
Nutrient-Dense Protein: Shredded chicken is a great source of lean protein, B vitamins, selenium, and phosphorus, supporting muscle growth and metabolism.
Versatile Ingredient: Its neutral flavor and texture make shredded chicken suitable for a wide variety of meals, including salads, tacos, and sandwiches.

Understanding the Calorie Count in 8 oz of Shredded Chicken

The number of calories in 8 oz of shredded chicken is not a single, fixed figure. It changes depending on which part of the chicken is used (breast or thigh), whether the skin is included, and the cooking method. For a healthy, balanced diet, it is important to understand these variations to accurately track your caloric intake.

The Role of Chicken Cut and Preparation

Chicken Breast: The breast is widely considered the leanest cut of chicken. When cooked and shredded without the skin or any added fats, an 8 oz portion will yield the lowest calorie count. For example, some data indicates 100 grams (about 3.5 oz) of cooked shredded chicken breast can have around 165 calories, placing an 8 oz serving in the 264-296 calorie range. This makes it an excellent choice for those focusing on low-fat, high-protein meals.

Chicken Thighs: Chicken thighs are darker meat and contain more fat than chicken breasts, resulting in a higher calorie count. An 8 oz serving of shredded chicken thigh will be significantly higher in calories. For those seeking more flavor and moisture, the trade-off is a less lean nutritional profile. This is often the cut used in dishes like BBQ pulled chicken, where the fat adds to the richness and texture.

Added Ingredients: How the chicken is cooked also plays a large part in the final calorie count. Consider the difference between boiling chicken for a basic shred versus simmering it in oil, butter, or a rich, sugary sauce. A basic boiled or slow-cooked shredded chicken breast is a low-calorie base. Adding ingredients such as BBQ sauce, mayonnaise for chicken salad, or taco seasoning mixed with oil will increase the calorie total dramatically. The addition of rich ingredients is a primary reason why store-bought rotisserie or pre-packaged shredded chicken often has a different calorie count than homemade versions.

Comparing Different Types of Shredded Chicken


Preparation Method	Cut of Chicken	Approximate Calories (per 8 oz)	Key Difference
Plain, Boiled	Skinless, Boneless Breast	264-296	Very lean, high protein, low fat
Plain, Rotisserie	Breast and Thigh (mixed)	240-290	Slightly higher calories due to fat from thigh and skin residue
Cooked with Skin	Breast and Thigh (mixed)	350+	Significantly higher calorie count due to high-fat skin
In Rich Sauce	Breast or Thigh	Varies; could exceed 400	Calories increase with the addition of high-fat/sugar sauces
Pre-packaged	Varies	Varies; up to 293 or higher	May contain added oils, seasonings, and preservatives

Practical Considerations for Calorie Counting

To get the most accurate measure for your own meal, it's best to prepare shredded chicken yourself. This gives you full control over the ingredients used. You can use a food scale to portion out the 8 oz and calculate the total calories based on the raw ingredients. For example, if you're making slow cooker shredded chicken, you can weigh the raw, skinless chicken breast before cooking and find its nutritional information to get an accurate total. Remember that chicken loses some of its weight during the cooking process due to moisture loss.

If you are using store-bought options, always check the nutrition label. Different brands will have varying calorie counts. For instance, an 8 oz serving from one brand could have 225 calories, while another has 293, depending on the cut and processing.

Health Benefits of Shredded Chicken

Shredded chicken, particularly from lean breast meat, is a powerhouse of nutrition. It is a complete protein, meaning it contains all nine essential amino acids needed for muscle repair and growth. It is also a good source of B vitamins, including niacin and B6, which are crucial for energy metabolism. Additionally, chicken provides essential minerals like selenium and phosphorus. This makes it an ideal ingredient for weight management and building lean muscle mass.

Conclusion

The calories in 8 oz of shredded chicken can range from under 300 for plain, skinless breast to over 400 for preparations involving thighs, skin, and rich sauces. For the most precise calorie count, always consider the chicken cut, preparation method, and any added ingredients. Making your own shredded chicken at home from lean, skinless breast is the most reliable way to ensure a low-calorie, high-protein meal component. Always check nutritional labels for store-bought products to avoid hidden calories.

Visit a Sweet Pea Chef's blog for a healthy, homemade shredded chicken recipe

Frequently Asked Questions

Shredded chicken breast is significantly lower in calories and fat because it is a leaner cut of meat. Shredded chicken thigh is higher in calories and fat due to its darker, fattier nature.

No, the process of shredding itself does not add calories. However, shredding might make the meat absorb more of a sauce or dressing, which would increase the overall calorie count of the dish.

Store-bought rotisserie chicken can be higher in calories compared to plain, homemade shredded chicken because it is often cooked with the skin and added fats or seasonings. Always check the nutrition label for specifics.

For the lowest calorie count, boil or slow-cook boneless, skinless chicken breast without any added oils. This method keeps the chicken lean and moist.

To get an accurate calorie count, weigh the boneless, skinless chicken breast before cooking. Use a food scale and refer to standard nutrition data for plain chicken breast to calculate the total calories for your desired serving size.

Yes, plain shredded chicken is an excellent and popular choice for low-carb diets as it contains virtually no carbohydrates. Be mindful of any sauces or marinades, which can contain added sugars and carbs.

Shredded chicken is very versatile. You can use it in healthy recipes like chicken salad with Greek yogurt instead of mayo, chicken tacos with corn tortillas, or as a protein boost in salads and soups.