How many calories are in a quarter chicken breast?

December 5, 2025 •

3 min read

According to one nutrition data source, a roasted breast quarter with the skin on can contain over 300 calories. The exact number of calories in a quarter chicken breast is not a single, fixed figure and depends heavily on how it is prepared, which is crucial information for anyone tracking their intake.

Quick Summary

This article details the variable calorie count of a quarter chicken breast, explaining how factors like cooking methods and skin inclusion dramatically alter the nutritional value.

Key Points

Variable Calories: The calorie count in a quarter chicken breast depends on cooking method, skin, and size.
Skin Matters: Leaving the skin on a roasted chicken quarter can add over 100 calories due to higher fat content.
Preparation is Key: Healthy cooking methods like grilling or baking result in fewer calories than frying with oil and breading.
Lean Protein Source: A skinless chicken breast is a fantastic source of lean protein, low in fat and carbohydrates.
Weigh Your Portion: To get the most accurate calorie count, weigh your cooked chicken breast, as 'a quarter' can vary greatly in size.
Reduce Calories Easily: Remove the skin, use minimal oil, and opt for spices over creamy sauces to lower calorie intake.

Understanding the Calorie Count in Chicken Breast

The calorie content of a quarter chicken breast can vary significantly, primarily influenced by its preparation and whether the skin is included. While a standard portion of cooked, boneless, skinless chicken breast typically contains around 165 calories per 100 grams, a 'quarter breast' is often a much larger portion. For instance, a breast quarter with the bone and skin from a larger chicken can weigh substantially more, pushing the calorie count higher.

For a cooked breast quarter with the skin on, the total calorie count can reach around 302 calories. However, this figure can increase dramatically if the chicken is coated and fried. A breast quarter that is fried and coated could contain up to 600 calories, as reported by FatSecret. This demonstrates the vast difference in caloric impact based on cooking choices.

Factors Influencing Calorie Content

Several key factors determine the final calorie count of your meal:

Skin vs. Skinless: Chicken skin is high in fat, and its inclusion adds a considerable number of calories. A cooked chicken breast with skin has significantly more calories than its skinless counterpart. Removing the skin is an easy way to reduce the calorie and fat content of your meal.
Cooking Method: The method used to cook the chicken has a major impact on its calorie count. Healthier methods like grilling, baking, or poaching involve minimal or no added fat, keeping calories low. In contrast, frying in oil or smothering in a high-calorie sauce or breading can quickly double the caloric load.
Added Ingredients: Sauces, marinades, and cooking oils can introduce extra calories and fat. While a splash of olive oil is healthy, large amounts or creamy, sugary sauces can significantly increase the total calories.
Serving Size: The term "quarter chicken breast" lacks a standardized weight. A small chicken's quarter breast will naturally have fewer calories than a large one's. Weighing your cooked portion is the most accurate way to track your intake. A standard recommendation for a single portion is 3 to 4 ounces, or about 85 to 113 grams.

Comparison Table: Calories by Preparation Method

To better illustrate the differences, here is a comparison of estimated calories for a quarter chicken breast based on different preparation styles. These are estimates for a cooked portion, reflecting an approximate weight of a breast quarter.


Preparation Method	Estimated Calories	Key Calorie Sources
Skinless & Grilled/Baked	~200-250	Lean protein
Skin-on & Grilled/Baked	~300-350	Added fat from skin
Fried with Breading	~450-600	Breading, oil absorption
Poached/Boiled	~200-220	Minimal added fat
With Creamy Sauce	~300-400+	High-fat sauce

Beyond Calories: The Macros

Beyond just calories, chicken breast is renowned for its excellent macronutrient profile. It is a fantastic source of lean protein, which is essential for building and repairing muscle tissue and promoting satiety, which is helpful for weight management. A cooked skinless breast is very low in fat and contains virtually no carbohydrates. The majority of its calories come from protein, making it a highly efficient fuel source.

How to Prepare a Healthy Quarter Chicken Breast

To maximize the health benefits and minimize the calorie count, consider these tips for preparing your quarter chicken breast:

Remove the Skin: For a leaner meal, always remove the skin before cooking. This simple step can shave off a significant amount of fat and calories.
Choose Lean Cooking Methods: Opt for grilling, baking, poaching, or air-frying. These methods require minimal or no added oil.
Use Herbs and Spices: Instead of high-calorie sauces, flavor your chicken with herbs, spices, and a squeeze of lemon juice. This adds flavor without adding unnecessary calories.
Control Portion Size: While your quarter breast might be large, stick to a reasonable serving size, around 3-4 ounces cooked, especially if you are watching your calorie intake.

Conclusion

So, how many calories are in a quarter chicken breast? The answer is not straightforward. While an estimate of around 200-250 calories for a skinless portion is a good starting point, the final number is dependent on key factors like the presence of skin and the cooking method. Fried and coated versions will be significantly higher in calories. By making informed choices, you can easily control the nutritional impact of this healthy protein source and make it fit perfectly into your dietary goals. For accurate tracking, weighing your cooked chicken breast and noting the preparation method is the best approach.

Learn more about the varying calorie content in different cuts of chicken at Healthline.

Frequently Asked Questions

A skinless, baked quarter chicken breast typically contains between 200 and 250 calories, depending on its exact weight and any added seasonings, as this method does not add significant fat.

Cooking methods that add fat, like frying with breading, increase calories significantly. Healthier methods such as grilling, baking, or poaching keep the calorie count low by using minimal or no added oils.

Yes, removing the skin is one of the most effective ways to save calories. Chicken skin is high in fat, and its removal drastically reduces both the fat and calorie content of the portion.

Absolutely. A quarter chicken breast is an excellent source of high-quality, lean protein, which is vital for muscle growth, repair, and maintaining a feeling of fullness.

Per unit of weight, raw chicken has fewer calories than cooked chicken. This is because cooking removes water content, concentrating the calories in the remaining meat. For accurate tracking, always weigh and log your food in its cooked state.

To reduce calories, remove the skin, use cooking methods like grilling or baking instead of frying, and flavor your chicken with herbs and spices rather than high-calorie sauces or marinades.

A standard adult serving of cooked chicken breast is generally considered to be 3 to 4 ounces (about 85 to 113 grams), which is roughly the size of a deck of cards.