How Many Calories Are in One Bowl of Chicken Broth?

December 4, 2025 •

4 min read

A typical two-cup bowl of standard, ready-to-serve chicken broth contains a remarkably low 30 to 40 calories, making it an excellent base for low-calorie meals. This low energy density is why chicken broth is often recommended for weight management and for staying hydrated without adding significant calories. The precise calorie count for a bowl of chicken broth can, however, fluctuate based on its preparation method and ingredients.

Quick Summary

A standard bowl of chicken broth is very low in calories, with the exact number depending on whether it is homemade, canned, or a condensed variety, plus any added ingredients.

Key Points

Standard Bowl Calories: A two-cup bowl of typical ready-to-serve chicken broth has approximately 30-40 calories.
Homemade vs. Canned: Homemade broth allows for precise calorie control, often resulting in lower calories if fat is skimmed.
Condensed Broth: Condensed chicken broth is significantly higher in calories and sodium before dilution, containing up to 78 calories per cup.
Bone Broth Variation: Premium bone broths contain higher protein (up to 11g per cup) and therefore more calories (30-60 per cup) compared to standard broth.
Nutritional Value Beyond Calories: Chicken broth provides benefits like hydration, electrolytes, and amino acids that support gut and joint health.
Control Fat Content: Skimming the fat layer from homemade broth after chilling is the most effective way to reduce its calorie count.
Versatile Low-Calorie Base: Due to its low energy density, chicken broth serves as an ideal foundation for various low-calorie meals and soups.

Understanding the Calories in a Standard Bowl

When asking "How many calories are in one bowl of chicken broth?" the answer is rarely a single, fixed number. A 'bowl' typically refers to a two-cup serving (approximately 500 grams), and the calorie content hinges on the broth's type. For instance, a ready-to-serve, canned chicken broth often hovers around 15 calories per cup, putting a two-cup bowl at roughly 30 calories. The source of these minimal calories comes primarily from small amounts of protein and fat that have been extracted during the cooking process. For someone monitoring their caloric intake, a simple, unadorned bowl of chicken broth represents one of the lowest-calorie meal options available, providing warmth and hydration with a negligible impact on a daily calorie budget.

Factors That Influence Calorie Count

The most significant variables affecting the calorie count of your chicken broth include the cooking method, ingredients, and fat content. Store-bought broths, for instance, can vary widely. A ready-to-serve low-sodium variety might be as low as 17 calories per cup, while a condensed canned broth, which is often more concentrated, could contain up to 78 calories per cup. The addition of other elements, such as vegetables, noodles, or leftover chicken bits, will also increase the total calories.

Homemade chicken broth can be manipulated to control the calorie count precisely. For example, chilling the broth after cooking and skimming the solid layer of fat from the top will drastically reduce the overall fat and calorie content. Conversely, a richer, longer-simmering broth (often called stock) that uses more meaty parts and bones will result in a higher calorie and fat concentration.

Comparison of Different Broth Types

The world of broths can be confusing, with different terminologies indicating varying nutritional profiles. Here is a comparison to help illustrate the differences in calories and macronutrients.


Broth Type	Approx. Calories (per cup)	Approx. Protein (per cup)	Notes
Standard Chicken Broth (Ready-to-serve)	15-20 calories	1-2 grams	Minimal protein and fat, low in calories.
Reduced-Sodium Broth	15-20 calories	2-3 grams	Similar to standard, but with less sodium.
Chicken Bone Broth (Premium)	30-60 calories	8-11 grams	Higher protein content, gelatin, and minerals from long simmered bones.
Chicken Stock	30-85 calories	4-6 grams	Often richer and more viscous than broth, made from bones and meat.
Condensed Chicken Broth	75-80 calories	10-12 grams	Much more concentrated, higher in calories and sodium before water is added.

Making Your Own Low-Calorie Chicken Broth

Making homemade chicken broth is an excellent way to have complete control over its nutritional profile. For the lowest calorie version, focus on the following steps:

Use a high ratio of water to chicken meat and bones. This will dilute the final product and reduce the concentration of fat and protein. Consider using leaner cuts like chicken breast carcasses rather than fattier, richer pieces.
Choose fresh vegetables and herbs. Carrots, celery, and onions add flavor without a significant caloric increase. Herbs like parsley, thyme, and bay leaves are calorie-free and packed with flavor.
Skim the fat. Once your broth has simmered and cooled, refrigerate it. The fat will rise to the top and solidify, allowing you to easily scrape it off before reheating. This simple step can shave off a few extra calories per bowl.

The Health Benefits Beyond Calorie Count

While the low-calorie nature of chicken broth is a key benefit, its advantages extend far beyond weight management. The collagen, amino acids, and minerals extracted during cooking provide numerous health benefits.

Hydration: Broth is an excellent source of fluids and electrolytes, particularly when sick, to replenish lost nutrients.
Joint Health: Bone broth, in particular, contains glucosamine and chondroitin, which support joint function.
Digestive Aid: Compounds like glycine and glutamine in gelatin can help maintain a healthy gut lining and aid digestion.
Immune Support: The warm liquid and amino acids can help soothe cold symptoms and potentially offer an immune boost.

Conclusion

In summary, a typical bowl of chicken broth is an extremely low-calorie food, usually containing between 30 and 40 calories for a two-cup serving. However, this number is not universal. The final calorie count depends heavily on whether it is a lean, ready-to-serve canned version, a richer bone broth, or a highly concentrated condensed broth. For those seeking to minimize calories, choosing a low-sodium or homemade skimmed version is the best strategy. The added benefits of hydration, joint support, and digestive health solidify chicken broth's status as a nutritious and versatile staple in many diets.

For additional nutritional facts on common food items, the National Institutes of Health maintains a comprehensive database.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, chicken bone broth typically has more calories than standard chicken broth. It is simmered for a longer period with more bones, extracting more protein and nutrients. As a result, premium bone broth can have 30 to 60 calories per cup, compared to 15 to 20 for standard broth.

Yes, chicken broth can be beneficial for weight loss. It is very low in calories and can promote feelings of fullness. It is a warm, hydrating, and flavorful option to curb hunger without adding significant calories to your diet.

To make homemade chicken broth lower in calories, use a higher ratio of water to chicken parts and focus on lean meat and bones. The most effective method is to refrigerate the finished broth and then skim the solidified fat layer off the top before reheating and serving.

Chicken stock generally has more calories than broth. Stock is often made by simmering bones and meat for a longer time, resulting in a higher concentration of fat, protein, and nutrients. While broth typically contains around 15-20 calories per cup, stock can range from 30-85 calories or more depending on its richness.

Yes, the calorie counts on canned chicken broth nutrition labels are generally accurate for the specific product in the can. However, it's important to remember that different canned varieties, like low-sodium or condensed versions, have different calorie profiles.

Yes, adding ingredients such as noodles, rice, vegetables, or pieces of chicken will increase the calorie count of your broth significantly. While the broth itself is low-calorie, these additions are the primary source of extra calories in a finished soup.

Chicken broth is rich in other nutrients besides its minimal calories. It is a good source of hydration and electrolytes. It also contains amino acids like glycine and glutamine, along with minerals like calcium and magnesium, which support gut health and joint function.