How much protein is in 200g of chicken mince?

December 23, 2025 •

4 min read

According to nutritional data, a 200g serving of raw, lean chicken mince can contain a significant amount of protein, often falling within the 40-50 gram range. This makes chicken mince a potent and versatile ingredient for those looking to boost their protein intake.

Quick Summary

This nutritional breakdown of chicken mince clarifies its protein content and overall macronutrient profile. It also compares the protein count of different types of mince and explores factors like cooking methods that impact nutritional value.

Key Points

High Protein Source: A 200g serving of chicken mince provides a substantial amount of protein, typically between 35g and 46g, making it ideal for muscle building and repair.
Leanest Option is Breast Mince: For the highest protein content and lowest fat, choose mince made from 100% chicken breast, which can yield over 45g of protein per 200g.
Fat Content Matters: Standard chicken mince, which includes meat from various parts, has a lower protein concentration and higher fat content compared to breast-only mince.
Cooking Concentrates Protein: The cooking process removes moisture, meaning a 200g portion of cooked chicken mince will contain a higher concentration of protein than the raw equivalent, as the water weight has been reduced.
Versatile Ingredient: Chicken mince is a highly versatile ingredient for healthy cooking, suitable for everything from burgers and meatballs to chilli and stuffed vegetables.
Excellent Macronutrient Profile: With its combination of high protein and low fat, especially in breast mince, it's a nutritionally efficient choice for many dietary goals.

Unpacking the Protein Content of Chicken Mince

Understanding the nutritional composition of the food we eat is crucial for maintaining a balanced diet. Chicken mince is a popular ingredient, especially for those who want a lean protein source. So, exactly how much protein is in 200g of chicken mince? The answer depends on several factors, primarily the cut of chicken used and the fat content.

The Impact of Chicken Cut on Protein

Not all chicken mince is created equal. The part of the chicken used to make the mince directly influences its nutritional profile. Breast meat, for example, is far leaner than mince made from thighs. This difference is reflected in the protein content per 100 grams, and subsequently in a 200g serving.

Chicken Breast Mince: As the leanest option, mince made from 100% chicken breast will provide the highest amount of protein. For example, some products specifically from chicken breast boast a high protein count. One source indicates a 200g serving of a branded chicken breast mince contains 45.2g of protein.
Standard Chicken Mince: Mince labeled simply as "chicken mince" is likely to include a mix of meat from various parts of the bird, which means a higher fat content and a slightly lower protein concentration. A standard 200g serving of regular chicken mince can provide around 35g to 46g of protein, depending on the fat percentage.
Lean vs. Regular Mince: The label is key here. Mince marked as 'low fat' or from 'chicken breast' will consistently offer more protein per gram than regular mince. This is a vital consideration for anyone closely tracking their macros.

How Cooking Affects the Nutritional Profile

It's also important to note that the protein content measured is often for the raw product. The cooking process can alter the final protein concentration, though not always in the way one might expect.

Moisture Loss: When you cook chicken mince, it loses moisture, which concentrates the protein. Therefore, a cooked 200g portion of chicken mince will have more protein than a raw 200g portion, because it will have lost water weight. For instance, if 200g of raw mince becomes 150g after cooking, that 150g will contain all the protein of the original 200g. It's the total protein, not the per-gram content, that remains consistent (minus any minimal loss from juices).
Cooking Method: The method of cooking also has a subtle effect. High-heat methods like roasting have been shown to impact protein and amino acid content differently than, say, steaming. For most home cooks, the main change to note is the change in weight due to water and fat rendering.

Comparative Macronutrient Analysis: Chicken Mince vs. Other Meats

For those comparing protein sources, it's helpful to see how chicken mince stacks up against other popular minced meats. The following table provides a general comparison for a 100g serving of raw mince from different sources.


Meat Type (100g raw)	Protein (approx. g)	Fat (approx. g)	Notes
Chicken Breast Mince	22-23g	<2g	Very lean, highest protein
Regular Chicken Mince	18-23g	4-5g	Varies by fat content
Beef Mince (Lean)	20-22g	8-10g	High-quality complete protein
Mutton Mince (Lean)	~24g	~10-15g	Distinct flavour, higher fat
Pork Mince (Lean)	20-22g	~10g	Richer flavour than chicken

Note: Protein and fat values for beef, mutton, and pork mince can vary widely based on the cut and fat percentage. Always check the nutrition label for specific products.

Integrating Chicken Mince into Your Diet

Given its high protein and low-fat profile (especially breast mince), chicken mince is a fantastic addition to many meals. Here are some examples of how to include it:

Lean Meatballs: Create meatballs for pasta or subs using chicken mince and flavourful herbs. This is a classic, protein-packed meal.
Homemade Burgers: Form patties for healthy burgers, controlling the ingredients yourself. Add some chopped onions and spices for extra flavour.
Stuffed Vegetables: Fill peppers, courgettes, or mushrooms with seasoned chicken mince and bake until cooked through. A great way to increase vegetable intake.
Nutrient-Dense Tacos: Use chicken mince for a lighter, leaner taco filling. Season with cumin, chili powder, and paprika.
Chilli Con Carne (Chicken Version): Swap beef mince for chicken to create a lower-fat version of this hearty dish. Serve with brown rice and a dollop of low-fat Greek yogurt.

Conclusion

To answer the key question: a 200g serving of chicken mince can provide between 35g and over 45g of high-quality protein, depending on its fat content and the cut of chicken used. For the leanest option, choose chicken breast mince, which offers the highest protein concentration. The versatility of chicken mince makes it an excellent choice for a variety of healthy, protein-rich meals, supporting muscle growth, satiety, and overall health. By checking the product labels and considering how cooking affects its moisture and weight, you can accurately track your macronutrient intake.

For more detailed nutritional information and daily recommendations, consulting a registered dietitian or checking a reputable nutrition database is always a good idea. Check out the USDA FoodData Central for reliable nutrition information.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, 200g of chicken mince is a significant amount of protein. Depending on the fat content, it can provide between 35g and 46g of protein, which is a substantial portion of an average person's daily recommended intake.

Yes, chicken breast mince typically contains more protein and less fat than regular chicken mince. This is because breast meat is naturally leaner, making it a higher protein, lower-calorie option per gram.

To get an accurate protein count for cooked mince, you should weigh the mince after it has been cooked. The total protein content doesn't change, but the water loss during cooking means the protein is more concentrated in the final, lighter product. You can calculate it based on the raw weight and adjusting for moisture loss, or use nutrition information for cooked meat.

Yes, as with all animal products, chicken mince is a complete protein source. This means it contains all nine essential amino acids that the human body cannot produce on its own.

Whether chicken mince is 'better' than beef mince depends on your dietary goals. Chicken mince, especially from the breast, is generally leaner and lower in saturated fat. Lean beef mince is also a great protein source but typically contains more fat.

Yes, chicken mince is an incredibly versatile and healthy protein source for a variety of high-protein recipes. You can use it to make lean burgers, meatballs, stir-fries, and stuffed vegetables.

The total amount of protein in the chicken mince does not change when cooked, but its concentration does. Because water is lost during cooking, the protein is more concentrated in the final cooked weight. If you start with 200g of raw mince, the cooked mince will weigh less but contain the same amount of protein.

In addition to protein, chicken mince is a good source of several vitamins and minerals. These include B vitamins such as niacin and B6, as well as essential minerals like zinc, iron, and potassium.

Different cooking methods have a minimal impact on the overall protein content. However, they can affect the final fat content. For example, baking or grilling allows fat to drain away, resulting in a leaner finished product than pan-frying, where it can be reabsorbed.