How much protein is in 600g of uncooked chicken?

November 25, 2025 •

3 min read

According to nutrition data, a 100g serving of raw, boneless, skinless chicken breast contains around 22-23 grams of protein. Using this metric, a 600g portion of uncooked chicken can provide a substantial amount of protein, although the exact amount varies depending on the specific cut of the chicken.

Quick Summary

The protein content in 600g of raw chicken varies significantly by cut, with breast meat being the leanest and most protein-dense option. Thighs and other parts contain less protein due to higher fat and bone content. Understanding these differences is key for calculating protein intake accurately.

Key Points

Cut matters: The amount of protein in 600g of uncooked chicken is highly dependent on the cut, with boneless, skinless breast meat offering the highest concentration.
Breast is leanest: 600g of raw, boneless, skinless chicken breast contains approximately 135g of protein.
Cooking concentrates protein: Cooking removes water, which increases the protein density per gram in the final product, though the total protein amount remains constant.
Fat and skin affect composition: Cuts with skin and higher fat content, like thighs and wings, will have less protein per 100g compared to breast meat.
Use edible weight: For precise calculations, always account for inedible parts like bones and use the weight of the raw, edible meat.

Calculating the Protein in 600g of Uncooked Chicken

Determining the exact protein content in 600g of uncooked chicken depends primarily on the cut of the meat. Different parts of the chicken have varying ratios of muscle, fat, skin, and bone, all of which affect the final protein count. For most dieters and fitness enthusiasts, the skinless, boneless chicken breast is the go-to choice due to its high protein-to-fat ratio.

Protein content by chicken cut (per 100g raw)

Chicken Breast (raw, boneless, skinless): Provides approximately 22-23g of protein per 100g.
Chicken Thigh (raw, boneless, skinless): Contains about 20g of protein per 100g. This cut is juicier and has more flavor due to its higher fat content.
Chicken Drumstick (raw): Offers roughly 23g of protein per 100g.
Chicken Wing (raw): Typically contains about 24g of protein per 100g.

How to calculate protein for 600g

To find the protein for a 600g portion, you simply multiply the protein content per 100g by 6. This method allows for a straightforward calculation based on your specific cut of choice. For example, for boneless, skinless chicken breast, the calculation would be approximately 22.5g x 6 = 135g of protein in 600g of raw meat.

Impact of cooking on protein content

Cooking chicken does not destroy its protein content, but it does change the nutritional profile per gram. As chicken cooks, it loses water weight, which concentrates the protein. This means 100g of cooked chicken will have a higher protein count than 100g of raw chicken. However, the total amount of protein in your original 600g portion remains the same. If your 600g of raw chicken breast contains 135g of protein, the cooked portion will still contain 135g of protein, but its final weight will be lower, likely around 450g.

Factors affecting protein levels

Beyond the cut, other factors can cause slight variations in protein content:

Skin vs. skinless: Including the skin significantly increases the fat content and calories, while proportionally lowering the protein percentage of the total weight. For example, 600g of raw chicken breast with skin might contain closer to 125g of protein, compared to 135g for skinless.
Bone-in vs. boneless: The presence of bone adds to the raw weight but contributes no nutritional value. It is crucial to use the edible weight (meat only) for accurate protein calculations.
Fat content: The natural fat content in different parts of the chicken affects the ratio. Darker meat like thighs and drumsticks contains more fat and less protein per 100g than lean breast meat.
Feed and farming: The chicken's diet and living conditions can influence its overall nutritional composition, including protein and fat levels.

Comparative table of protein per 600g raw chicken


Chicken Cut (Raw, 600g)	Approx. Protein Content (g)	Typical Fat Content (g)	Calories (approx.)
Boneless, skinless breast	135	16	720
Boneless, skinless thigh	120	66	1140
Bone-in, skin-on thigh	99	100	1326
Bone-in, skin-on wings	144	162	2256

Note: Values are estimates and can vary based on the chicken's fat and moisture content.

Conclusion

In summary, 600g of uncooked chicken is an excellent source of high-quality protein, with the total amount heavily dependent on the specific cut chosen. A lean, boneless, and skinless chicken breast will yield the highest protein per gram, typically providing around 135g of protein for a 600g portion. When calculating your intake, remember to base your figures on the raw, edible weight and account for the concentration effect that occurs during cooking due to moisture loss. For the most accurate nutritional data, it is always recommended to consult databases like the USDA FoodData Central.

Using the correct data for dietary planning

When planning meals, using reliable nutrition data is essential for achieving dietary goals. The USDA FoodData Central provides comprehensive nutritional information for thousands of food items, including raw and cooked chicken cuts. By cross-referencing your chosen cut with this database, you can ensure your protein calculations are as accurate as possible for meal prep and tracking macros. You can access this valuable resource at https://fdc.nal.usda.gov/.

Frequently Asked Questions

600g of raw, boneless, and skinless chicken breast contains approximately 135g of protein.

No, cooking does not destroy the protein. It primarily removes water weight, which increases the concentration of protein per gram in the cooked meat, but the total protein amount from the original raw portion remains unchanged.

Yes, white meat (like breast) is leaner and has a higher protein-to-fat ratio. Dark meat (like thighs and drumsticks) has a higher fat content, resulting in a lower protein percentage per 100g.

For an accurate calculation, use the weight of the raw, edible chicken meat. Multiply this weight (in grams) by the known protein content per 100 grams for that specific cut and divide by 100.

600g of raw, skinless, and boneless chicken thigh contains approximately 120g of protein, as it has a lower protein concentration per 100g than breast meat.

For consistency and accuracy, it is generally better to weigh the chicken in its raw state. This is because moisture loss during cooking can vary, making it harder to get a consistent cooked weight for calculation.

Raw, boneless, skinless chicken breast is typically around 22-23% protein by weight.