Is chicken breast healthier than ground beef?

Leaner wins on paper: chicken breast has about 165 calories and 3.6g fat per 100g cooked, while 85% lean ground beef has 232 calories and 11.2g fat. Ground beef counters with more iron and zinc, plus 4.3g of saturated fat per 100g to keep an eye on. Both fit a healthy diet; portion size and lean percentage decide the outcome.

Which has more protein, chicken or beef?

Chicken breast leads with 31g of protein per 100g versus 24g for 85% lean ground beef. Per calorie the gap widens, since chicken delivers that protein in about 165 calories while the beef costs 232.

Is ground beef or chicken better for building muscle?

Both build muscle effectively. Chicken breast suits cutting phases with 31g of protein per 100g at roughly 165 calories, while ground beef's 232 calories and extra iron help during a bulk. Plenty of lifters rotate both for variety and complete nutrition.

Why is chicken breast so popular for fitness?

Cheap, lean, and easy to prep in bulk. A 3 oz cooked portion provides about 26g of protein for 128 calories, which makes hitting daily protein targets simple without blowing the calorie budget. It also takes on almost any seasoning, so weekly meal prep stays interesting.

Can I eat ground beef while losing weight?

Yes, leaner grinds make it easy. A 3 oz cooked serving of 93% lean ground beef has 148 calories, close to the 128 in the same portion of chicken breast. Stick to 90% lean or leaner and drain the fat after browning.

Does the lean percentage of ground beef really matter?

Hugely. A 3 oz cooked serving swings from 230 calories at 73% lean down to 148 calories at 93% lean, an 82-calorie difference per portion. Check the label, because the lean-to-fat ratio refers to weight, and most of the extra calories come from fat.

Is chicken breast cheaper than ground beef?

Usually, yes. Conventional chicken breast runs roughly $3.50 to $5.00 per pound in US stores, while 90% lean ground beef typically costs $5.00 to $7.00. Factor in chicken's 31g of protein per 100g and it wins on protein per dollar most weeks.

Chicken Breast

Ground Beef

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Chicken Breast vs Ground Beef

Chicken Breast

Wins in 3 of 6 categories

Compare chicken breast and ground beef calories, protein, and fat. See which protein fits your fitness goals.

Verdict (USDA data)

Per 100g (USDA data), Chicken Breast has 165 calories vs Ground Beef's 232. Chicken Breast has more protein (31g vs 24g) and less fat (3.6g vs 11.2g). Pick Chicken Breast for more protein.

Sources: Chicken Breast (FDC 171477) · Ground Beef (FDC 171793)

Nutrition Comparison (per 100g)

Nutrient	Chicken Breast		Ground Beef
Calories	165	vs	232
Protein	31g	vs	24g
Carbs	0g	vs	0g
Fat	3.6g	vs	11.2g
Fiber	0g	vs	0g
Sodium	74mg	vs	76mg

Winner determined by: fewer calories, more protein, fewer carbs, less fat, more fiber, less sodium

Source: USDA FoodData Central. Chicken Breast: FDC 171477 · Ground Beef: FDC 171793.

When to Choose Each

Choose Chicken Breast when:

You're cutting or losing weight
You want maximum protein per calorie
You prefer a leaner protein source
You're meal prepping for the week

See full Chicken Breast nutrition

Choose Ground Beef when:

You're bulking or need more calories
You want more iron and zinc
You're making burgers, tacos, or pasta sauce
You prefer richer flavor without added fat

See full Ground Beef nutrition

Frequently Asked Questions

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Last updated: 2026-06-10

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