If you are a chicken lover, you should watch out for the calorie count of your favorite dish. A 178-gram extra crispy chicken breast contains a whopping 530 calories.

Apart from the calorie count, it is also essential to consider other nutritional values. So, let's dive into the protein content, sodium levels, fat content, cholesterol level, carbohydrate content, serving size, preparation methods, allergens, and health risks of a chicken breast.

In this article, we'll explore the nutritional facts of an extra crispy chicken breast along with some healthy preparation options.

Calorie Count

As mentioned earlier, 1 breast (178 g) of extra crispy chicken breast contains about 530 calories. To put this in perspective, consuming this meal alone is almost one-third of the typical daily calorie intake recommended for adults. It is crucial to balance this calorie intake with other low-calorie foods that are rich in essential nutrients.

Protein Content

Chicken breasts are a good source of lean protein. A 178g extra crispy chicken breast has around 42g of protein per serving, which is almost 85% of the recommended daily intake for an adult. Protein is an essential nutrient that helps build and repair muscle and aids in maintaining bone health.

Sodium Levels

The sodium content in a 178g extra crispy chicken breast is quite high, with 1110mg of sodium per serving. This level is almost half of the recommended daily intake of salt for adults. Excessive sodium intake can increase blood pressure, leading to cardiovascular diseases or stroke. It's essential to limit the intake of high-sodium foods, including the extra crispy chicken breast.

Fat Content

The fat content in a 178g extra crispy chicken breast varies depending on the preparation method. Typically, the fried version has higher fat content than baked or grilled chicken breasts. Extra crispy chicken breast has about 22g of fat per serving, out of which 4g are saturated fats.

Cholesterol Level

Apart from saturating fats, extra crispy chicken breast also contains cholesterol. A 178g serving of the dish has around 150mg of cholesterol. High cholesterol levels can lead to an increased risk of heart disease and stroke. Therefore, it's essential to balance the intake of foods rich in cholesterol and saturated fat with low-fat, high-fiber foods.

Carbohydrate Content

The carbohydrate content in the extra crispy chicken breast is relatively low, with only 11g of carbohydrates per serving. Low-carb diets are becoming increasingly popular, and a serving of extra crispy chicken breast can be an excellent addition to such diets while providing high protein content.

Serving Size

The serving size of the extra crispy chicken breast is 1 piece, which weighs around 178g. It's essential to keep a check on the serving size to avoid consuming too many calories and nutritional values. For example, it's easy to overeat when eating out or ordering fast food.

Preparation Methods

The preparation method of the extra crispy chicken breast also affects its nutritional value. Frying the chicken adds more calories, fat, and sodium to the dish than baking, grilling, or broiling it.

Allergens

If you have food allergies, it's essential to check the ingredients in the extra crispy chicken breast to avoid any harmful reactions. Chicken is one of the common food allergens, and restaurants and fast-food chains often cook it in shared fryers, which can cause cross-contamination with allergens present in other foods.

Health Risks

Consuming high amounts of fried, extra crispy chicken breast can lead to health issues such as obesity, diabetes, and heart disease. It's essential to consume the dish in moderation and balance it with other healthy food choices to avoid any health risks.