Egg vs Chicken Breast: Nutrition, Calories & Best Choice
Complete egg vs chicken breast nutrition breakdown with 0 kcal per 100g, glycemic index, and diet compatibility.
Written by Victura Nutrition TeamReviewed by Victura Editorial ReviewLast updated Aug 8, 2026
Quick answer
A 100g serving of egg vs chicken breast provides about 0 kcal. Per 100g you get about 0g carbs and 0g protein.
Egg vs Chicken Breast is a whole food with approximately — calories per 100g, tracked in Victura for macro-aware meal logging.
- Calories (100g serving)
- 0 kcal
- Carbs (100g)
- 0.0g
- Protein (100g)
- 0.0g
- Serving reference
- 100g · 100g serving
Scientific Nutrition Profile
Research-backedWhen evaluating the nutritional architecture of whole eggs versus skinless chicken breast, we are comparing two of the most bioavailable protein sources in the human diet. According to USDA FoodData Central, 100 grams of whole raw egg provides approximately 143 calories, 12.6 grams of protein, 9.5 grams of fat, and 0.7 grams of carbohydrates. In contrast, 100 grams of skinless chicken breast yields roughly 120 calories, 22.5 grams of protein, 2.6 grams of fat, and zero carbohydrates. This structural difference alters their metabolic and physiological utility. The protein quality of both foods is exceptionally high, scoring near-perfect on the Protein Digestibility-Corrected Amino Acid Score (PDCAAS) and the Digestible Indispensable Amino Acid Score (DIAAS). Whole eggs are often considered the gold standard for protein bioavailability due to their complete essential amino acid profile, particularly rich in leucine, which serves as the primary trigger for muscle protein synthesis (MPS). However, chicken breast offers a significantly higher protein density per calorie. For individuals operating under strict caloric deficits, chicken breast provides a more efficient route to meeting daily protein targets without exceeding macronutrient limits. From a lipid perspective, the fat profile of whole eggs is concentrated in the yolk, containing a mix of monounsaturated, polyunsaturated, and saturated fatty acids. The yolk is also a dense source of fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, and K) and essential phospholipids like lecithin. Crucially, eggs are one of the richest dietary sources of choline, a nutrient vital for cellular membrane integrity, neurotransmitter synthesis (acetylcholine), and lipid metabolism. Chicken breast, being exceptionally lean, contains minimal lipids, primarily consisting of structural fats. Micronutrient distribution also diverges sharply. Chicken breast is an outstanding source of B-vitamins, particularly niacin (Vitamin B3), which is essential for energy metabolism and DNA repair, and Vitamin B6, which plays a pivotal role in amino acid metabolism and red blood cell production. It also delivers substantial amounts of selenium and phosphorus. Eggs, on the other hand, excel in providing Vitamin B12, riboflavin (Vitamin B2), selenium, and the carotenoids lutein and zeaxanthin, which accumulate in the retina and support macular health. In clinical contexts, the dietary cholesterol in egg yolks (approximately 372mg per 100g) has been a subject of historical debate. Modern epidemiological and clinical trials (Tier 2 evidence) demonstrate that for the majority of the population (hypo-responders), dietary cholesterol has a negligible impact on serum LDL cholesterol levels, as endogenous cholesterol synthesis downregulates to compensate. However, hyper-responders may experience mild elevations in both LDL and HDL fractions, maintaining a stable total-to-HDL ratio. Chicken breast, containing minimal cholesterol and saturated fat, remains a universally recommended option for cardiovascular-focused dietary patterns.
Community Insights
Community insightAnalysis of Victura user meal logs reveals distinct behavioral patterns and culinary strategies when incorporating eggs and chicken breast into daily nutrition plans. Eggs are predominantly logged as a breakfast staple or a highly versatile, rapid-prep protein source for post-workout recovery. Users frequently pair whole eggs with high-fiber vegetables (such as spinach, bell peppers, and tomatoes) or complex carbohydrates (like oats or whole-grain toast). This combination is reported to yield high satiety scores, preventing mid-morning energy crashes. The presence of dietary fats in the egg yolk slows gastric emptying, leading to a more gradual release of glucose into the bloodstream. Conversely, chicken breast is the undisputed cornerstone of evening meal preparation and structured athletic diets within the Victura community. It is highly favored for its neutral flavor profile, which readily accepts various spices, marinades, and cooking methods without significantly altering its macronutrient composition. Meal-preppers frequently log batch-cooked chicken breast paired with cruciferous vegetables (broccoli, Brussels sprouts) and complex starches (sweet potato, brown rice). A common trend among high-performance athletes in our database is the strategic combination of both proteins: utilizing chicken breast to hit high absolute protein targets while relying on whole eggs to secure essential micronutrients and healthy fats that support hormone synthesis. The primary challenge reported with chicken breast is culinary fatigue and dryness, which users mitigate through sous-vide cooking, low-sodium broths, or pairing it with healthy fat sources like avocado.
References
Frequently asked questions
People also ask
How many calories are in an egg vs chicken breast?
Per 100 grams, whole raw eggs contain approximately 143 calories, whereas skinless chicken breast contains about 120 calories. This means chicken breast is more calorie-dilute while offering nearly double the protein content per gram. A single large egg (approx. 50g) contains about 71.5 calories, while a standard 150g chicken breast portion contains roughly 180 calories. This makes chicken breast highly efficient for low-calorie, high-protein diets, while eggs provide a more calorie-dense, nutrient-rich profile.
Is egg vs chicken breast good for weight loss?
Both foods are exceptional for weight loss, but they function differently. Chicken breast is highly thermogenic and low in calories, meaning your body expends significant energy digesting its high protein content while keeping overall caloric intake low. Whole eggs, despite being more calorie-dense due to their fat content, promote intense satiety. The fats and proteins in eggs trigger the release of satiety hormones like peptide YY (PYY) and cholecystokinin (CCK), which can reduce subsequent calorie intake throughout the day. Choosing between them depends on whether you need to minimize absolute calories (favor chicken) or maximize long-term fullness (favor eggs).
Is egg vs chicken breast keto-friendly?
Whole eggs are exceptionally keto-friendly, containing 9.5g of fat and only 0.7g of carbohydrates per 100g, which perfectly aligns with the high-fat, moderate-protein, ultra-low-carb ratios required to maintain nutritional ketosis. Chicken breast is also highly compatible with a ketogenic diet because it contains zero carbohydrates; however, because it is extremely lean (2.6g of fat per 100g) and very high in protein, individuals on strict keto must pair chicken breast with added healthy fats (such as olive oil, butter, or avocado) to prevent gluconeogenesis from shifting them out of ketosis.
What is the glycemic index of egg vs chicken breast?
Both whole eggs and chicken breast have a glycemic index (GI) of zero, as they contain virtually no carbohydrates. Because they do not contain glucose, fructose, or starches, they do not cause a direct rise in blood glucose levels upon consumption. When consumed alongside carbohydrate-rich foods, the protein and fat in eggs and chicken breast actually lower the overall glycemic load of the meal by delaying gastric emptying and slowing down the absorption of glucose in the small intestine, resulting in a much flatter postprandial blood sugar curve.
Is egg vs chicken breast safe for people with diabetes?
Yes, both are highly beneficial for individuals managing Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes. Because they have a glycemic index of zero, they do not trigger insulin spikes. The high protein content helps preserve lean muscle mass and supports metabolic health. For diabetics, incorporating these proteins into meals helps stabilize blood sugar levels and improves insulin sensitivity over time. However, individuals with diabetes who also have co-existing cardiovascular risks should monitor their intake of saturated fats from egg yolks, making lean chicken breast an ideal primary protein source, supplemented by moderate egg consumption.
How we review this guide
- Written by
- Victura Nutrition Team
- Reviewed by
- Victura Editorial Review
- Reference sources
- 4
- Last updated
- Aug 8, 2026
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