Chicken vs ground beef: calories compared

If you want the most protein for the fewest calories, chicken breast wins. Per 4 oz (113 g), roasted breast gives 35.1 g of protein and 186 calories, the 90 percent lean beef patty 28.5 g and 231 calories, with about four times the saturated fat, 4.7 g against 1.1 g.

Beef brings more iron, 3.1 mg against 1.2 mg per 4 oz. In absorption tests in women, blending heme iron with chicken cut its absorption from 10.3% to 4.9%, while beef left it unchanged.

For cholesterol, trials show no clear winner. Across 8 randomized trials in 406 adults free of chronic disease, LDL fell 8.2 mg/dL on beef and 8.9 on poultry or fish. In 113 healthy adults, LDL ran higher on white and red meat alike than on a meatless diet.

The kitchen matters more. USDA sets 165 °F (74 °C) for chicken and 160 °F (71 °C) for ground beef, read on a thermometer, because ground beef can turn brown before it is safe. Do not rinse raw chicken, since that spreads bacteria. FSIS warns that toxin-making E. coli may cause hemolytic uremic syndrome, particularly in young children. Children under 5, pregnant women, people 65 and older and anyone with weakened immunity are most at risk from contaminated food.

Pick chicken for lean protein, beef when iron is the goal.

Evidence behind this note

1. Level B The meat factor that is supposed to help you absorb iron does not come from chicken: blending heme iron with chicken halved its absorption, while beef left it alone. Food Chemistry, 2016
2. Level A A meta-analysis of 8 RCTs with 406 people found LDL fell by 8.2 mg/dL on beef and 8.9 mg/dL on poultry or fish, no real difference. J Clin Lipidol, 2012
3. Level B In 113 adults eating each diet for 4 weeks, white meat raised LDL cholesterol as much as red meat, and both more than plant protein. Am J Clin Nutr, 2019
4. Level E USDA FSIS sets 165 °F (74 °C) for poultry and 160 °F (71 °C) for hamburger, measured with a food thermometer, and warns that ground beef can turn brown before bacteria are destroyed. USDA FSIS, Doneness Versus Safety
5. Level E The agency responsible for US poultry safety tells people not to wash raw chicken, because rinsing spreads the bacteria instead of removing them. Chicken from Farm to Table, USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service
6. Level E FSIS says the toxin made by STEC bacteria such as E. coli O157:H7 may cause hemolytic uremic syndrome, particularly in young children, and names children under 5, pregnant women, people 65 or older and people with weakened immune systems as most at risk from contaminated food. Ground Beef and Food Safety, USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service

Written from the studies and agency guidance we hold for both foods, reviewed by the Bioma editorial system. How we verify.

Read more about these foods

• Chicken: the iron it blocks, and the washing you skip
• Ground beef: the lean label is a range, the risk is in the handling

Rankings and guides

• Calories: what it does and what the evidence shows
• Which foods give the most protein for the fewest calories?
• Dietary fat: what it does and how much you need
• Chicken: full nutrition facts
• Ground beef: full nutrition facts

More comparisons

• Chicken vs turkey
• Chicken vs salmon
• Chicken vs shrimp
• Chicken vs tofu
• Chicken vs pork
• Chicken vs beef
• Chicken vs lamb
• Chicken vs fish

• Chicken: USDA FoodData Central, Chicken, broilers or fryers, breast, meat only, cooked, roasted, FDC ID 171477 · full profile · all forms of chicken
• Ground beef: USDA FoodData Central, Beef, ground, 90% lean meat / 10% fat, patty, cooked, pan-broiled, FDC ID 171793 · full profile · all forms of ground beef

Each food is one USDA entry, chosen as it is usually eaten. Other cuts, brands and preparations differ, and the links show them. % DV uses FDA Daily Values for adults. How we verify.