Protein Check/learn/chicken breast protein
How much protein is in a chicken breast?
By Raj Lakhani · Published June 14, 2026 · 1 min read
A medium cooked chicken breast (6 oz / 170 g) provides 50 grams of protein. This exceeds the 20-40 gram per-meal target for muscle protein synthesis and the leucine threshold.
- 50 gProtein per medium breast
- ~2.5-3 gLeucine threshold per meal
- Per 100 g cooked chicken breast100 g cooked31 g
- Small chicken breast4 oz (113 g) cooked35 g
- Medium chicken breast6 oz (170 g) cooked50 g
- Large chicken breast8 oz (227 g) cooked70 g
Chicken Breast: A Complete Protein Source
Chicken breast is a complete protein, containing all nine essential amino acids. It includes leucine, the key amino acid for muscle protein synthesis. A medium chicken breast provides over 2.5-3 grams of leucine, sufficient to signal muscle growth and repair.
How to fit chicken protein into your day
Target 20-40 grams of protein per meal for satiety, muscle maintenance, and overall health. Even a small chicken breast meets this goal. Prepare chicken breast by roasting, grilling, or shredding for salads, stir-fries, or meal prep.
Remember: Chicken breast: A direct source of quality protein.
Related guides
Want to know how much protein is actually on your plate? Snap a photo and the free Protein Check estimates the protein and leucine in seconds — no signup.
How many grams of protein in 100g of cooked chicken breast?
A 100-gram serving of cooked, skinless chicken breast contains 31 grams of high-quality protein.
Is chicken breast a complete protein source?
Yes. Chicken breast is a complete protein, providing all nine essential amino acids. This supports muscle repair and growth.
How much protein should I eat per day for muscle growth?
Active individuals aiming for muscle growth should consume 1.6 to 2.2 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight daily, distributed across meals.
Sources
- USDA FoodData Central — protein values for foods
- MedlinePlus (U.S. National Library of Medicine) — Dietary proteins
Written by Raj Lakhani, who builds Protein Check. Researched with AI assistance and fact-checked against the public, authoritative sources listed above — see how these guides are made. General information, not medical or dietary advice. Numbers are estimates; talk to a professional for advice specific to you.