Chicken, ground, raw
FDC 171116oz crumbled (113 g)
Source: USDA FoodData Central · Public domain
Original analysis by NutriVerdict
Density 59 · -18 vs Poultry medianRaw ground chicken scores 59 of 100, a Fair band, but that ranking is relative: it comes in 52nd of 60 in the poultry category, well below the category median of 77. Its strength is protein, at 35% DV per 100 grams, with a smaller contribution of potassium at 11% DV.
Ground chicken is a workhorse in burgers, meatballs, tacos, and stir-fries, prized for taking on seasoning easily; a 4 ounce (113 gram) crumbled portion is a standard main-dish serving. No specific limits are flagged here, but because this cut sits well below the poultry median, shoppers wanting a denser option might compare it with ground turkey or pheasant, both of which score higher in this category.
See how this score is calculated, build a plate around chicken, ground, or compare it with another food.
Source: USDA FoodData Central · Public domain
Percent of calories derived by NutriVerdict from USDA grams
Nutrition facts
| Nutrient | Amount | % DV |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 143 kcal | 7% |
| Total fat | 8.1 g | 10% |
| Saturated fat | 2.3 g | 12% |
| Cholesterol | 86 mg | 29% |
| Sodium | 60 mg | 3% |
| Carbohydrate | 0.04 g | 0% |
| Dietary fiber | 0 g | 0% |
| Sugars | 0 g | |
| Protein | 17 g | 35% |
| Potassium | 522 mg | 11% |
| Calcium | 6 mg | 0% |
| Iron | 0.82 mg | 5% |
| Magnesium | 21 mg | 5% |
| Vitamin C | 0 mg | 0% |
| Vitamin A | 0 µg | 0% |
| Vitamin E | 0.27 mg | 2% |
| Nutrient | Amount | % DV |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 162 kcal | 8% |
| Total fat | 9.2 g | 12% |
| Saturated fat | 2.6 g | 13% |
| Cholesterol | 97 mg | 32% |
| Sodium | 68 mg | 3% |
| Carbohydrate | 0.05 g | 0% |
| Dietary fiber | 0 g | 0% |
| Sugars | 0 g | |
| Protein | 20 g | 39% |
| Potassium | 590 mg | 13% |
| Calcium | 6.8 mg | 1% |
| Iron | 0.93 mg | 5% |
| Magnesium | 24 mg | 6% |
| Vitamin C | 0 mg | 0% |
| Vitamin A | 0 µg | 0% |
| Vitamin E | 0.31 mg | 2% |
Source: USDA FoodData Central · Public domain
FDC 171116Original analysis by NutriVerdict
What it is rich in
Nutrients supplying at least 10% of the Daily Value per 100 grams. 20% or more is an excellent source.
Original analysis by NutriVerdict
Versus the poultry median
Original analysis by NutriVerdict
More nutrient-dense swaps
Foods in the same category that score higher on nutrient density.
Pheasant, cooked, total edibleDensity 60 vs 59Pheasant, raw, meat and skinDensity 61 vs 59Turkey, Ground, cookedDensity 61 vs 59Original analysis by NutriVerdict
In the kitchen and how to use it
Ground chicken is a mild, versatile protein used in burgers, meatballs, tacos, stir-fries, chili and lettuce wraps. Because it's leaner and less flavorful on its own than ground beef, cooks often work in breadcrumbs, egg, garlic, ginger or fresh herbs to keep patties moist and add depth, and it takes well to bold sauces and seasonings from teriyaki to Buffalo-style glazes. It also browns and crumbles easily, making it a quick swap in recipes that call for ground turkey or beef, and its neutral flavor means it absorbs marinades and spice blends quickly compared with denser cuts.
Look for ground chicken that's pink rather than gray, and keep it refrigerated, cooking or freezing it within a day or two of purchase since ground meat spoils faster than whole cuts; always cook it to a safe internal temperature since raw poultry carries food safety risks. At 143 calories per 100 g raw, with protein at 35% DV and 17.4 g protein per 100 g, plus potassium at 11% DV, it's a lean base for building a protein-forward weeknight meal without the higher fat content of ground beef, and its 8.1 g fat per 100 g sits well below fattier ground meats.
Frequently asked questions about chicken, ground
How many calories are in ground chicken?
Raw ground chicken has 143 calories per 100 g.
Is ground chicken a good source of protein?
Yes, raw ground chicken provides protein at 35% of the Daily Value per 100 g, with 17.4 g protein per 100 g.
What can you make with ground chicken?
It works well in burgers, meatballs, tacos, stir-fries, chili and lettuce wraps, often mixed with breadcrumbs or egg to help it hold together.