Chicken & Weight Loss
Trying to drop a few kilos but not keen on living off salads and regret? We hear you. Psst. We have a secret for you. There’s a reason chicken is the OG go-to protein for anyone on a health kick. It’s filling. It’s tasty. It doesn’t make you cry into your meal prep. Which brings us to the real tea: is chicken good for weight loss, and could it actually be the best protein pick out there?
At El Jannah, we’re calling it: absolutely. Our grilled, charcoal chicken proves that chicken is healthy for weight loss and can still slap, flavour-wise. It’s the kind of juicy, smoky perfection that makes you forget you’re even trying to eat well. Grab a fork, habibi. We’re about to explain why chicken is healthy for weight loss, which pieces will be your new go-tos and how to keep things tasty enough to skip the cheat meal.
Why Chicken Is a Popular Choice for Weight Loss
When it comes to weight loss, chicken’s got the goods. It’s lean, packed with protein, and naturally low in carbs (a triple win if you’re watching the scales). It keeps you fuller for longer—which means fewer snack raids—and you get to hang onto that hard-earned muscle, while you’re dropping fat. No wonder it’s the poster child for healthy eating!
High Protein, Low Calorie
Chicken breast is the leanest cut of chicken, clocking in at around 31g of protein, just 3.6g of fat, and roughly 165 calories per 100g cooked. That’s a lot of fuel for not much calorie spend. Protein like this keeps you satisfied for hours and helps your body maintain lean muscle mass, even when you’re in a caloric deficit.
Versatility and Meal Prep
Whether you’re an avid meal prepper or take life one dish at a time, chicken is a great kitchen staple. Grilled, baked, roasted—whatever your choice, it plays nicely with just about any diet plan. Cook up a batch, portion it out, and you’ve got lunch and dinner sorted for days. The best part? Grilling and baking cut down on fat and calories without limiting the flavour. Feel good AND eat good, habibi.
Chicken Breast vs Chicken Thigh: What’s Better for Weight Loss?
Torn between chicken breast or chicken thigh while trying to hit your weight loss goals? Both have their place on the plate, but here’s what the numbers say.
Cut | Fat content per 100g | Protein content per 100g | Calories per 100g |
Chicken breast | 3.6g | 31g | 165 |
Chicken thigh | 11g | 26g | 209 |
Chicken Breast for Fat Loss
Leaner, higher in protein, and lower in calories than any other cut of meat … chicken breast is literally the overachiever of the poultry world. It’s all gain, no guilt if you’re cutting weight or tracking your macros.
Chicken Thighs: Still Healthy in Moderation
Sure, chicken thighs carry a little more fat than breast, but they also bring way more flavour and keep you feeling fuller for longer. And if you’re wondering, are chicken thighs good for weight loss? The answer’s yes … especially when you’re playing the long game with a balanced diet. At El Jannah, our charcoal chicken thighs are packed full of flavour, yet still lean enough to fit into your health goals. Sometimes, the tastiest choice is the right one.
Can You Eat Chicken Drumsticks for Weight Loss?
If you’re a chicken drumstick lover, you’re in luck! Yes, you can eat chicken drumsticks for weight loss, but it’s important to watch your portion sizes. Skip the skin if you want to trim down the fat and calories. Go for baking or grilling your drumsticks instead of frying, and you’ll still get that tender, pull-apart goodness without undoing your hard work. We’ll keep making them irresistible; you just decide how many make it to your plate.
How to Cook Chicken for a Healthy Weight Loss Diet
You don’t always have to cook your chicken the same way. Grilling, baking, air-frying, or poaching your chicken are all great ways of packing flavour into your chicken, while still keeping things lean. On the flip side, deep drying or drowning it in oily marinades can sneak in extra fat and calories that throw your progress off track.
Healthy Cooking Tips
Focusing on health when you’re cooking your chicken doesn’t have to be boring. Skip the heavy sauces and load up on herbs, spices and a squeeze of lemon. Want an instant health hack? Take the skin off your chicken before cooking. Less fat, fewer calories and still plenty of taste. Sometimes the simplest moves make the biggest difference, Habibi.
Best Meal Ideas for Fat Loss
Wondering which options on our menu are best for weight loss? We recommend our fresh chicken salad, our grilled chicken bowls, and our crunchy wraps and rolls. Our legendary charcoal chicken is the star of our wraps and rolls, adding a little bit of smokiness to every bite!
El Jannah: Flavour Without the Guilt
At El Jannah, we believe eating well shouldn’t mean missing out. That’s why our menu is stacked with flavour-packed options, from smoky charcoal chicken to juicy grilled cuts—perfect for anyone watching their calories. Every meal is made fresh, 100% Halal, and crafted with the same care and obsession we’ve had since day one.
Whether you’re cutting down, cleaning up your diet, or just want chicken that actually tastes good, we’ve got you covered. Order online for a quick fix, or come see us in-store for the full El Jannah experience: garlic sauce mandatory.
FAQs
How much chicken should I eat per day to lose weight?
Generally, it’s recommended that you eat between 100 and 150g of chicken per meal to lose weight, ensuring that your food fits into your daily calorie limit. If you’re looking to lose weight, it’s recommended you aim for 1.6g–2.2g of protein per kilo of body weight. Consuming enough protein each day will help keep you fuller for longer, while maintaining your lean body mass.
Which chicken cut is best for weight loss: breast, thigh, or drumstick?
Wondering which chicken cut is best for weight loss? Here’s how the three cuts compare to each other.
Cut | Fat content per 100g | Protein content per 100g | Calories per 100g |
Chicken breast | 3.6g | 31g | 165 |
Chicken thigh | 11g | 26g | 209 |
Chicken drumstick | 11g | 27g | 214 |
Chicken Breast
Pros: Chicken breast is the leanest cut of chicken, making it the best if you’re focusing on strict weight loss. It has the most protein and the least amount of fat.
Cons: As the leanest cut of chicken, it’s also the least satiating.
Chicken Thighs
Pros: More flavourful than chicken breast, while also leaving you fuller than chicken breast.
Cons: Slightly less protein and more fat than a chicken breast.
Chicken Drumsticks:
Pros: Often more flavourful than the other cuts, easy to snack on.
Cons: If deep-fried or skin-on, they can be high in fats and calories. If you eat baked drumsticks without the skin, they can still form a key part of a balanced diet.
Is chicken still good for weight loss if I eat it with the skin on?
While chicken skin does add calories and fat to your meal, if you’re controlling your portions, skin-on chicken can still be part of a balanced diet. However, if you’re on a strict fat-loss diet, skipping the skin might be the right call. It all depends on what your goals are.
What’s the healthiest way to cook chicken on a diet?
There are a few healthy ways to cook chicken while you’re on a diet, including grilling, baking, air frying, and steaming. Each of these methods locks in the nutrients found in chicken, without needing much (if any) extra oil or grease, which helps keep fat content low. If you are on a diet, steer away from deep-frying or heavy cream-based sauces, as these pack chicken full of calories and fat.
Can I eat El Jannah if I’m on a weight loss plan?
Yes, you can still eat El Jannah if you’re on a weight loss plan! To make sure you’re hitting your goals, we recommend lighter options like our charcoal chicken and skipping the heavy sides. Instead, pair your chicken with a salad or tabbouleh for a lighter meal that doesn’t skimp on flavour!
Is chicken better than red meat for fat loss?
Wondering what protein is best for fat loss? Here’s how each meat compares.
Meat | Fat content per 100g | Protein content per 100g | Calories per 100g |
Chicken | 3.6g | 31g | 165 |
Pork | 17g | 27g | 271 |
Beef | 17g | 26g | 259 |
Lamb | 21g | 24g | 292 |
Overall, chicken has less saturated fat than red meat, making it more suitable for lean diets.
Can eating too much chicken slow weight loss?
Eating an excessive amount of calories—even if it’s coming from lean protein—can impact your weight loss journey. To stay on track, eat in moderation, monitor your portions, and consume a varied diet for the best weight loss results.