One of the frequently asked questions about cooking chicken is “how much weight does chicken lose when it is cooked”?
Chicken is one of the most consumed staples in the world, it is eaten on daily basis and even on special occasions. So, it’s okay to want to know this.
Well, chicken cuts lose 25 percent of their weight when cooked. This means a 4-ounce or 100 grams serving of chicken will reduce to 3 ounces or 75 grams after it is cooked.
In this article, I will talk about raw and cooked chicken, what causes the chicken to shrink, and if shrinking affects the nutritional value of your chicken.
What causes the chicken to lose weight when cooked?
The weight reduction that happens when you cook chicken is caused by reduced collagen in the chicken. As you cook chicken and it reaches 140°F, the collagen begins to denature.
The collagen squeezes the meat fiber, leading to a reduction in the juice or water in the chicken, consequently reducing the weight too.
Although the cooked chicken may appear swollen, the overall weight has diminished.
How much chicken should you plan for the family?
It depends on the size of the family. Estimate 24 ounces (600 grams) of chicken for a family of six at 4 ounces per person. According to the American heart association, 4 ounces of chicken is enough for one person.
However, consider that the chicken will lose 25 percent of its weight while cooking.
There are other things to consider when planning to cook chicken for your family. For instance, the age of members of your family, their individual appetites, and the possibility of having guests.
So, you can add one or two extra ounces to be safer.
What can you do with leftover chicken?
If you end up with leftover chicken, there are several dishes that you can make with it. They include:
- Chicken mac and cheese
- Roast chick biryani
- Chicken curry
- Chicken noodle soup
- Chicken flatbread pizza
- Chicken risotto
Does cooking lower the calories in chicken?
According to the US Department of Agriculture, cooking will increase the calories of chicken.
To further explain, a 4-ounce serving of raw chicken contains 186 calories, fried chicken contains 312 calories, and roasted chicken contains 220 calories.
FAQs
What are the best ways to cook chicken?
Sous vide, steaming, slow cooking, and microwaving are some of the best ways to cook chicken.
Does raw chicken have more protein than cooked chicken?
Raw and cooked chicken have similar amounts of protein. Raw chicken contains 51 grams of protein per pound while cooked chicken contains 49 grams.
Does chicken breast lose weight when cooked?
Yes, it does. Chicken breast also loses 25 pounds of its weight when it is cooked.
Conclusion
Chicken and other poultry lose 25 percent of their weight when cooked, according to the US Department of Agriculture. This happens because the collagen reduces the juice or water present in the chicken.
In addition, this should help you identify whether your chicken has been thoroughly cooked or not.
Thank you for reading this article.
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