Written by CalorieData Nutrition TeamReviewed by a Registered DietitianLast Updated: March 2026

Fried Chicken vs Butter: Nutrition Comparison

Which is healthier? Compare calories, protein, carbs, and more

Complete side-by-side nutrition comparison per 100g serving | Updated 2026

Which is Healthier?

Fried Chicken is generally healthier

Fried Chicken comes out ahead in this comparison, winning in 3 out of 5 key nutritional categories. It has fewer calories (246 vs 717), more protein (18g vs 0.9g), more fiber (0.4g vs 0g), making it the better choice for most health goals.

Quick Summary

Fewer Calories

Fried Chicken

246 kcal

More Protein

Fried Chicken

18g

More Fiber

Fried Chicken

0.4g

Less Sugar

Butter

0.1g

Visual Comparison

Caloriesper 100g
Fried Chicken
246
Butter
717
Proteinper 100g
Fried Chicken
18g
Butter
0.9g
Carbohydratesper 100g
Fried Chicken
10g
Butter
0.1g
Fatper 100g
Fried Chicken
15g
Butter
81g

Side-by-Side Nutrition Table

NutrientFried ChickenButterDifference
Calories246kcal717kcal-471.0kcal
Protein18g0.9g+17.1g
Carbohydrates10g0.1g+9.9g
Fat15g81g-66.0g
Fiber0.4g0g+0.4g
Sugar0.3g0.1g+0.2g
Sodium630mg11mg+619.0mg

Serving Size Comparison

All values above are per 100g. Here's how they compare in common serving sizes:

Fried Chicken

Per 100g:246 calories
Per cup (150g):369 calories
Per serving (85g):209 calories

Butter

Per 100g:717 calories
Per cup (150g):1076 calories
Per serving (85g):609 calories

Diet Compatibility

Fried Chicken

Low-CarbHigh-Protein

Butter

KetoLow-CarbVegetarianLow-Sodium

When to Choose Fried Chicken

  • Lower in calories (246 vs 717)
  • Higher in protein (18g vs 0.9g)
  • More fiber (0.4g vs 0g)

Common Uses

Quick mealsDining outSocial eatingConvenience
View full Fried Chicken nutrition →

When to Choose Butter

  • Lower in carbs (0.1g vs 10g)
  • Less sugar (0.1g vs 0.3g)
  • Lower sodium (11mg vs 630mg)

Common Uses

BreakfastSnacksCooking ingredientPost-workout
View full Butter nutrition →

Fried Chicken vs Butter: Nutritional Analysis

Butter is more calorie-dense at 717 calories per 100g compared to 246 for Fried Chicken, a difference of 471 calories. On the protein front, Fried Chicken delivers more with 18g per 100g versus 0.9g, which matters for muscle maintenance, satiety, and overall metabolic health. These differences become meaningful when you consider how each food fits into your daily dietary pattern rather than looking at any single nutrient in isolation.

Macronutrient Breakdown

The macronutrient profiles of Fried Chicken and Butter tell different nutritional stories. Fried Chicken provides 10g of carbohydrates, 15g of fat, and 0.4g of fiber per 100g, while Butter contains 0.1g carbs, 81g fat, and 0g fiber. The higher fiber content in Fried Chicken supports digestive health, helps regulate blood sugar after meals, and contributes to longer-lasting satiety. Sugar content also differs: Fried Chicken contains 0.3g while Butter has 0.1g per 100g. Lower sugar options are generally preferable for blood sugar management and dental health.

Key Takeaways

  • For weight management: Fried Chicken is the lower-calorie choice at 246 cal/100g, making it more suitable for calorie-controlled diets.
  • For muscle building: Fried Chicken provides more protein (18g/100g), supporting muscle repair and growth.
  • For sustained energy: Fried Chicken offers more fiber (0.4g/100g), which slows digestion and provides steadier energy release.
  • Overall: Neither food is universally "better" than the other. The right choice depends on your specific nutritional goals, meal context, and dietary preferences. Both can play a role in a balanced diet.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which has more calories, Fried Chicken or Butter?

Butter has more calories with 717 kcal per 100g, compared to Fried Chicken with 246 kcal. That's a difference of 471 calories per 100g serving.

Is Fried Chicken healthier than Butter?

Based on our nutritional analysis, Fried Chicken is generally the healthier choice, winning in 3 out of 5 key nutritional categories. Fried Chicken has 246 calories, 18g protein, and 0.4g fiber per 100g. However, the best choice depends on your specific dietary goals.

What is the protein difference between Fried Chicken and Butter?

Fried Chicken has more protein with 18g per 100g, compared to Butter with 0.9g. Fried Chicken provides 17.1g more protein per 100g serving.

Which is better for weight loss, Fried Chicken or Butter?

For weight loss, Fried Chicken is the better choice with only 246 calories per 100g compared to 717 calories in Butter. Fried Chicken also offers 0.4g of fiber per 100g, which helps you feel fuller longer.

Does Fried Chicken or Butter have fewer carbs?

Butter has fewer carbs with 0.1g per 100g, compared to Fried Chicken with 10g. If you're following a low-carb diet, Butter is the better option with 9.9g fewer carbohydrates.

About Our Data

All nutrition data in this comparison is sourced from the USDA FoodData Central, the official food composition database maintained by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Values are based on 100g servings for accurate comparison.

Health Disclaimer: This comparison is for informational purposes only and is not intended as medical or dietary advice. Nutritional needs vary by individual. The best food choice depends on your personal health goals, dietary requirements, and preferences. Consult a healthcare provider or registered dietitian for personalized nutrition guidance.