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

Oatmeal vs Chicken Breast: 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?

Both foods have similar nutritional profiles

Both foods have similar nutritional profiles with each winning in different categories. Your choice should depend on your specific dietary goals and preferences. Oatmeal has 389 calories while Chicken Breast has 165 calories per 100g.

Quick Summary

Fewer Calories

Chicken Breast

165 kcal

More Protein

Chicken Breast

31g

More Fiber

Oatmeal

11g

Less Sugar

Oatmeal

0g

Visual Comparison

Caloriesper 100g
Oatmeal
389
Chicken Breast
165
Proteinper 100g
Oatmeal
17g
Chicken Breast
31g
Carbohydratesper 100g
Oatmeal
66g
Chicken Breast
0g
Fatper 100g
Oatmeal
7g
Chicken Breast
3.6g

Side-by-Side Nutrition Table

NutrientOatmealChicken BreastDifference
Calories389kcal165kcal+224.0kcal
Protein17g31g-14.0g
Carbohydrates66g0g+66.0g
Fat7g3.6g+3.4g
Fiber11g0g+11.0g
Sugar0g0g0.0g
Sodium2mg74mg-72.0mg

Serving Size Comparison

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

Oatmeal

Per 100g:389 calories
Per cup (150g):584 calories
Per serving (85g):331 calories

Chicken Breast

Per 100g:165 calories
Per cup (150g):248 calories
Per serving (85g):140 calories

Diet Compatibility

Oatmeal

High-ProteinVeganVegetarianLow-Sodium

Chicken Breast

Low-CarbHigh-ProteinPaleoLow-Sodium

When to Choose Oatmeal

  • More fiber (11g vs 0g)
  • Less sugar (0g vs 0g)
  • Lower sodium (2mg vs 74mg)

Common Uses

Side dishesBreakfastMeal baseEnergy food
View full Oatmeal nutrition →

When to Choose Chicken Breast

  • Lower in calories (165 vs 389)
  • Higher in protein (31g vs 17g)
  • Lower in carbs (0g vs 66g)

Common Uses

Main dishesMeal prepGrillingHigh-protein meals
View full Chicken Breast nutrition →

Oatmeal vs Chicken Breast: Nutritional Analysis

Oatmeal is more calorie-dense at 389 calories per 100g compared to 165 for Chicken Breast, a difference of 224 calories. On the protein front, Chicken Breast delivers more with 31g per 100g versus 17g, 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 Oatmeal and Chicken Breast tell different nutritional stories. Oatmeal provides 66g of carbohydrates, 7g of fat, and 11g of fiber per 100g, while Chicken Breast contains 0g carbs, 3.6g fat, and 0g fiber. The higher fiber content in Oatmeal supports digestive health, helps regulate blood sugar after meals, and contributes to longer-lasting satiety.

Key Takeaways

  • For weight management: Chicken Breast is the lower-calorie choice at 165 cal/100g, making it more suitable for calorie-controlled diets.
  • For muscle building: Chicken Breast provides more protein (31g/100g), supporting muscle repair and growth.
  • For sustained energy: Oatmeal offers more fiber (11g/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, Oatmeal or Chicken Breast?

Oatmeal has more calories with 389 kcal per 100g, compared to Chicken Breast with 165 kcal. That's a difference of 224 calories per 100g serving.

Is Oatmeal healthier than Chicken Breast?

Oatmeal and Chicken Breast have similar nutritional profiles, with each food winning in different categories. The healthier choice depends on your specific dietary goals and nutritional needs.

What is the protein difference between Oatmeal and Chicken Breast?

Chicken Breast has more protein with 31g per 100g, compared to Oatmeal with 17g. Chicken Breast provides 14.0g more protein per 100g serving.

Which is better for weight loss, Oatmeal or Chicken Breast?

For weight loss, Chicken Breast is the better choice with only 165 calories per 100g compared to 389 calories in Oatmeal. Oatmeal also offers 11g of fiber per 100g, which helps you feel fuller longer.

Does Oatmeal or Chicken Breast have fewer carbs?

Chicken Breast has fewer carbs with 0g per 100g, compared to Oatmeal with 66g. If you're following a low-carb diet, Chicken Breast is the better option with 66.0g 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.