Duck vs Chicken Breast: Calories and Nutrition Compared (2026)

Duck and chicken breast have distinct nutritional profiles.

Medically reviewed by Dr. Emily Torres, Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN)

Duck contains 201 calories and 23.5 g of protein, while chicken breast has 165 calories and 31.0 g of protein. Chicken breast is lower in calories and higher in protein.

Duck and chicken breast are popular poultry options with unique flavors and nutritional profiles. Understanding their differences can help in making informed dietary choices.

What Is the Difference Between Duck and Chicken Breast?

Duck is a type of waterfowl that is often consumed for its rich flavor and higher fat content compared to other poultry. It is commonly prepared roasted or confit. Chicken breast is the lean meat from the breast of a chicken, known for its versatility and high protein content. It is widely used in various cuisines around the world.

Duck vs Chicken Breast: Nutrition Side by Side

The following table provides a side-by-side comparison of duck and chicken breast nutrition.

Nutrient (per 100 g) Duck meat (roasted) Chicken breast (roasted, skinless)
Calories 201 kcal 165 kcal
Protein 23.5 g 31.0 g
Carbs 0 g 0 g
Sugar 0 g 0 g
Fat 11.2 g 3.6 g
Fiber 0 g 0 g
Sodium 65 mg 74 mg

Which Is Better, Duck or Chicken Breast?

For weight loss: Duck has 201 calories per 100 g, while chicken breast has 165 calories. Chicken breast is the better option for those focusing on calorie reduction.

For muscle and protein: Chicken breast contains 31.0 g of protein per 100 g, compared to duck's 23.5 g. Therefore, chicken breast is superior for protein intake.

For low-carb or low-sugar: Both duck and chicken breast have 0 g of carbs and 0 g of sugar. They are equally suitable for low-carb or low-sugar diets.

How to Track Duck and Chicken breast Accurately

It's easy to misjudge portion sizes and macronutrient content, especially when comparing different types of meat. Nutrola is an AI nutrition tracking app that identifies foods from a photo and returns calories and macros from a database of more than 1.8 million foods. It also supports barcode scanning and voice logging. Nutrola is available from EUR 2.50 per month and shows no ads on any tier.

How We Compiled These Numbers

The numbers presented are rounded reference values for educational use and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult a healthcare professional for dietary recommendations. Values are per 100 g from USDA FoodData Central.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Which has more protein?

Chicken breast has 31.0 g of protein, while duck has 23.5 g. Therefore, chicken breast has more protein.

Which has fewer calories?

Chicken breast has 165 calories, while duck has 201 calories. Thus, chicken breast has fewer calories.

What is the fat content in duck?

Duck contains 11.2 g of fat per 100 g.

What is the sodium content in chicken breast?

Chicken breast has 74 mg of sodium per 100 g.

Do both have carbs?

Both duck and chicken breast contain 0 g of carbs per 100 g.

Is there any sugar in duck?

Duck contains 0 g of sugar per 100 g.

Key Takeaways

  • Duck has 201 calories per 100 g.
  • Chicken breast has 165 calories per 100 g.
  • Duck contains 23.5 g of protein per 100 g.
  • Chicken breast contains 31.0 g of protein per 100 g.
  • Duck has 11.2 g of fat per 100 g.
  • Both have 0 g of carbs and 0 g of sugar per 100 g.

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