Baked and fried chicken are both excellent ways to enjoy chicken. Both have their pros, and both have their cons. Fried chicken has more calories and less nutritional value.
Baked chicken, on the other hand, has a lot of health benefits. It’s a healthier alternative to fried chicken, especially for the heart-conscious. You can enjoy the benefits of either one.
With so many chicken recipes out there, it can be hard to decide which one is best for you. We’ll help you narrow it down.
When it comes to fried chicken vs. baked, the choice is simple: fried. Baked chicken is generally coated in bread crumbs, which results in a crunchy exterior and moist interior.
Fried chicken is different; it’s always covered in a thick coating of oil and/or spices, which results in a crispy exterior and juicy interior.
Baked chicken also tends to be lower in fat than fried chicken, so it’s a healthier option. However, both types of chicken are great for dinner when served with sides such as fresh veggies and salads.
If you’re craving fried food but don’t want to deal with greasy fingers, try making homemade baked chicken at home. Use low-fat milk or broth to dip the chicken in before baking.
This way, you’ll have a less greasy meal that’s still delicious!
Fried Chicken
Fried chicken is often eaten as a snack or for a quick meal. It’s usually inexpensive, but it’s also high in fat and calories.
Fried chicken is usually coated in a batter made from flour and cornmeal. It’s then deep-fried so that the batter is crispy and the chicken is golden brown and juicy inside.
One serving of fried chicken contains:
- Fat: 21 grams
- Cholesterol: 65 milligrams
- Sodium: 550 milligrams
- Carbs: 1 gram
- Protein: 7 grams
Fried chicken is a great source of niacin and selenium, but it’s also high in sodium and fat. Most fried foods are high in sodium because it helps to retain the moisture in the chicken.
Baked Chicken
Baked chicken has a much lower fat and calorie count than fried chicken.
It’s also generally more expensive. But for people who are health-conscious, it’s a great alternative to fried foods.
How is baked chicken different from fried chicken?
Baked chicken has been baked at a higher temperature, creating a thicker crust on the outside and a more tender interior. The skin is also generally less oily and less salty than fried chicken.
One serving of baked chicken contains:
- Fat: 5 grams
- Cholesterol: 80 milligrams
- Sodium: 170 milligrams
- Carbs: 0.9 grams
- Protein: 25 grams
Like fried chicken, baked chicken is a good source of niacin and selenium. It’s also low in calories and carbohydrates.
But, unlike fried chicken, it’s a good source of vitamins B6, B9 and D. Other nutrients found in baked chicken include iron, zinc, manganese, and protein.
Differences between Fried and Baked Chicken
There are many differences between fried and baked chicken, the most notable being the fat content. Baked chicken has a much lower fat content than fried chicken.
Other differences include the following:
- Baked chicken contains no carbohydrates.
- Baked chicken contains no gluten.
- Baked chicken contains no sugar.
- Baked chicken contains no additives or preservatives.
Pros of Baked Chicken
- Baked chicken contains fewer calories and fat than fried chicken.
- Baked chicken is often served with sides of vegetables and/or salad.
- Baked chicken is often served with a side of dressing, such as ranch or blue cheese.
Conclusion
Baked chicken is a healthier option than fried chicken and is often served at restaurants with a side of vegetables and/or salad. It’s a good alternative to fried chicken, especially for those who are health-conscious.