Chicken glycemic index
Chicken has no measurable glycemic index: a 120 g serving (1 portion) has only 0 g of available carbohydrate, so its glycemic load is about 0 and it barely raises blood sugar on its own.
Also known as: chicken breast, grilled chicken
- Serving120 g
- Available carbs0 g
- Fiber0 g
- Sugars0 g
- Protein37 g
- Calories198 kcal
Serving: 1 portion.
What to know
Plain chicken has no carbohydrate and no GI. Breaded, fried or sauce-glazed chicken is different: the coating and sauce add carbohydrate.
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Frequently asked questions
Does chicken have a glycemic index?
Not a measurable one. GI can only be tested in foods with enough carbohydrate: the test needs a 25 or 50 g carbohydrate portion. Chicken has 0 g per 100 g, so its direct effect on blood sugar is minimal and its glycemic load is about 0.
Does chicken raise blood sugar?
Barely, on its own. What matters more is what you eat it with: bread, rice, potatoes, sauces or sugary drinks. Pairing carbohydrate foods with protein, fat or fiber tends to soften the rise.
How many carbs are in chicken?
A 120 g serving has about 0 g of total carbohydrate, including 0 g of fiber, leaving 0 g of available carbohydrate (the part that raises blood sugar). Per 100 g: 0 g of carbohydrate.
Nutrition facts
| per 100 g | Serving (120 g) | |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 165 kcal | 198 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 0 g | 0 g |
| Available carbs | 0 g | 0 g |
| Fiber | 0 g | 0 g |
| Sugars | 0 g | 0 g |
| Protein | 31 g | 37 g |
| Fat | 3.6 g | 4.3 g |
Source: USDA FoodData Central, Chicken, broilers or fryers, breast, meat only, cooked, roasted (SR Legacy, FDC 171477). Available carbohydrate = total carbohydrate minus fiber.
Sources: Atkinson FS, Brand-Miller JC, Foster-Powell K, Buyken AE, Goletzke J. International tables of glycemic index and glycemic load values 2021: a systematic review. Am J Clin Nutr. 2021;114(5):1625–1632. USDA FoodData Central. How we calculate each value: Methodology & sources.
Data last reviewed 2026-09-29.