Is chicken or turkey healthier? That depends on this 1 thing, dietitian says

Whether chicken or turkey is healthier is a longstanding debate and it’s high time we settle it once and for all.

Both chicken and turkey are known for their high amounts of lean protein, and they’re both affordable options for health-conscious consumers. But there are nuances when it comes to the nutritional value of both birds and which is better for you depends on what part of the chicken or turkey we’re talking about and how each is prepared. 

Chicken nutrition vs. turkey nutrition

In order to get a general understanding of which type of poultry might be healthier, let’s compare apples to apples, or in this case, a 3-ounce serving of skinless chicken to the same amount of skinless turkey. 

According to the USDA Nutrient Database, 3 ounces of cooked, skinless, boneless chicken breast has:

• 128 calories
• 26g of protein
• 2.7g of fat (0.8g saturated fat; 0.7g polyunsaturated fat)
• 88 mg of cholesterol
• 0g of carbohydrates
• 0g of fiber
• 0.39 mg of iron
• 0.77 mg of zinc
• 94 mg of choline

According to the USDA Nutrient Database, 3 ounces of cooked, skinless, boneless turkey breast has:

• 125 calories
• 26g of protein
• 1.7g of fat (0.5g saturated; 0.45g polyunsaturated)
• 68 mg of cholesterol
• 0g of carbohydrates
• 0g of fiber
• 0.6 mg of iron
• 1.46 mg of zinc
• 72 mg of choline

While both birds provide similar nutrients, boneless, skinless turkey is the winner by a hair (or feather). But if you factor in which parts of the chicken or turkey you’re eating and whether or not you’re eating the skin, things change including cholesterol levels.

Which is higher in cholesterol?

We all know dark meat is where these birds really strut their stuff. Dark meat is juicier, more flavorful, and let’s be honest — if your kids aren’t fighting for a drumstick at Thanksgiving, are you even celebrating?

But here’s the rub: dark meat also means more fat and more cholesterol. If you’re keeping an eye on your cholesterol levels, it’s best to stick with the white meat of either bird. And for those folks who enjoy crispy…