Roasted, skinless chicken breast is an excellent source of protein and some B vitamins. One half of a chicken breast, or approximately 3 oz., provides almost half of the dietary reference intake, or DRI, for protein for men and over half for women. Chicken breast also provides large amounts of many of the essential amino acids that make up this protein.
Calories and Protein
One serving of roasted chicken breast contains 142 calories, most of which come from the 27g of protein. This 27g of protein makes up 108 of the 142 calories and provides 59 percent of the DRI for women and 48 percent for women. This protein is composed of 18 amino acids, including large amounts of the non-essential amino acids glutamic acid and aspartic acid and the essential amino acids threonine and phenylalanine. Chicken breast is a complete protein as it contains all of the essential amino acids.
Fat
Three ounces of meat only chicken breast contains 3.1g of fat, which accounts for the rest of the calories in each serving. Less than 1g of the 3.1g of fat is saturated fat. One serving of skinless chicken breast also contains 73mg of cholesterol, which is 24 percent of the maximum recommended amount per day. Leaving the skin on the chicken increases the fat content to 7.6g per serving and the cholesterol to 82mg per serving.
Carbohydrates
Chicken breast contains no carbohydrates. A 3 oz. serving also contains no sugar or fiber.
Minerals
Chicken breast contains a significant amount of many essential minerals, especially selenium and phosphorus. One serving contains 23.7mcg of selenium, which provides 43 percent of the DRI. Selenium works as an antioxidant to help prevent damage from free radicals. One serving of chicken breast also supplies 28 percent of the DRI for phosphorus as well as 11 percent of the DRI for potassium. Additionally, one serving of chicken provides 11 percent of the DRI of iron for men and 5 percent for women.
Water-Soluble Vitamins
Although chicken breast does not contain any vitamin C, it contains high amounts of some of the water-soluble B vitamins. One serving provides 84 percent of the DRI for niacin for women and 74 percent for men. One serving also supplies 17 percent of the DRI for pantothenic acid and 40 percent for B-6.
Fat-Soluble Vitamins
Chicken breast is not a major source of any of the fat-soluble vitamins. One serving provides less than 1 percent of the DRI for all four of the fat-soluble vitamins -- A, D, E and K.
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