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Is Battered Chicken Good or Bad?

While chicken can be a healthy protein source, this isn't usually the case if it is battered and fried. The batter increases the amount of fat the chicken soaks up, resulting in a dish that is high in fat, cholesterol and calories. However, you can make healthier baked versions of coated chicken.

  1. Macronutrients

    • A 3-ounce serving of battered fried chicken including the skin contains about 246 calories, 19.2 grams of protein, 8 grams of carbohydrates and 14.2 grams of fat, including 3.8 grams of saturated fat and 74 milligrams of cholesterol. This is 22 percent of the daily value for fat, 19 percent of the DV for saturated fat and 25 percent of the DV for cholesterol. Skinless roasted chicken is healthier, with each 3-ounce serving providing 162 calories, 24.6 grams of protein and 6.2 grams of fat, including 1.7 grams of saturated fat and 76 milligrams of cholesterol.

    Vitamins

    • Battered fried chicken does provide significant amounts of some of the B vitamins. Each 3-ounce serving provides 30 percent of the daily value for niacin, which you need for proper nervous system function and circulation, and 13 percent of the DV for vitamin B-6, which helps with immune function and the formation of red blood cells.

    Minerals

    • Each serving of battered chicken contains 13 percent of the DV for phosphorus, which is important for maintaining your body's pH, or acid-base balance, and for forming DNA. However, this serving of battered fried chicken also contains 248 milligrams of sodium, or 10 percent of the DV for sodium. Limiting sodium consumption can help you maintain a healthy blood pressure level and lower your risk for heart disease.

    Making It Healthier

    • If you'd like to make a healthier version of battered chicken, start with skinless chicken pieces, since this will lower the amount of fat the dish contains. Marinate your chicken in low-fat buttermilk, dip it in your topping of choice and bake it in the oven instead of frying it. Use whole-grain flour instead of all-purpose flour and add spices to increase the flavor without adding fat. Other nutritious and flavorful toppings include sesame seeds, cornmeal, crushed whole-grain cereal, ground nuts, whole-wheat panko bread crumbs and a small amount of Parmesan cheese.

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