Chicken Glycemic Index, Glycemic Load, and Blood Sugar Response Chart
Based on
Blood Glucose Response Chart
Chicken has a low Glycemic Index (GI) of 0, a low Glycemic Load (GL) of 0 per 100g, and causes no measurable impact on blood sugar. It contains no carbohydrates, which eliminates any direct effect on glucose levels.
| Glycemic Index (GI) | Glycemic Index (GL) per 100g | Blood Sugar Impact |
|---|---|---|
| 0 (Low) | 0 (Low) | No impact |
Chicken, the most widely consumed poultry in the world, is valued for its accessibility, economical production compared to red meat, global culinary versatility, and health profile that includes lower cholesterol and saturated fat, making it a cornerstone protein in both traditional and modern diets across cultures.
The Glycemic Index of chicken is low because it contains no carbohydrates, focusing solely on protein and fats. Its Glycemic Load is low due to the complete absence of sugars and starches.
Chicken can be prepared using methods such as baking, grilling, barbecuing, frying, boiling, and roasting, with no impact on its Glycemic Index since none introduce carbohydrates.
Grilled chicken breast, boiled diced chicken, and skinless baked thighs are ideal for diabetic, ketogenic, and weight loss diets due to their high protein content and lack of carbohydrates.
Pairing chicken with high-fiber foods can enhance blood sugar control by improving satiety and moderating glucose response.
Chicken Nutrition Facts
How Many Carbs Are In Chicken?
Chicken contains 0g of Total Carbohydrates and 0g of Net Carbohydrates per 100g serving.
A typical serving of 1 cup cooked, diced chicken contains 0g total carbs and 0g net carbs.
Chicken has no sugars, starches, or dietary fiber. It contains zero digestible carbohydrates. This complete absence of carbohydrates results in a Glycemic Index of 0. Chicken does not raise blood glucose levels and has no effect on insulin response.
Total Carbohydrates and Net Carbohydrates in Chicken by Serving Size:
| Serving Size | Total Carbs (g) | Net Carbs (g) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Oz (28.35g) | 0g | 0g |
| 100 Grams (100g) | 0g | 0g |
| 1 Cup cooked, diced (140g) | 0g | 0g |
How Much Sugar Is In Chicken?
Chicken contains 0g of sugar per 100g serving.
Chicken contains no naturally occurring sugars or added sugars. This absence of sugar means it does not contribute to blood glucose levels. As a result, chicken has a Glycemic Index of 0, indicating no impact on blood sugar.
How Much Fiber Is In Chicken?
Chicken contains 0g of fiber per 100g.
Chicken provides no dietary fiber as it is an animal-based food and lacks plant cell walls. The absence of fiber has no impact on its Glycemic Index, which remains 0.
Why Chicken Has Low Glycemic Index
Chicken's low Glycemic Index is due to its complete absence of carbohydrates. The Glycemic Index measures how quickly a food raises blood glucose levels. Since chicken contains zero grams of carbohydrates, fiber, sugar, or starch, it does not trigger any measurable rise in blood sugar. This absence of glycemic impact is fundamental and absolute, making chicken a rare example of a food with a Glycemic Index of zero.
The Glycemic Index is a numerical scale from 0 to 100 that reflects the speed at which carbohydrates in food convert to glucose in the bloodstream. Only foods with digestible carbohydrates can influence this scale. Chicken bypasses this mechanism entirely due to its protein-dense, carbohydrate-free structure. This positions chicken uniquely in the Glycemic Index spectrum as a neutral food, critical for blood sugar stability in carbohydrate-controlled diets.
Can Chicken Spike Blood Sugar?
No, Chicken cannot cause a spike in blood sugar, as it contains 0 grams of carbohydrates and has a Glycemic Index of 0.
Chicken Glycemic Load - Portion Sizes
Chicken has a Glycemic Load of 0 across all portion sizes, from 28.35 grams (1 oz) to 140 grams (1 cup cooked, diced), due to its complete lack of carbohydrates.
Glycemic Load uniquely combines both the quality (Glycemic Index) and quantity of carbohydrates to estimate blood sugar impact, but because chicken contains no carbohydrates, its Glycemic Load remains zero regardless of portion size.
Chicken Glycemic Load Per Serving Sizes:
| Serving Size | Net Carbs (g) | Glycemic Load | GL Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Oz (28.35g) | 0g | 0 | Low |
| 100 Grams (100g) | 0g | 0 | Low |
| 1 Cup cooked, diced (140g) | 0g | 0 | Low |
Does Cooking or Preparation Influence Glycemic Index of Chicken?
Cooking or preparation method does not influence the Glycemic Index of chicken since it contains zero carbohydrates.
Chicken's Impact on Metabolic Health
Chicken supports metabolic health by aiding blood sugar control in diabetics, providing a carb-free protein source for keto diets, and offering high satiety for weight loss, though preparation methods and portion sizes can influence outcomes.
Chicken for Diabetics
Chicken is good for diabetics because it contains zero carbohydrates, does not raise blood sugar levels, and provides high-quality protein that supports muscle maintenance without impacting insulin response.
Diabetes impairs glucose metabolism at the cellular level, and the macro context of Chicken Glycemic Index being 0 ensures no glycemic impact, making it metabolically neutral for diabetic regulation.
Chicken and Keto Diet
Chicken is good for keto due to its zero carbohydrate content and high protein density.
Keto depends on eliminating glucose spikes at the root level, and Chicken’s Glycemic Index of 0 makes it fundamentally aligned with that metabolic shift.
Chicken and Weight Loss Diets
Chicken is good for weight loss because it provides high protein with moderate fats and no sugars or starches.
Weight loss relies on satiety and muscle preservation under caloric control, and Chicken’s Glycemic Index of 0 supports that metabolic stability without insulin elevation.
Foods to Pair with Chicken for Better Blood Sugar Control
Pair chicken with high-fiber vegetables like broccoli or spinach, or whole grains such as quinoa, to slow digestion and support steadier blood sugar levels without increasing the Glycemic Load of the meal.
Chicken Glycemic Impact Summary
Chicken has a Glycemic Index of 0 and contains no carbohydrates, making it metabolically neutral and ideal for maintaining stable blood sugar levels when included in balanced meals.