Bratwurst, chicken, cooked
Whole food · Sausages and Luncheon Meats
Photo: Wikipedia
Chicken bratwurst is a lean, finely ground sausage made from seasoned chicken, offering a milder, lighter alternative to traditional pork versions. Its texture is typically smooth and juicy, with a savory, herb-forward flavor profile that's less fatty than its pork counterpart. Nutritionally, it's a protein powerhouse with virtually no carbs or sugar, making it a staple for low-carb and high-protein diets.
Calorie split: 45% protein · 0% carbs · 55% fat
↓ Full nutrition💚 Why it's loved
People love chicken bratwurst for its satisfying, savory sausage flavor without the heaviness of pork, making it a lighter yet still indulgent choice. Its mild taste makes it incredibly versatile, easily pairing with everything from sauerkraut to grain-free buns.
⚠️ Watch-outs & how to enjoy it better
As a processed meat, it can be high in sodium, which is a consideration for those monitoring blood pressure. Some varieties may contain common allergens like gluten or soy as binders. To counteract high sodium, pair with potassium-rich foods like roasted vegetables or fresh fruit, and always check labels for allergens if sensitive.
Key benefits
- High-quality complete protein source (19.44g per 100g)
- Very low in carbohydrates and sugar (0g each)
- Lower in fat than traditional pork bratwurst
- Suitable for low-carb, keto, and paleo dietary patterns
- Quick-cooking and versatile for meal prep
🍽️ Popular dishes
🌍 Where it's eaten
💡 Did you know?
While 'bratwurst' is a German term meaning 'finely chopped sausage,' chicken versions are largely a modern, health-conscious adaptation that gained significant popularity in the United States in the late 20th century.
Full nutrition (USDA data · scales with serving)
| Water | 70.3 g |
| Energy | 176 kcal |
| Energy | 738 kj |
| Protein | 19.4 g |
| Total lipid (fat) | 10.3 g |
| Ash | 0.88 g |
| Carbohydrate, by difference | 0.00 g |
| Fiber, total dietary | 0.00 g |
| Total Sugars | 0.00 g |
| Calcium, Ca | 11.0 mg |
| Iron, Fe | 0.87 mg |
| Magnesium, Mg | 23.0 mg |
| Phosphorus, P | 160 mg |
| Potassium, K | 211 mg |
| Sodium, Na | 72.0 mg |
| Zinc, Zn | 1.4 mg |
| Copper, Cu | 0.05 mg |
| Vitamin C, total ascorbic acid | 2.0 mg |
| Thiamin | 0.07 mg |
| Riboflavin | 0.13 mg |
| Niacin | 7.6 mg |
| Pantothenic acid | 0.96 mg |
| Vitamin B-6 | 0.39 mg |
| Folate, total | 6.0 ug |
| Folic acid | 0.00 ug |
| Folate, food | 6.0 ug |
| Folate, DFE | 6.0 ug |
| Vitamin B-12 | 0.34 ug |
| Vitamin A, RAE | 30.0 ug |
| Retinol | 30.0 ug |
| Carotene, beta | 0.00 ug |
| Carotene, alpha | 0.00 ug |
| Cryptoxanthin, beta | 0.00 ug |
| Vitamin A, IU | 101 iu |
| Lycopene | 0.00 ug |
| Lutein + zeaxanthin | 0.00 ug |
| Alcohol, ethyl | 0.00 g |
| Caffeine | 0.00 mg |
| Theobromine | 0.00 mg |
Fat & fatty acid profile (per 100g)
| Cholesterol | 71.0 mg |
Amino acid profile (per 100g)
Estimated from Bratwurst, pork, cooked — USDA does not publish this profile for Bratwurst.
| Tryptophan | 0.35 g |
| Threonine | 1.2 g |
| Isoleucine | 1.3 g |
| Leucine | 2.2 g |
| Lysine | 2.5 g |
| Methionine | 0.72 g |
| Cystine | 0.35 g |
| Phenylalanine | 1.1 g |
| Tyrosine | 0.95 g |
| Valine | 1.5 g |
| Arginine | 1.7 g |
| Histidine | 1.1 g |
| Alanine | 1.6 g |
| Aspartic acid | 2.5 g |
| Glutamic acid | 4.3 g |
| Glycine | 1.3 g |
| Proline | 1.1 g |
| Serine | 1.1 g |
FAQ
Is chicken bratwurst healthier than pork bratwurst?
Generally, yes. It typically has significantly less total and saturated fat while providing a similar amount of protein. However, sodium content can be comparable, so it's important to compare nutrition labels.
How should I cook chicken bratwurst to keep it juicy?
Avoid overcooking, as it has less fat to keep it moist. Simmer first in beer or broth for 10-15 minutes, then finish on a grill or pan for a crisp exterior. Alternatively, bake at 375°F (190°C) until just cooked through.
Can I eat chicken bratwurst on a keto diet?
Yes, it's an excellent keto-friendly protein source due to its high protein and zero-carb profile. Just be mindful of any added sugars or fillers in the ingredient list.
Nutrient density (calculated · NRF9.3)
Nutrient Rich Foods index: beneficial nutrients (protein, fiber, vitamins, minerals) minus saturated fat, added sugar & sodium, per 100 kcal.
NRF9.3 index — Fulgoni, Keast & Drewnowski, 2009. Computed from USDA nutrients.
Weight-loss friendliness (composite index)
Energy density 1.76 kcal/g · 44% calories from protein · 0.0 g fiber · 0.0 g sugar per 100 g.
Composite of energy density (Rolls et al., 1999), protein & fiber satiety, minus sugar. A calculated heuristic — ranks satiety-per-calorie, not a clinical measure.
Dietary load (calculated from USDA values)
Potential renal acid load. Positive = acid-forming, negative = alkaline-forming.
Sodium-to-potassium ratio: 0.34 (lower is better — aim for ≤ 1)
Sodium:potassium per WHO potassium guidance. Computed from USDA nutrients.