Lunchmeat, chicken breast, sliced
Whole food · Sausages and Luncheon Meats
Photo: Wikipedia
Sliced chicken breast lunchmeat is a lean, pre-cooked deli staple made from cured and seasoned chicken breast. It has a mild, savory flavor with a soft, slightly springy texture that's easy to chew. Nutritionally, it's a high-protein, low-fat option, though the provided 0-calorie data likely reflects a placeholder or ultra-lean preparation; in reality, it typically contains 25-35 calories and 5-6 grams of protein per 100g.
💚 Why it's loved
People love it for its mild, crowd-pleasing flavor that pairs well with almost any condiment or bread, making it a go-to for quick lunches. Its versatility and ease of use make it a staple in school lunches, office meals, and home cooking across many cultures.
⚠️ Watch-outs & how to enjoy it better
Some find it bland or overly processed, and it can be high in sodium, which may concern those monitoring salt intake. To counteract, pair it with fresh vegetables or low-sodium condiments, and choose brands with reduced sodium or no added nitrates.
Key benefits
- High in lean protein for muscle maintenance
- Low in fat and carbohydrates
- Convenient, ready-to-eat meal component
- Versatile for sandwiches, salads, and wraps
- Often lower in sodium than other deli meats like salami
🍽️ Popular dishes
🌍 Where it's eaten
💡 Did you know?
The term 'lunchmeat' is almost exclusively used in the United States and Canada; in the UK, it's typically called 'sliced meat' or 'cold cuts'.
Full nutrition (scales with serving)
| Water | 74.5 g |
| Ash | 3.5 g |
| Sugars, Total | 1.1 g |
| Sucrose | 0.14 g |
| Glucose | 1.00 g |
| Fructose | 0.00 g |
| Lactose | 0.00 g |
| Maltose | 0.00 g |
| Riboflavin | 0.21 mg |
| Vitamin B-6 | 0.24 mg |
| Choline, total | 35.3 mg |
| Vitamin B-12 | 0.12 ug |
| Fatty acids, total saturated | 0.70 g |
| SFA 4:0 | 0.00 g |
| SFA 5:0 | 0.00 g |
| SFA 6:0 | 0.00 g |
| SFA 7:0 | 0.00 g |
| SFA 8:0 | 0.00 g |
| SFA 9:0 | 0.00 g |
| SFA 10:0 | 0.00 g |
| SFA 11:0 | 0.00 g |
| SFA 12:0 | 0.00 g |
| SFA 14:0 | 0.01 g |
| SFA 15:0 | 0.00 g |
| SFA 16:0 | 0.52 g |
| SFA 17:0 | 0.00 g |
| SFA 18:0 | 0.16 g |
| SFA 20:0 | 0.00 g |
| SFA 21:0 | 0.00 g |
| SFA 22:0 | 0.00 g |
| SFA 23:0 | 0.00 g |
| SFA 24:0 | 0.00 g |
| Fatty acids, total monounsaturated | 0.92 g |
| MUFA 12:1 | 0.00 g |
| MUFA 14:1 | 0.00 g |
| MUFA 15:1 | 0.00 g |
| MUFA 16:1 | 0.11 g |
| MUFA 17:1 | 0.01 g |
| MUFA 18:1 | 0.80 g |
| MUFA 20:1 | 0.01 g |
| MUFA 22:1 n-9 | 0.00 g |
| MUFA 22:1 n-11 | 0.00 g |
| MUFA 24:1 c | 0.00 g |
| Fatty acids, total polyunsaturated | 0.51 g |
| PUFA 18:2 | 0.41 g |
| PUFA 18:2 c | 0.41 g |
| PUFA 18:2 CLAs | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 18:3 | 0.02 g |
| PUFA 18:3 c | 0.02 g |
| PUFA 18:3 n-6 c,c,c | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 18:4 | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 20:2 c | 0.01 g |
| PUFA 20:3 n-3 | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 20:3 n-6 | 0.01 g |
| PUFA 20:3 n-9 | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 22:3 | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 20:4 | 0.04 g |
| PUFA 20:5c | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 22:2 | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 22:5 c | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 22:4 | 0.01 g |
| PUFA 22:6 c | 0.00 g |
| Fatty acids, total trans | 0.01 g |
| Fatty acids, total trans-monoenoic | 0.00 g |
| TFA 14:1 t | 0.00 g |
| TFA 16:1 t | 0.00 g |
| TFA 18:1 t | 0.00 g |
| TFA 20:1 t | 0.00 g |
| TFA 22:1 t | 0.00 g |
| TFA 18:2 t | 0.00 g |
| TFA 18:3 t | 0.00 g |
FAQ
Is sliced chicken breast lunchmeat healthy?
Yes, it's a lean source of protein and generally low in fat, but check labels for sodium and additives. Opt for nitrate-free or low-sodium versions for a healthier choice.
How long does sliced chicken breast lunchmeat last?
Once opened, it should be consumed within 3-5 days if refrigerated at 40°F (4°C) or below. Unopened packages can last until the expiration date, but always check for signs of spoilage like off smells or slimy texture.
Can I freeze sliced chicken breast lunchmeat?
Yes, you can freeze it for up to 2 months, but the texture may become slightly watery upon thawing. It's best used in cooked dishes like soups or casseroles after freezing.