Which is healthier baked chicken or fried chicken?

Baked chicken is generally considered healthier than fried chicken. Here's why:

* Fat content: Fried chicken is typically cooked in oil, leading to significantly higher fat content compared to baked chicken. This extra fat contributes to increased calories and can have negative impacts on heart health.

* Calories: Due to the added fat, fried chicken is much higher in calories than baked chicken.

* Sodium: Fried chicken often involves breading, which can be high in sodium.

* Cooking method: Baking is a dry heat method that doesn't require any added fat, while frying uses oil, which adds fat and calories.

However, it's important to consider how the chicken is prepared:

* Baked chicken can be unhealthy: If you bake chicken with excessive amounts of butter, oil, or breading, it can become less healthy.

* Fried chicken can be healthier: Some restaurants offer healthier fried chicken options, such as air-fried chicken or oven-fried chicken, which use less oil.

In general, baked chicken is a healthier choice than fried chicken, but it's always best to pay attention to how it's prepared.

To make baked chicken even healthier, try these tips:

* Use minimal oil: Lightly spray the baking pan or chicken with cooking spray.

* Season with herbs and spices: Instead of relying on salt, use herbs and spices to flavor the chicken.

* Choose skinless chicken: Skinless chicken has less fat.

* Bake chicken until it's cooked through: Make sure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F to ensure safety.