Chicken Tenderloin vs Ground Beef
Side-by-side macro comparison. Chicken Tenderloin vs Ground Beef per their standard serving sizes.
Chicken Tenderloin
per 100g cooked
Macro Comparison Table
| Macro | Chicken Tenderloin | Ground Beef | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Calories | 153 cal | 254 cal | -40% Chicken |
| Protein | 30g | 26g | +15% Chicken |
| Carbs | 0g | 0g | 0% Chicken |
| Fat | 3g | 17g | -82% Chicken |
Differences shown relative to Chicken Tenderloin. Positive = Chicken Tenderloin has more.
Quick Take
Chicken Tenderloin delivers 153 calories per serving with 30g protein, 0g carbs, and 3g fat. Ground Beef delivers 254 calories with 26g protein, 0g carbs, and 17g fat. The most meaningful difference: Chicken Tenderloin saves 101 calories per serving — meaningful over a week of meals. Both deliver similar protein density.
When to Pick Each
For Cutting / Weight Loss
When cutting on a tight calorie budget, Chicken Tenderloin gives you 101 more calories of headroom per serving — that's room for an extra snack, more vegetables, or a higher-protein second portion. If protein density matters more (which it does for preserving muscle on a deficit), Chicken Tenderloin delivers more grams of protein per calorie consumed.
For Bulking / Muscle Gain
For muscle gain, you want calories AND protein. Ground Beef brings 254 calories — useful when you're chasing a surplus and struggling to eat enough. Chicken Tenderloin delivers 30g of protein per serving, which directly feeds muscle protein synthesis. The best pick depends on whether you need more total calories or more usable protein.
For Keto / Low-Carb
Both Chicken Tenderloin and Ground Beef are keto-friendly with under 10g carbs per serving.
Frequently Asked
Which has more protein, Chicken Tenderloin or Ground Beef?
Chicken Tenderloin has more protein: 30g vs 26g per serving. That's a difference of 4g.
Which has fewer calories, Chicken Tenderloin or Ground Beef?
Chicken Tenderloin has 153 calories per serving vs 254 calories in Ground Beef — a difference of 101 calories.
Is Chicken Tenderloin or Ground Beef better for keto?
Ground Beef is the better keto choice at 0g carbs per serving vs 0g carbs in Chicken Tenderloin.
Is Chicken Tenderloin or Ground Beef better for weight loss?
For weight loss, Chicken Tenderloin gives you more calorie flexibility (101 cal less per serving). For preserving muscle during a deficit, Chicken Tenderloin delivers more protein per calorie. Most people on cuts benefit from Chicken Tenderloin.
Which Is Better for Your Goal?
🔥 Weight Loss
Chicken Tenderloin
Higher protein-to-calorie density + lower absolute fat = more satiety per calorie.
💪 Muscle Gain
Chicken Tenderloin
Higher absolute protein per serving better supports muscle protein synthesis.
🥑 Low-Carb / Keto
tie
Lower carbohydrate content fits keto and low-carb macros without burning your carb budget.
Both fit most balanced diets. These verdicts reflect macro-only comparisons — taste, satiety, cost, and personal preference also matter.
Find Your Personal Macros
The "right" food depends on your individual macro targets. Calculate yours in 60 seconds:
→ Calculate My Macros (Free)Related Comparisons
Other ways Chicken Tenderloin and Ground Beef stack up:
Full Chicken Tenderloin guide • Full Ground Beef guide • All comparisons