Chicken Tenderloin vs Scallops
Side-by-side macro comparison. Chicken Tenderloin vs Scallops per their standard serving sizes.
Chicken Tenderloin
per 100g cooked
Macro Comparison Table
| Macro | Chicken Tenderloin | Scallops | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Calories | 153 cal | 137 cal | +12% Chicken |
| Protein | 30g | 24g | +25% Chicken |
| Carbs | 0g | 6g | -100% Chicken |
| Fat | 3g | 1.4g | +114% 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. Scallops delivers 137 calories with 24g protein, 6g carbs, and 1.4g fat. The most meaningful difference: they're within 16 calories per serving, so calorie load is essentially equivalent. For protein density per calorie, Chicken Tenderloin wins at 78% of calories from protein.
When to Pick Each
For Cutting / Weight Loss
When cutting on a tight calorie budget, Scallops gives you 16 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. Chicken Tenderloin brings 153 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 Scallops are keto-friendly with under 10g carbs per serving.
Frequently Asked
Which has more protein, Chicken Tenderloin or Scallops?
Chicken Tenderloin has more protein: 30g vs 24g per serving. That's a difference of 6g.
Which has fewer calories, Chicken Tenderloin or Scallops?
Scallops has 137 calories per serving vs 153 calories in Chicken Tenderloin — a difference of 16 calories.
Is Chicken Tenderloin or Scallops better for keto?
Chicken Tenderloin is the better keto choice at 0g carbs per serving vs 6g carbs in Scallops.
Is Chicken Tenderloin or Scallops better for weight loss?
For weight loss, Scallops gives you more calorie flexibility (16 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
Scallops
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
Chicken Tenderloin
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:
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Other ways Chicken Tenderloin and Scallops stack up:
Full Chicken Tenderloin guide • Full Scallops guide • All comparisons