Ground Chicken vs Tempeh
Side-by-side macro comparison. Ground Chicken vs Tempeh per their standard serving sizes.
Macro Comparison Table
| Macro | Ground Chicken | Tempeh | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Calories | 189 cal | 195 cal | -3% Ground |
| Protein | 23g | 20g | +15% Ground |
| Carbs | 0g | 8g | -100% Ground |
| Fat | 10g | 11g | -9% Ground |
Differences shown relative to Ground Chicken. Positive = Ground Chicken has more.
Quick Take
Ground Chicken delivers 189 calories per serving with 23g protein, 0g carbs, and 10g fat. Tempeh delivers 195 calories with 20g protein, 8g carbs, and 11g fat. The most meaningful difference: they're within 6 calories per serving, so calorie load is essentially equivalent. Both deliver similar protein density.
When to Pick Each
For Cutting / Weight Loss
When cutting on a tight calorie budget, Ground Chicken gives you 6 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), Ground Chicken delivers more grams of protein per calorie consumed.
For Bulking / Muscle Gain
For muscle gain, you want calories AND protein. Tempeh brings 195 calories — useful when you're chasing a surplus and struggling to eat enough. Ground Chicken delivers 23g 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 Ground Chicken and Tempeh are keto-friendly with under 10g carbs per serving.
Frequently Asked
Which has more protein, Ground Chicken or Tempeh?
Ground Chicken has more protein: 23g vs 20g per serving. That's a difference of 3g.
Which has fewer calories, Ground Chicken or Tempeh?
Ground Chicken has 189 calories per serving vs 195 calories in Tempeh — a difference of 6 calories.
Is Ground Chicken or Tempeh better for keto?
Ground Chicken is the better keto choice at 0g carbs per serving vs 8g carbs in Tempeh.
Is Ground Chicken or Tempeh better for weight loss?
For weight loss, Ground Chicken gives you more calorie flexibility (6 cal less per serving). For preserving muscle during a deficit, Ground Chicken delivers more protein per calorie. Most people on cuts benefit from Ground Chicken.
Which Is Better for Your Goal?
🔥 Weight Loss
Ground Chicken
Higher protein-to-calorie density + lower absolute fat = more satiety per calorie.
💪 Muscle Gain
Ground Chicken
Higher absolute protein per serving better supports muscle protein synthesis.
🥑 Low-Carb / Keto
Ground Chicken
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 Ground Chicken and Tempeh stack up:
Full Ground Chicken guide • Full Tempeh guide • All comparisons