Egyptian Kishk with Chicken
Quick answer
A medium portion of Egyptian Kishk with Chicken (250 g) contains 388 kcal, with 37 g of net carbohydrates and 27.5 g of protein.
- Carbs40 g40.6%
- Protein27.5 g27.9%
- Fat13.8 g31.4%
- Fibre3 g
Percentages of total energy (calories)
How many calories are in kishk?
Egyptian kishk is a winter dish that warms the heart: yoghurt and flour cooked until they become like a thick soup, with broth and chicken, and crispy onions on top. There are 155 calories per 100 g, and a plate (250 g) has about 388 calories, with 28 g of protein.
Does kishk raise blood sugar?
Here we want to be honest: there is no published measurement of kishk's glycemic index, and recipes vary a lot in the ratio of yoghurt to flour, so we will not give you a number of our own.
What we do know is that its available carbohydrate is moderate (about 15 g per 100 g), and that the yoghurt and chicken provide protein, and protein slows the entry of sugar into the blood.
What's good about it
- Relatively high protein from the chicken and yoghurt, so it is filling.
- A hot, warming dish that gives a feeling of fullness with a reasonable number of calories.
- The crispy onions on top are tasty, but they are what adds the fat, so go easy on them.
How to eat it smartly
- You can use low-fat yoghurt and add more chicken.
- Use less fried onion on top, or roast it in the oven instead of frying.
- You can eat it with a green salad instead of white bread.
Lighter alternatives
- Instead of a big plate with bread: a medium plate with a salad.
- Instead of fried onions: oven-roasted onions with a little olive oil.
Nutrition facts
| Nutrient | Per 100 g | Per typical portion (250 g) |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 155 kcal | 387.5 kcal |
| Protein | 11 g | 27.5 g |
| Carbohydrate | 16 g | 40 g |
| Available carbohydrate | 14.8 g | 37 g |
| Sugar | not available | — |
| Fat | 5.5 g | 13.8 g |
| Dietary fibre | 1.2 g | 3 g |
| Glycemic index | Not available | |
| Glycemic load | Not available | |
| Insulin index | not tested | |
The typical portion is approximate, for comparison purposes.
Comparison & smarter alternatives
It has 155 kcal per 100 g, ranking 16 of 65 in Arabic dishes (lowest first).
Frequently asked questions
How many calories are in Egyptian kishk?
155 calories per 100 g, and a plate (250 g) has about 388 calories.
Does kishk raise blood sugar?
There is no published measurement of its glycemic index. It has a moderate amount of carbohydrate, and the protein from the chicken and yoghurt slows absorption.
Is kishk suitable for weight loss?
Yes, as a medium plate, with low-fat yoghurt and fewer fried onions.
What is the difference between Egyptian kishk and Levantine kishk?
The Egyptian one is made from yoghurt and flour with broth and chicken, while the Levantine one is bulgur fermented with yoghurt and dried.
Read also
References & Scientific Sources
- There is no published glycemic index measurement for Egyptian kishk, and the proportions of its ingredients (yoghurt and flour) vary a lot between recipes, so it cannot be calculated accurately with the mixed-meal formula.
- Definition of available carbohydrate and glycemic load: FAO/WHO. Carbohydrates in human nutrition: report of a joint FAO/WHO expert consultation. FAO Food and Nutrition Paper 66. Rome; 1998. www.fao.org/4/w8079e/w8079e00.htm
Medically reviewed by Dr. Wassim Habib | Founder, WiBo Health · 31 October 2026
Disclaimer: This guidance is for nutritional lifestyle orientation and does not constitute a diagnostic medical device under EU Regulation MDR 2017/745.