Calories in Chicken Thigh: Full Nutrition Breakdown
How many calories are in a chicken thigh? Full nutrition breakdown for skin-on, skinless, bone-in, and boneless with FAQ.
Chicken thighs are a flavorful, affordable dark meat cut that provides an excellent source of protein, iron, and B vitamins. A 3.5 oz serving of cooked skin-on chicken thigh contains approximately 209 calories, while the skinless version comes in at about 177 calories. Their higher fat content compared to chicken breast gives them a richer flavor and more forgiving texture when cooked.
Calories by serving size:
| Serving | Weight | Calories | Protein | Total Fat | Saturated Fat | Cholesterol |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Skin-on, cooked (3.5 oz) | 100 g | 209 kcal | 24 g | 12 g | 3.3 g | 119 mg |
| Skinless, cooked (3.5 oz) | 100 g | 177 kcal | 24 g | 8.4 g | 2.3 g | 115 mg |
| 1 bone-in thigh, skin-on, cooked | ~125 g | 261 kcal | 30 g | 15 g | 4.1 g | 149 mg |
| 1 boneless thigh, skinless, cooked | ~90 g | 159 kcal | 22 g | 7.6 g | 2.1 g | 104 mg |
| Skin-on, raw (3.5 oz) | 100 g | 177 kcal | 17 g | 12 g | 3.2 g | 98 mg |
| Skinless, raw (3.5 oz) | 100 g | 119 kcal | 19 g | 4.3 g | 1.2 g | 94 mg |
Chicken thighs are also a notable source of selenium, phosphorus, zinc, and niacin. Dark meat like thigh contains more iron and zinc than white meat, making it a nutritious option for those who need these minerals.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How do chicken thigh calories compare to chicken breast?
Chicken thighs are higher in calories than chicken breasts due to their greater fat content. A 3.5 oz serving of cooked skinless chicken thigh has about 177 calories and 8.4 grams of fat, while the same serving of skinless chicken breast has roughly 165 calories and 3.6 grams of fat. The protein content is similar at around 24-31 grams per serving.
How many calories does the skin add to a chicken thigh?
Leaving the skin on adds approximately 32 extra calories per 3.5 oz serving, bringing the total from about 177 kcal (skinless) to 209 kcal (skin-on). The skin contributes roughly 3.6 additional grams of fat, most of which is a mix of monounsaturated and saturated fat.
What is the difference between bone-in and boneless chicken thighs?
Nutritionally, bone-in and boneless thighs are very similar per gram of meat since the bone itself has no caloric value. However, bone-in thighs tend to be larger overall, so a single bone-in skin-on thigh at around 125 grams yields about 261 calories. Bone-in thighs also retain more moisture during cooking, which can make them juicier.
Why do chicken thighs have more flavor than chicken breast?
Chicken thighs contain more intramuscular fat than breasts, which contributes directly to their richer, more savory flavor. The higher fat content also makes thighs more forgiving during cooking, as they are less likely to dry out at higher temperatures. This is why many chefs prefer thighs for grilling, braising, and slow-cooking.
How much protein is in a chicken thigh?
A 3.5 oz (100 g) serving of cooked skinless chicken thigh provides approximately 24 grams of protein. A single boneless skinless thigh weighing around 90 grams delivers about 22 grams of protein. This makes chicken thighs a strong protein source comparable to other poultry cuts.
How do chicken thigh calories compare to chicken breast?
How many calories does the skin add to a chicken thigh?
What is the difference between bone-in and boneless chicken thighs?
Why do chicken thighs have more flavor than chicken breast?
How much protein is in a chicken thigh?
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