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How Many Calories Are in 900 Grams of Raw Chicken Thighs?

3 min read

A 100-gram serving of raw chicken thighs can contain anywhere from 135 to over 220 calories depending on the skin and bone content. Understanding exactly how many calories are in 900 grams of raw chicken thighs is crucial for accurate nutritional tracking and meal preparation.

Quick Summary

A detailed analysis of the calorie content and macronutrient breakdown for 900 grams of raw chicken thighs, differentiating between skin-on and skinless varieties.

Key Points

  • Skin Matters: 900g of raw chicken thighs with skin has approximately 1,980-2,250 calories.

  • Leaner Option: 900g of raw skinless chicken thighs has approximately 1,215-1,440 calories.

  • Primary Macronutrient: Skin-on thighs derive most calories from fat (around 69%), while skinless thighs derive most from protein (over 60%).

  • Weigh Raw: For accurate dietary tracking, it is best practice to weigh chicken in its raw state before cooking.

  • Weight Loss: Chicken loses roughly 20-25% of its weight during cooking due to moisture evaporation.

  • Variability: Calorie counts can vary based on the specific cut (bone-in vs. boneless) and the chicken's diet.

In This Article

Calculating Calories in 900 Grams of Raw Chicken Thighs

When preparing meals, especially for specific dietary goals, knowing the nutritional value of raw ingredients is essential. Chicken thighs are a popular choice due to their flavor and juiciness, which comes from their higher fat content compared to chicken breast. The calorie count for 900 grams of raw chicken thighs varies significantly based on whether the skin is included.

Calorie Breakdown: Skin-on vs. Skinless

Raw chicken thighs are typically classified into two main types for nutritional purposes: skin-on and skinless. The skin on chicken thighs contains a significant amount of fat, which dramatically increases the overall calorie count.

  • Raw Chicken Thighs (With Skin): On average, raw chicken thighs with skin contain approximately 220 to 250 calories per 100 grams. Therefore, 900 grams of raw chicken thighs with skin contains roughly 1,980 to 2,250 calories.
  • Raw Chicken Thighs (Skinless): Raw skinless chicken thighs are much leaner, containing approximately 135 to 160 calories per 100 grams. Consequently, 900 grams of raw skinless chicken thighs contains roughly 1,215 to 1,440 calories.

This difference of approximately 700-800 calories highlights the impact of chicken skin on nutritional value.

Nutritional Comparison Table (Per 100g Raw)

To provide a clearer picture, here is a comparison of the typical nutritional facts for 100 grams of raw chicken thigh meat.

Nutrient Skin-on (Approx.) Skinless (Approx.)
Calories 221 kcal 135 kcal
Protein 17 g 25 g
Total Fat 17 g 4 g
Saturated Fat 4.5 g 1.2 g
Cholesterol 98 mg 80 mg

Note: Values are approximate and can vary based on the specific chicken and farming practices.

Macronutrient Ratios in 900g

For 900 grams of raw chicken thighs, the macronutrient distribution (protein and fat, as carbohydrates are negligible) will be as follows:

Skin-on (900g)

  • Total Calories: ~1,989 kcal
  • Protein: ~153 grams
  • Fat: ~153 grams

The calories from fat make up a significantly larger percentage (around 69%) in skin-on thighs.

Skinless (900g)

  • Total Calories: ~1,215 kcal
  • Protein: ~225 grams
  • Fat: ~36 grams

In skinless thighs, calories from protein are predominant (over 60%).

Factors Affecting Calorie Count

It is important to remember that these figures are estimates. Several factors can influence the calorie count of chicken thighs:

  • Bone-in vs. Boneless: Nutritional data is usually provided for the edible portion. If you buy 900 grams of bone-in raw chicken, the actual amount of meat and skin will be less, reducing the total calories compared to 900 grams of boneless product.
  • Cooking Method: While the raw calorie count doesn't change, the effective calorie count in a meal might. For example, grilling allows some fat to render off, while frying in oil adds calories. However, it's generally recommended to track meat using its raw weight for consistency.
  • Water Content: Raw meat contains more water than cooked meat. As chicken cooks, it loses weight (moisture), which concentrates the remaining calories and protein per gram of cooked weight.

Summary and Conclusion

Calculating the calories in 900 grams of raw chicken thighs requires considering the presence of the skin. Skin-on chicken thighs contain significantly more calories and fat than skinless varieties. By weighing raw chicken before cooking, you can ensure the highest accuracy in your nutritional planning. Using raw weight is the most reliable method for dietary tracking because water loss during cooking can be inconsistent. For a 900g portion, expect between 1,215 (skinless) and 2,250 (skin-on) calories.

Frequently Asked Questions

Approximately 1,980 to 2,250 calories. This is because chicken skin is high in fat, which is calorie-dense.

Approximately 1,215 to 1,440 calories. Removing the skin significantly reduces the fat and total calorie content.

The total calories do not change during cooking, but the weight changes. Chicken loses water weight (about 20-25%) when cooked, making the calories more concentrated per gram in the cooked product.

Most nutrition experts recommend weighing chicken raw (before cooking) for the most accurate tracking, as the moisture loss during cooking can be inconsistent.

Skin-on thighs have a much higher fat content, with fat contributing the majority of calories. Skinless thighs have a much higher protein-to-fat ratio.

No, 900 grams (roughly 2 pounds) is typically a quantity for a recipe or meal preparation for multiple servings, not a single serving. A standard single serving of meat is usually 100-150 grams.

Yes, if the 900 grams includes bones, the actual edible portion (meat and skin) will weigh less, meaning the total calorie count for the edible part will be lower than 900 grams of boneless chicken.

References

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Medical Disclaimer

This content is for informational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice.