How many calories are in 1 cup of cooked chicken thighs?

November 11, 2025 •

3 min read

According to nutrition data, the calorie count for 1 cup of cooked chicken thighs can vary significantly, ranging from approximately 250 to over 330 calories depending on whether the skin is included. This variation highlights the importance of understanding preparation methods when tracking your nutritional intake for weight management or meal planning.

Quick Summary

The calorie count for one cup of cooked chicken thighs is not a single number; it varies based on factors like the presence of skin and the cooking method. The calorie and fat content changes significantly between skin-on and skinless versions, impacting your overall nutritional intake.

Key Points

Calorie Variation: A single cup of cooked chicken thighs can range from roughly 250 to over 330 calories, with skin-on versions being significantly higher.
Skin Matters: The most significant factor affecting the calorie count is the skin; removing it reduces both the fat and overall calories.
Skinless Nutrition: Skinless, cooked chicken thighs provide about 250–279 calories and are a great source of lean protein.
Skin-On Nutrition: Skin-on, cooked chicken thighs can have 325–331 calories, with much higher fat content.
Cooking Method Impact: Preparation methods like grilling or baking minimize added calories, while frying adds a considerable amount of fat.
Thighs vs. Breast: Chicken thighs are naturally higher in fat and calories but are often more flavorful and moist than chicken breast.
Calorie-Conscious Tips: To reduce calories, remove the skin, choose healthier cooking methods, trim visible fat, and use proper portion control.

The Core Calorie Breakdown: Skinless vs. Skin-On

Determining exactly how many calories are in 1 cup of cooked chicken thighs requires a closer look at the key factors that influence the final number. The most significant of these is the presence of the skin. Dark meat, like chicken thighs, naturally has a higher fat content than white meat, which contributes to its richer flavor and moisture. When you leave the skin on, you are adding a substantial amount of extra fat and, consequently, extra calories.

Calorie Count for Skinless Chicken Thighs

For those watching their fat intake, choosing skinless chicken thighs is the best option. A cup of chopped or diced cooked chicken thigh meat, with the skin removed before cooking, contains a lower calorie count.

Approximate calories: 251–279 calories per cup.
Protein: Offers a significant amount of protein, essential for muscle repair and growth.
Fat: The fat content is lower, primarily consisting of the fat found naturally within the dark meat.

Calorie Count for Skin-On Chicken Thighs

Cooking chicken thighs with the skin on is a popular choice for enhancing flavor and juiciness. However, this comes with a considerable increase in calories and fat. The skin and the layer of fat underneath it add a substantial caloric load.

Approximate calories: 325–331 calories per cup.
Protein: The protein content is slightly lower per gram compared to skinless, as the weight includes the high-fat skin.
Fat: The fat content is significantly higher, often doubling or tripling compared to the skinless version.

The Impact of Cooking Method

Beyond the skin, the cooking method also plays a crucial role in the final calorie count. While roasting or grilling with minimal added oils keeps the count lower, methods involving more fat or batter increase it.

Grilling or Baking: These methods typically use little to no added fat, allowing the natural fat to render off.
Pan-Frying or Deep-Frying: Using oil or butter in a pan or deep-frying in batter will add a considerable number of extra calories from the absorbed fat.
Stewing or Braising: These methods often involve adding liquids, which don't necessarily add a lot of calories unless they contain high-fat ingredients.

Comparison Table: Chicken Thighs vs. Chicken Breast

To put the calorie count of chicken thighs into perspective, it's helpful to compare it with the ever-popular chicken breast. This table contrasts the nutritional values per 100 grams for cooked, skinless meat, as this is the standard for most comparisons.


Feature	Cooked, Skinless Chicken Thigh	Cooked, Skinless Chicken Breast
Approximate Calories (per 100g)	179–209 calories	~165 calories
Protein (per 100g)	24.8–26 g	~31 g
Fat (per 100g)	8.2–11 g	~3.6 g
Flavor	Richer, more succulent	Milder, leaner
Moisture	Higher, less prone to drying out	Can become dry if overcooked

Practical Tips for Calorie-Conscious Cooking

If you love chicken thighs but are mindful of your calorie intake, there are simple ways to enjoy them without derailing your health goals:

Always remove the skin: This is the most effective way to reduce the overall fat and calorie count.
Opt for leaner cooking methods: Choose baking, grilling, broiling, or air-frying over pan-frying or deep-frying.
Trim visible fat: Even after removing the skin, some extra fat can be trimmed from the edges of the thigh.
Use healthy marinades: Instead of heavy, creamy sauces, use marinades based on herbs, spices, and citrus to add flavor without excess calories.
Measure your portions: Use a food scale or measuring cup to accurately track the amount you are consuming, as a 'cup' can be subject to variability.

Conclusion

Understanding how many calories are in 1 cup of cooked chicken thighs is essential for effective meal planning. The primary factor is whether the skin is included, which can add up to 80 calories or more per cup. Other elements, like the cooking method, also play a significant role. While chicken thighs are slightly higher in fat and calories than chicken breast, they are still a highly nutritious source of protein, especially when prepared skinless. By making informed choices about preparation and portion sizes, you can easily incorporate them into a balanced and healthy diet.

This content is for informational purposes only and is not medical advice. Consult a healthcare professional for dietary recommendations.

Frequently Asked Questions

A cup of chopped or diced cooked skinless chicken thigh meat contains approximately 251 to 279 calories. The exact number can vary based on the specific cooking method used, such as roasting or stewing.

Yes, leaving the skin on chicken thighs increases the calorie count significantly. A cup of cooked chicken thigh with the skin on can have between 325 and 331 calories, an increase of about 50 to 80 calories compared to the skinless version.

Both are healthy, but they have different nutritional profiles. Chicken thighs are higher in fat and calories but also more flavorful and moist. Chicken breast is leaner, with fewer calories and less fat per 100 grams, making it a popular choice for weight loss.

The best methods to minimize calories are grilling, baking, or broiling. These methods require little to no added oil, allowing the natural fat to render away. Always remove the skin before cooking for the lowest calorie option.

Pan-frying significantly increases the calorie count of chicken thighs due to the oil or butter used in the process. The chicken meat absorbs some of this fat, adding extra calories.

For maximum calorie reduction, it is best to remove the skin before cooking. This allows some of the natural fat to render off during the cooking process. Removing it afterward still helps but may not eliminate as much of the rendered fat.

Both dark meat (thighs) and white meat (breast) are excellent sources of protein for muscle building. While chicken breast has slightly more protein per gram, both provide sufficient high-quality protein to support muscle growth.