How many calories are in 1 grilled chicken thigh?

December 6, 2025 •

3 min read

A single grilled chicken thigh can range from roughly 180 to 300 calories, but the specific count hinges on factors such as skin presence and preparation methods. Understanding these variances is key for informed meal planning.

Quick Summary

The calorie content of a grilled chicken thigh varies depending on skin and size. Cooking techniques and added ingredients also impact the final calorie count. This guide delivers a detailed breakdown of the nutritional information.

Key Points

Calorie Variability: The number of calories in a single grilled chicken thigh varies greatly based on size and skin presence.
Skin's Impact: The skin significantly increases calorie and fat content; skinless thighs contain fewer calories.
Preparation Effects: Additional fats from cooking oils and high-sugar marinades can raise the calorie count of a grilled chicken thigh.
Thigh vs. Breast: Grilled chicken thighs generally have more calories and fat than chicken breasts but offer richer flavor.
Accurate Tracking: Weigh the cooked, edible portion of your chicken thigh for precise calorie counting, especially with bone or skin.
Healthier Choices: Trimming fat and using low-calorie marinades, like those with herbs and citrus, can reduce the overall calorie content.

Calorie Breakdown of a Grilled Chicken Thigh

The calorie count for a grilled chicken thigh is not a fixed number, as multiple elements influence it. The major factors are the inclusion or exclusion of the skin and the thigh's size.

Skinless and Boneless

A standard medium-sized, skinless, and boneless grilled chicken thigh offers a lean protein choice. A 116-gram serving contains approximately 208 calories, according to Healthline. About 55% of these calories come from protein, while fat accounts for around 45%. This makes it a protein-rich food, suitable for muscle building or high-protein diets.

Bone-in and Skin-on

Adding the skin significantly raises the fat content, and thus, the calorie count. A medium-sized grilled chicken thigh with the skin on and bone-in can contain between 240 and 300 calories, depending on the weight. This increase is mainly due to the high-fat content in the skin. The skin enhances flavor and keeps the meat moist during grilling, but at the cost of added calories. Removing the skin is an easy method to cut the overall calorie count if weight management is a priority.

Factors Influencing Calorie Count

Besides the basic preparation, other elements can alter the nutritional profile of the grilled chicken thigh. Being aware of these factors assists in tracking intake accurately.

Marinades and Sauces: Seasoning with salt and pepper adds minimal calories. In contrast, using sugary barbecue sauces, oil-based marinades, or creamy dressings can add many extra calories. For example, barbecue-glazed chicken contains more calories than plain grilled chicken.
Cooking Fat: Although grilling is a low-fat method, using oil to prevent sticking increases the calorie count. Even a small amount of olive oil adds calories, so measure carefully.
Thigh Size: The terms "small," "medium," and "large" can vary. Weighing the cooked, edible portion of the chicken thigh is the most precise way to determine its calorie content. A 100-gram serving is a standard reference; however, a larger thigh will contain more calories.
Bone vs. Boneless: Raw, bone-in chicken thighs weigh more because of the inedible bone. To get an accurate calorie count for the meat, weigh the raw, boneless portion or subtract the bone weight after cooking. Cooked meat also weighs less than raw due to moisture loss.

Comparison of Grilled Chicken Cuts

Comparing the calories in a grilled chicken thigh with other chicken parts helps in making informed choices based on dietary goals.


Chicken Cut (per 100g, cooked, skinless)	Approximate Calories	Protein (g)	Fat (g)
Thigh	179	24.8	8.2
Breast	165	31	3.6
Drumstick	155	24.1	5.5
Wing	203	30.5	8.1

The chicken thigh has a higher fat content and slightly more calories per 100g than chicken breast, but fewer than a chicken wing, as shown in the table. Its richer flavor often results from its higher fat content.

Tips for a Healthier Grilled Chicken Thigh

To keep the calorie count in check while still enjoying grilled chicken thighs, consider the following:

Choose skinless and boneless: It's the most straightforward method to reduce calories and fat.
Trim excess fat: Remove visible excess fat from the thigh before cooking.
Use low-calorie marinades: Opt for marinades with vinegar, lemon juice, or yogurt rather than oil-heavy ones. Use a mix of herbs and spices for a rich flavor.
Control portion sizes: A standard serving is approximately 3-4 ounces (85-115 grams) of cooked meat. Measure the portion to stay within calorie goals.
Pair with healthy sides: Serve grilled chicken with a large salad, roasted vegetables, or a side of quinoa instead of heavy, calorie-dense sides. This creates a balanced, nutritious, and filling meal.

Conclusion

The calorie count of 1 grilled chicken thigh is not a fixed value but is influenced by size, skin, and cooking preparation. Expect a count of around 179-208 calories per 100g for a skinless, boneless, cooked thigh, but this can increase significantly with skin or high-calorie marinades. You can easily include this flavorful and protein-rich meat cut in a healthy diet by making mindful preparation and portion choices.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, removing the skin from a grilled chicken thigh noticeably lowers the calorie and fat content. Chicken skin is a concentrated fat source, and opting for a skinless thigh is a simple way to make the meal leaner.

Yes, grilled chicken thighs can be part of a weight loss diet, particularly when prepared skinless and without high-calorie marinades or sauces. They provide a good source of protein, which helps with satiety and muscle maintenance.

Grilled chicken thighs have significantly fewer calories than fried thighs. Frying, particularly deep-frying, adds a lot of oil, which the meat absorbs, greatly increasing the calorie and fat content.

White meat, such as chicken breast, generally has fewer calories and fat than dark meat, such as chicken thighs. Dark meat has a higher fat content, which contributes to its richer flavor.

To get the most precise calorie count, weigh the boneless, skinless portion of your chicken thigh after it's cooked. Then, use a nutrition calculator or app to determine the calories based on that weight.

Yes, marinades and sauces can add extra calories. Sugar-based sauces, like barbecue, and oil-heavy marinades contribute to a higher calorie count. Opt for low-calorie, vinegar, or herb-based marinades to keep calories in check.

The bone itself does not have calories, but its presence means you're eating less edible meat for a given weight compared to a boneless thigh. It's important to weigh only the edible portion to get an accurate calorie count.