How Many Calories Are in 1 KFC Chicken Thigh?

October 21, 2025 •

4 min read

According to nutrition tracking site CalorieKing, one KFC Original Recipe chicken thigh contains approximately 280 calories. This value changes significantly depending on the preparation style and whether the skin is included, so it's important to understand the full nutritional picture. Knowing how many calories are in 1 KFC chicken thigh can help you incorporate it into a balanced diet.

Quick Summary

A KFC chicken thigh's calorie count varies by preparation: Original Recipe has around 280 calories, while the Extra Crispy version is higher at 330 calories. This fried chicken is high in fat and sodium, so mindful consumption is recommended.

Key Points

Original Recipe Thigh: A single KFC Original Recipe chicken thigh contains approximately 280 calories.
Extra Crispy Thigh: An Extra Crispy chicken thigh from KFC has a higher calorie count of around 330.
Kentucky Grilled Thigh: For a significantly lower-calorie option, the Kentucky Grilled chicken thigh has only 150 calories.
Significant Factor: The primary reason for the calorie difference is the deep-frying process and the amount of breading.
Healthier Alternative: Choosing grilled chicken over fried is the most effective way to reduce the calorie, fat, and sodium intake.
Maximizing Health: Pairing your chicken with healthy sides like green beans or a salad instead of fries will help create a more balanced meal.
Mindful Consumption: Moderation and portion control are crucial, as fried fast food, including KFC, is high in fat and sodium.

Calorie Breakdown: Original vs. Extra Crispy vs. Grilled

For most U.S. markets, the nutrition facts for KFC chicken thighs reveal significant differences between preparation methods. The cooking process and breading are the primary factors that cause these variations.

KFC Original Recipe Chicken Thigh Calories

The Original Recipe thigh is known for its blend of 11 herbs and spices, but it’s still a fried chicken product. A standard Original Recipe chicken thigh, bone-in, contains approximately 280 calories. This typically breaks down into:

Total Fat: 19g
Carbohydrates: 8g
Protein: 19g
Sodium: 910mg

KFC Extra Crispy Chicken Thigh Calories

The Extra Crispy thigh has a thicker, more textured breading, which means more oil absorption during the frying process. Consequently, it has a higher calorie and fat content. A single bone-in Extra Crispy chicken thigh contains approximately 330 calories. The macronutrient distribution is as follows:

Total Fat: 23g
Carbohydrates: 9g
Protein: 22g
Sodium: 700mg

KFC Kentucky Grilled Chicken Thigh Calories

For a much lower-calorie option, KFC's Kentucky Grilled chicken thigh is the clear winner. By avoiding the deep fryer, this version drastically reduces the fat and calorie count. One Kentucky Grilled chicken thigh contains only 150 calories. Here's its breakdown:

Total Fat: 9g
Carbohydrates: 0g
Protein: 17g
Sodium: Varies, but generally lower

Comparison: Fried vs. Grilled Chicken Thighs


Nutritional Aspect	KFC Original Recipe Thigh	KFC Extra Crispy Thigh	KFC Kentucky Grilled Thigh
Calories	~280	~330	~150
Total Fat	19g	23g	9g
Protein	19g	22g	17g
Carbohydrates	8g	9g	0g
Sodium	910mg	700mg	Varies

How to Enjoy KFC While Being Calorie-Conscious

Choose grilled over fried: The most significant way to reduce calories is to opt for the Kentucky Grilled chicken, which cuts calories and fat by more than half compared to the fried options.
Remove the skin: For the fried versions, removing the skin and breading will substantially lower the fat and sodium content. This can transform a less healthy meal into a moderate one.
Portion control: Stick to one piece of chicken to keep calorie counts in check. Avoid ordering combination meals that include high-calorie sides and sugary drinks.
Prioritize protein: A chicken thigh, regardless of preparation, is a good source of protein. Focus on the protein content to feel full and satisfied.
Pair with healthier sides: Instead of opting for fries, coleslaw, or macaroni and cheese, choose a house salad with a low-fat dressing or green beans.
Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water with your meal instead of sugary soft drinks, which contain empty calories and can contribute to weight gain.

Nutritional Implications of Different KFC Chicken Cuts

It's also worth noting the difference in nutritional value among various chicken cuts. The calorie content of chicken varies depending on the cut and cooking method. A thigh naturally has more fat and calories than a breast, even before frying. When preparing at home, opting for skinless chicken breast and grilling or baking can be a far healthier alternative.

For those who love the rich flavor of dark meat but want a healthier alternative, the Kentucky Grilled chicken thigh is an excellent compromise. This choice allows you to enjoy the flavor of the dark meat while avoiding the excessive calories and unhealthy fats from deep-frying.

Conclusion

The calorie count for a single KFC chicken thigh can range dramatically depending on the preparation. An Original Recipe fried thigh has approximately 280 calories, the Extra Crispy version has 330 calories, while the Kentucky Grilled thigh comes in at a much lower 150 calories. Choosing the Kentucky Grilled option or removing the skin from a fried piece can help you enjoy KFC in a more health-conscious manner. Pairing your meal with healthier side dishes and controlling your portions are key strategies for incorporating this fast food into a balanced diet. For optimal health, consider baked or grilled chicken at home as a consistent, low-calorie alternative to deep-fried fast food.

Authoritative Resource Link

For the most current nutritional data directly from the source, consider visiting the official KFC nutrition guide, available at kfc.com/nutrition.

Additional Considerations

Beyond calories, it's important to consider the overall nutritional profile, including the high sodium and fat content, especially in the fried options. Fast food is not typically recommended for frequent consumption, and moderation is key for a healthy lifestyle. Enjoying it as an occasional treat is far healthier than making it a dietary staple.

Frequently Asked Questions

A KFC chicken breast generally contains more calories than a thigh. For example, an Original Recipe breast has 390 calories compared to 280 for a thigh, primarily due to the difference in size.

Yes, removing the fried skin and breading from a KFC thigh will significantly reduce the calorie and fat content. Much of the fat and calories are absorbed during the deep-frying process, making the skin the most calorie-dense part.

The Kentucky Grilled chicken thigh is the healthiest chicken option at KFC, with only 150 calories and a much lower fat and sodium content than its fried counterparts.

To burn off the 280 calories from an Original Recipe chicken thigh, you would need to do moderate-intensity exercises. For example, jogging for approximately 40 minutes, cycling for 55 minutes, or swimming laps for 35 minutes could suffice.

The sodium content in a fried KFC chicken thigh is quite high. An Original Recipe thigh contains around 910mg of sodium, which is a significant portion of the recommended daily intake.

Yes, you can eat KFC on a diet, but it requires mindful consumption and portion control. Opting for grilled chicken, eating smaller portions, and choosing healthier sides will help keep you within your calorie goals.

Yes, chicken thighs are naturally higher in fat and calories than chicken breasts because dark meat is more energy-dense. However, preparation method (fried vs. grilled) has a far greater impact on the final calorie count.