How many calories are in 100 g of skinless chicken thighs?

December 4, 2025 •

3 min read

According to Healthline, a 100 g serving of cooked, skinless chicken thigh contains approximately 179 calories. This makes it a flavorful and versatile option for many dietary plans, offering a balance of protein and fat, which is key for energy and satiety.

Quick Summary

The exact calorie count for 100g of skinless chicken thighs depends on the cooking method, but it generally falls between 164 and 179 calories. This dark meat cut offers more fat and flavor than chicken breast but remains a great source of high-quality protein and essential nutrients like iron, zinc, and B vitamins. The method of preparation, such as baking, grilling, or frying, significantly impacts the final nutritional profile.

Key Points

Calorie Count: Approximately 179 calories are in 100g of cooked, skinless chicken thighs.
Rich in Protein: A 100g serving provides about 25g of high-quality protein.
Cooking Method Matters: The final calorie and fat content is heavily influenced by preparation, with baking or grilling being the healthiest options.
Flavorful Alternative: Thighs offer a richer, more succulent flavor than leaner breast meat due to higher fat content.
Nutrient-Dense: They are a good source of essential micronutrients, including iron, zinc, and B vitamins.
More Saturated Fat than Breast: Compared to skinless chicken breast, thighs contain more total and saturated fat.
Budget-Friendly Option: Skinless chicken thighs are often more affordable than chicken breasts.

What are Skinless Chicken Thighs?

Skinless chicken thighs come from the upper leg portion of the chicken and are known as dark meat. The darker color is due to a higher concentration of myoglobin, a protein that carries oxygen to the muscles, as this area is used more frequently than the breast. Unlike the skin-on version, skinless thighs have a significantly lower fat content while retaining their rich flavor, making them a popular choice for those looking for a healthier, yet still juicy, cut of chicken. They are also often more budget-friendly than skinless chicken breasts.

Detailed Nutritional Breakdown per 100g

For a standard 100g (approximately 3.5 oz) portion of cooked, skinless chicken thigh, the nutritional values can vary slightly based on the cooking method, but a general profile is as follows:

Calories: 164-179 calories
Protein: 24-25g
Fat: 7.7-8.2g
Carbohydrates: 0g

Beyond the macronutrients, skinless chicken thighs also offer a range of micronutrients crucial for overall health. These include:

Iron: Supports red blood cell production.
Zinc: Aids in immune function and metabolism.
B Vitamins: Essential for energy production and brain function.
Selenium: A powerful antioxidant.

How Cooking Method Affects Calorie Count

The way you prepare your chicken has a major impact on its final calorie and fat content. This is especially true for thighs, which contain more fat than breast meat to begin with.

Here are some examples of how cooking can influence the nutritional outcome:

Grilling or Baking: These are among the healthiest cooking methods for skinless chicken thighs, as they require little to no added fat. This keeps the calorie count close to the base nutritional value. For instance, a baked thigh would stay around the 179-calorie mark per 100g.
Pan-Frying: Cooking in a pan with added oil will increase the calorie content. The amount added depends on how much oil is used. Frying in batter adds even more calories and fat.
Braised or Stewed: These methods involve simmering the thighs in liquid, which can be a low-calorie way to cook, provided you use a broth or light sauce. However, adding cream-based sauces or high-fat ingredients will increase the total calories.

Comparison Table: Skinless Chicken Thigh vs. Skinless Chicken Breast


Feature	100g Skinless Chicken Thigh (Cooked)	100g Skinless Chicken Breast (Cooked)
Calories	~179 calories	~165 calories
Protein	~25g	~31g
Fat	~8.2g	~3.6g
Flavor Profile	Richer, more succulent	Milder, leaner
Affordability	Generally more affordable	Often pricier
Best for	Braising, stews, grilling	Slicing for salads, stir-fries

Health Benefits of Choosing Skinless Chicken Thighs

While chicken breast is often promoted as the ultimate lean protein, skinless chicken thighs offer a host of health benefits that make them an excellent dietary choice.

High-Quality Protein Source: Like all chicken meat, thighs provide a complete protein, meaning they contain all nine essential amino acids needed for muscle maintenance, tissue repair, and growth.
Nutrient-Dense: Beyond protein, they are a good source of vital micronutrients including iron, zinc, and B vitamins, which are crucial for energy production and immune health.
Improved Flavor and Satiety: The slightly higher fat content in thighs contributes to a richer flavor and more satisfying texture. This can help promote satiety, potentially reducing overall calorie intake throughout the day.
Versatile and Budget-Friendly: Their robust flavor and tender texture make thighs incredibly versatile for a wide range of recipes, from slow-cooked meals to quick grills. They are also typically more budget-friendly than breast meat, making them a great option for meal planning.

Conclusion

In summary, 100 g of cooked, skinless chicken thigh contains approximately 179 calories, along with a healthy dose of protein, vitamins, and minerals. While slightly higher in calories and fat than chicken breast, its rich flavor, affordability, and nutritional density make it a valuable addition to a balanced diet. The key to keeping it a healthy choice lies in the cooking method, favoring options like baking, grilling, or stir-frying with minimal added oil. By understanding its nutritional profile, you can easily incorporate this versatile and delicious cut of chicken into your meals to meet your health goals without sacrificing flavor. For more information on dietary recommendations, consult resources from registered dietitians and nutrition organizations.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, skinless chicken thighs can be a good option for weight loss when consumed in moderation and prepared with low-fat cooking methods like baking or grilling. They provide a high amount of protein which helps with satiety, but they are slightly higher in fat and calories than chicken breast.

A skin-on chicken thigh contains significantly more calories and fat than a skinless one. For example, a roasted skin-on thigh can have over 278 calories per 3-ounce (85g) serving, compared to approximately 164 calories for the skinless version.

Yes, like all chicken meat, skinless chicken thighs are a complete protein, containing all nine essential amino acids that your body cannot produce on its own.

The main reason for the caloric difference is the fat content. Chicken thighs are dark meat with a higher fat content, while chicken breasts are white meat and are much leaner.

Dark meat is not unhealthy, but it does have more fat and calories. The fat in thighs is primarily monounsaturated and polyunsaturated, and when prepared healthily, it can still fit into a balanced diet. The key is mindful preparation and portion control.

To reduce calories, cook skinless chicken thighs using methods like baking, grilling, boiling, or braising with low-sodium broth instead of frying in large amounts of oil. Using herbs and spices for flavor instead of high-fat sauces also helps.

A 100 g serving of cooked, skinless chicken thigh provides approximately 24 to 25 grams of protein, making it an excellent source for muscle maintenance and repair.