How Many Calories Are in 106 Grams of Cooked Chicken?

November 12, 2025 •

3 min read

One hundred six grams of plain, cooked chicken breast contains approximately 175 calories, while the same amount of cooked thigh meat is higher due to its fat content. The total calorie count for 106 grams of cooked chicken can vary significantly depending on the specific cut of meat, whether the skin is included, and the cooking method used.

Quick Summary

The calorie content of 106g of cooked chicken depends on the cut and preparation. Leaner breast meat has fewer calories than fattier thigh meat, while frying or keeping the skin on increases the total.

Key Points

175 Calories in 106g Cooked Breast: Approximately 175 calories are in 106 grams of plain, boneless, skinless, cooked chicken breast.
Thigh Meat Is Higher in Calories: Due to higher fat content, 106 grams of cooked chicken thigh contains more calories, around 190.
Cooking Method Affects Calorie Count: Frying, breading, or adding sauces can significantly increase the total calories absorbed by the chicken.
Skin Adds Calories: Leaving the skin on any cut of chicken will add more calories and fat compared to a skinless portion.
Chicken is High in Protein: Regardless of the cut, chicken is an excellent source of lean protein, which is vital for muscle growth and satiety.

Calorie Breakdown of 106g Cooked Chicken

The calorie content of chicken is primarily determined by its protein and fat composition. Leaner cuts like chicken breast have a different macronutrient profile than fattier cuts such as thighs, which directly impacts the calorie total. To accurately calculate the calories for a 106-gram portion, you can start with the average calorie count per 100 grams for the specific cut and cooking method and then scale it up.

Lean Cuts: Chicken Breast

Chicken breast is widely recognized as the leanest cut of chicken and a popular choice for those monitoring their calorie intake. A standard 100-gram serving of boneless, skinless, cooked chicken breast contains about 165 calories. Therefore, a 106-gram portion would be slightly higher in calories:

Calculation: (165 calories / 100 grams) * 106 grams = 174.9 calories. This is consistent with nutritional databases that list 106 grams of cooked chicken breast at approximately 175 calories.

Dark Meat: Chicken Thighs

In contrast, chicken thighs are a fattier cut of meat, which makes them more flavorful but also higher in calories. A 100-gram serving of boneless, skinless, cooked chicken thigh contains roughly 179 calories. For a 106-gram portion, the calorie count increases accordingly:

Calculation: (179 calories / 100 grams) * 106 grams = 189.74 calories.

How Preparation Method Impacts Calorie Count

The way you prepare your chicken has a major effect on its final calorie and fat content. Cooking methods that use little to no added fat, such as grilling or baking, are the healthiest options, while frying or using glazes adds a significant number of calories.

Common Cooking Methods and Their Effects:

Grilling/Baking: These methods involve little to no added fat and are a good way to keep calories low. The calorie counts mentioned for plain chicken breast and thigh assume this type of preparation.
Frying (with oil): Frying chicken, especially in batter, can drastically increase the calorie count. The chicken absorbs the oil, which is high in fat and calories. For example, a fried chicken thigh has substantially more calories than a baked one.
Skin-on Cooking: Leaving the skin on the chicken, regardless of the cut, adds a considerable amount of fat and calories. For instance, 100 grams of roasted chicken breast with skin has about 197 calories, compared to 165 for the skinless version.

A Visual Comparison of Chicken Cuts

To put the differences into perspective, here is a comparison of the approximate nutritional values for 106 grams of various cooked chicken preparations.


Chicken Cut & Preparation	Calories (approx.)	Protein (g)	Fat (g)
Boneless, Skinless Breast (Plain)	175	32.8	3.8
Boneless, Skinless Thigh (Plain)	190	26.3	8.7
Breast with Skin (Plain)	209	31.8	8.3
Thigh with Skin (Plain)	231	27.5	12.5

Note: These values are based on extrapolating data from 100g averages and will vary slightly based on specific nutrient composition.

Key Nutrients Beyond Calories

While tracking calories is important for weight management, it's also crucial to consider the other nutrients in your food. Chicken is a high-protein source, and different cuts offer varying levels of fat and other micronutrients.

Protein: Chicken is an excellent source of protein, which is essential for building muscle and feeling full. For 106g, a breast provides more protein than a thigh.
Micronutrients: Both breast and thigh meat provide a range of vitamins and minerals, including B vitamins (especially Niacin and B6), iron, and zinc.

For a complete nutritional overview, authoritative sources like the USDA's FoodData Central are indispensable for accurate information regarding specific cuts and preparation methods. To learn more about chicken nutrition, you can consult resources like Healthline's guide: How Many Calories in Chicken? Breast, Thigh, Wing and More.

Conclusion

In summary, 106 grams of cooked chicken contains a variable number of calories, with the precise figure depending heavily on the cut and cooking method. For a lean and lower-calorie option, 106 grams of boneless, skinless chicken breast is the best choice, providing approximately 175 calories. Conversely, a portion of chicken thigh will have a higher calorie count. By understanding these differences and being mindful of how you prepare your chicken, you can effectively manage your calorie and macro intake to align with your health and fitness goals.

Cooking Tips for Calorie Management

Remove the skin: Always remove the skin before cooking to minimize excess fat and calories.
Choose lean methods: Opt for grilling, baking, or boiling over frying.
Control seasonings: Use herbs, spices, and non-stick sprays instead of oil-heavy marinades or glazes.

By following these simple guidelines, you can ensure that your 106-gram serving of chicken is as healthy and nutritious as possible.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, cooking increases the calorie density of chicken because moisture is lost during the cooking process. For instance, a 100g serving of raw chicken breast has fewer calories than a 100g serving of cooked chicken breast.

Chicken breast is leaner and lower in calories than chicken thigh. For every 100 grams, cooked breast meat contains about 165 calories, while thigh meat has around 179 calories, depending on preparation.

Yes, fried chicken is much higher in calories than grilled chicken. Frying involves cooking in oil, which the chicken absorbs, significantly increasing its fat and calorie content.

Approximately 32.8 grams of protein are found in 106 grams of plain, cooked, boneless, skinless chicken breast, based on a typical value of 31 grams per 100 grams.

Yes, chicken skin contains fat and adds a considerable number of calories. A 100g serving of roasted chicken breast with skin can have over 30 more calories than the skinless version.

No, different cuts of chicken have different nutritional profiles. Breast meat is the leanest, while thighs, wings, and drumsticks are progressively higher in fat and calories.

For accurate calorie tracking, you should measure chicken in its cooked form if that's how the nutritional information is presented. A 100g portion of cooked chicken has a higher calorie count than a 100g portion of raw chicken.