How many calories are in 120g skinless chicken thighs?

November 12, 2025 •

3 min read

According to Healthline, a 100-gram serving of cooked, skinless chicken thigh contains approximately 179 calories. Based on this, a 120g serving of cooked, skinless chicken thighs would contain roughly 215 calories, though the exact value can shift depending on the specific cooking method used.

Quick Summary

A 120g serving of cooked, skinless chicken thighs contains about 215 calories, but this can change based on the preparation. Thighs are higher in fat and calories than breast meat, yet remain a good source of protein.

Key Points

Calorie Count: A 120g serving of cooked, skinless chicken thighs contains an estimated 215 calories.
Cooking Method Matters: Healthy cooking methods like grilling or roasting keep the calorie count low, while frying adds significant calories.
Raw vs. Cooked: The calorie calculation should be based on the cooked weight, as meat loses water and fat during cooking.
Protein Source: Skinless chicken thighs are a great source of complete protein, containing about 25 grams per 100g cooked.
Richer Flavor: The higher fat content in chicken thighs contributes to a richer and more succulent flavor profile compared to leaner chicken breasts.
Budget-Friendly: Chicken thighs are often a more affordable protein source than chicken breasts.
Nutrient Dense: In addition to protein, thighs provide vital micronutrients like iron, zinc, and B vitamins.

Understanding the Calorie Count

When calculating the calories for 120g of skinless chicken thighs, it is crucial to distinguish between the raw and cooked state. Meat loses water and fat during the cooking process, which concentrates the remaining nutrients and calories into a smaller final weight. Therefore, a 120g portion of raw chicken will have a different calorie count than a 120g portion of cooked chicken. For a realistic estimate, it is best to calculate based on the cooked weight, as this is how most people consume it.

Based on data from Healthline, a 100-gram serving of cooked, roasted, skinless, boneless chicken thigh contains about 179 calories. Scaling this up to a 120g portion, you can estimate roughly 215 calories. This figure assumes a standard preparation without added fats. For a raw 120g portion, the calorie count would be slightly lower, closer to 180 calories, as cited in some community health forums referencing USDA data.

How Your Cooking Method Affects the Outcome

The way you prepare your chicken can have a significant impact on its final nutritional value. The addition of fats, sauces, and breading can substantially increase the calorie count, regardless of the initial raw meat's content.

Grilling and Roasting

These are among the healthiest cooking methods for chicken thighs, especially when done on a rack to allow fat to drip away. Minimal added oil, or a non-stick spray, can keep the calorie count low. The calorie count for 120g of grilled or roasted skinless thighs should stay close to the 215-calorie baseline.

Pan-Frying

Pan-frying involves adding oil or butter to a pan, which the chicken can absorb. This will increase the total calorie count. For example, frying in batter can raise the calories significantly compared to grilling.

Braising and Stewing

When braising or stewing, the chicken thigh is cooked in liquid. The overall calorie count will be influenced by the type of liquid and any added ingredients. Using a broth or light sauce will maintain a lower calorie count, while creamy or oil-based sauces will add more calories.

Comparison of Skinless Chicken Thighs and Breasts

Chicken thighs and breasts offer different nutritional profiles that are worth considering based on your dietary goals. Here is a simple comparison based on cooked, skinless, boneless servings:


Nutrient	100g Skinless Chicken Thigh (Cooked)	100g Skinless Chicken Breast (Cooked)
Calories	~179 calories	~165 calories
Protein	~24.8g	~31g
Fat	~8.2g	~3.6g
Flavor	Richer, more succulent	Leaner, milder

As the table shows, chicken thighs have a slightly higher fat content and, therefore, a greater calorie count per 100 grams. This extra fat, however, is what gives thigh meat its signature rich flavor and tenderness, making it a favorite for many home cooks. Thighs are also generally more affordable than chicken breasts, offering a budget-friendly way to enjoy a high-protein meal.

Beyond Calories: A Nutrient-Dense Protein Source

Focusing solely on calories doesn't tell the whole nutritional story. Skinless chicken thighs are packed with essential nutrients that contribute to a healthy diet. They are a great source of complete protein, which is vital for muscle growth and repair. Beyond protein, thighs contain important micronutrients:

Iron: An essential mineral for oxygen transport in the blood.
Zinc: Supports immune function and metabolism.
B Vitamins: Includes niacin, B6, and B12, which are crucial for energy production and brain health.

For those on a ketogenic or low-carb diet, the slightly higher fat content in chicken thighs can be an advantage, helping to meet daily macronutrient targets.

The Role of Weighing and Tracking

For anyone monitoring their calorie intake closely, weighing your meat after cooking is the most accurate method for tracking calories. Since the raw weight changes significantly during cooking, relying on raw weight can lead to underestimating your intake. By weighing your cooked portion, you are measuring the actual food you are consuming, allowing for more precise tracking of your macros.

Conclusion

In summary, a 120g serving of cooked, skinless chicken thighs provides approximately 215 calories, though this can vary with preparation. While slightly higher in fat and calories than chicken breasts, thighs are a nutrient-rich and flavorful protein option that fits perfectly into a balanced diet. By using healthy cooking methods like grilling or roasting and being mindful of portion sizes, you can enjoy all the benefits this versatile meat offers without excess calories. Understanding these nutritional nuances empowers you to make informed food choices that support your overall health and wellness.

Learn more about poultry nutrition by visiting Verywell Health for expert-reviewed articles.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, skinless chicken thighs can be a healthy part of a weight loss diet. While they have slightly more fat and calories than breasts, they are still a great source of protein and their richness can be very satisfying, promoting a feeling of fullness.

Skin-on chicken thighs contain significantly more calories and fat. Leaving the skin on can increase the calorie count by 25% to 30%, making skinless a better option for managing calorie intake.

For the most accurate calorie tracking, you should weigh your chicken after it has been cooked. Cooking causes the meat to lose water weight, so the cooked portion is a smaller, more calorically dense weight than the raw portion.

Based on a 100g cooked portion having 24.8g of protein, a 120g cooked serving would contain approximately 29.8g of protein.

Both dark meat (thighs) and white meat (breast) are nutritious. White meat is leaner with fewer calories, while dark meat is richer in fat, calories, and certain micronutrients like iron and zinc. The healthier choice depends on your specific dietary goals and preferences.

The best low-calorie cooking methods are grilling, baking, and broiling. These techniques require minimal added fat and allow some of the chicken's natural fat to render and drip away.

Yes, chicken thighs are an excellent choice for a keto or low-carb diet. The higher fat content is beneficial for meeting the fat macronutrient requirements of these eating plans.