How many calories are in 150g of cooked chicken?

November 26, 2025 •

3 min read

A 100g serving of cooked, skinless chicken breast typically contains 165 calories, but this can change depending on the cut and preparation method. The total count for 150g of cooked chicken therefore varies, making it essential to understand the different factors at play when tracking your intake.

Quick Summary

The calorie count for 150g of cooked chicken is not a single number, as it depends on the specific cut (breast vs. thigh), whether the skin is included, and the cooking method used. The total can range from approximately 226 calories for stewed skinless breast to over 350 calories for a fatty, fried cut.

Key Points

Cut Matters: A 150g cooked, skinless chicken breast has approximately 248 calories, while a skinless thigh of the same weight contains about 269 calories.
Skin Adds Calories: Including the skin dramatically increases the calorie count due to its high fat content; a 150g roasted breast with skin on contains around 296 calories.
Cooking Method is Crucial: Lean cooking methods like grilling or roasting result in lower-calorie totals compared to frying, which adds significant fat and calories.
Restaurant Meals are Variable: Be cautious with restaurant chicken, as hidden oils, sauces, and glazes can substantially increase the calorie count beyond a simple estimation.
Weigh Cooked Weight: The cooked weight of chicken is denser in calories than the raw weight because it has lost moisture. Always use cooked weight for accurate calorie tracking.

Factors influencing the calorie count of cooked chicken

The calorie content of 150g of cooked chicken is not a single, fixed number. Several key variables significantly influence the final value, making it crucial to consider the specifics of your meal for accurate tracking. The most important factors are the cut of the meat, whether or not the skin is consumed, and the cooking method used. A breast, known for being a lean cut, will have a different caloric profile than a fattier thigh. Furthermore, adding fats during cooking, such as frying in oil, will increase the total calories compared to a leaner preparation like poaching or grilling.

Breast vs. Thigh: The lean vs. fat breakdown

Chicken Breast: This cut is widely favored for its high protein and low-fat content. A 150g serving of cooked, skinless, boneless chicken breast is typically a leaner option. For example, a roasted, skinless 150g breast contains around 248 calories. This makes it an excellent choice for those aiming for a high-protein, low-calorie diet.
Chicken Thigh: Darker meat, such as the thigh, has a higher fat content than breast meat, which in turn increases its calorie count. A 150g serving of roasted, skinless, boneless chicken thigh contains approximately 269 calories. The difference is even more pronounced when the skin is left on, as fat is concentrated in the skin.

The impact of skin and cooking method

Beyond the cut, the presence of skin and the way the chicken is cooked are major determinants of the calorie total. Chicken skin is high in fat, and including it in your meal adds a significant number of calories. For example, 150g of roasted chicken breast with skin on can have 296 calories, a notable increase from the skinless version. Cooking methods also vary greatly in their caloric impact. Simple methods like grilling, roasting, or boiling add minimal to no extra calories, while frying in oil or using heavy, creamy sauces can dramatically increase the overall caloric intake.

Calorie Comparison: 150g of Cooked Chicken


Cut and Preparation	Approximate Calories	Protein (g)	Fat (g)
Skinless, Boneless Breast (Roasted)	248	47	5
Skin-on Breast (Roasted)	296	45	12
Skinless, Boneless Thigh (Roasted)	269	37	12
Skinless, Boneless Breast (Stewed)	226	43	5
Skinless, Boneless Breast (Fried)	280	42	11

Conclusion: Making an informed choice

To accurately determine how many calories are in 150g of cooked chicken, you must first identify the specific cut and cooking method. The calorie count can range from the lower end for a lean, skinless breast prepared by boiling or steaming to the higher end for a skin-on thigh that has been fried. For those focused on a lean, high-protein meal, skinless chicken breast is the most calorie-efficient option. Those who prefer the richer flavor and moisture of thigh meat must account for the higher fat and calorie content. By paying attention to these details, you can ensure your calorie tracking is as precise as possible, helping you meet your dietary goals. Understanding this variability allows for more flexible and informed meal planning, accommodating both weight loss goals and muscle-building diets. To find more in-depth nutritional data on various food items, check the official FoodData Central database from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA).

Cooking methods and their caloric impact

Boiling/Steaming: This is one of the lowest-calorie cooking methods, as no additional fats are required. The chicken retains its natural moisture without added oils.
Grilling/Roasting: These methods use dry heat and can be done with minimal to no oil, keeping the calorie count low, especially for skinless cuts. Excess fat will drip away during the cooking process.
Pan-frying: Depending on the amount of oil used, pan-frying can add a significant number of calories. The chicken also absorbs some of the cooking fat, increasing the total fat and calorie count.
Deep-frying: This method submerges the chicken in hot oil, leading to a large increase in both fat and calories. This is the highest-calorie cooking method for chicken.
Stir-frying: While not as high in calories as deep-frying, stir-frying involves using oil. The total calories depend on the amount and type of oil used and any added sauces.

Navigating restaurant chicken

When eating out, it's particularly difficult to know exactly how many calories are in your chicken. Sauces, glazes, and hidden cooking fats can dramatically change the nutrition profile. Always ask about the preparation method and sauces to make the most informed decision. For example, a "grilled" chicken dish might have been marinated in oil-based ingredients or basted with butter during cooking. Opting for plain, simply-prepared options is your safest bet for calorie control.

Frequently Asked Questions

150g of cooked, skinless chicken breast has fewer calories (approx. 248) than 150g of cooked, skinless chicken thigh (approx. 269), due to the breast's lower fat content.

A 150g serving of fried chicken will have a significantly higher calorie count compared to roasted chicken, as it absorbs oil during cooking. For instance, 150g of fried chicken breast can have around 280 calories, but this can vary depending on the batter and oil used.

Raw chicken loses water during cooking, concentrating the calories. Therefore, 150g of cooked chicken will have more calories than 150g of raw chicken, as it contains less water and a higher density of protein and fat.

For weight loss, it is better to eat chicken without the skin. The skin is high in fat, adding a considerable amount of extra calories. Removing the skin keeps the meal leaner and lower in calories.

It is difficult to get a precise number without knowing the cooking method. For an estimate, you could assume a moderately lean preparation, but for accuracy, it's best to track based on the specific cut and method or choose simple cooking techniques.

Adding sauces, marinades, and glazes can substantially increase the total calorie count. Many sauces are high in sugar, fat, or both, which can turn a lean chicken meal into a high-calorie one.

To be most accurate, weigh your chicken after it has been cooked. Then, use a reliable nutrition database, like the USDA's FoodData Central, to find the specific caloric value for your cut and cooking method. Be sure to account for any added fats or sauces.