How Many Calories are in 16 oz of Skinless Chicken Thighs?

October 30, 2025 •

3 min read

According to nutrition data, a 16-ounce serving of cooked, roasted, skinless chicken thighs contains approximately 812 calories, providing a significant amount of both protein and fat. For those monitoring their intake, understanding how many calories are in 16 oz of skinless chicken thighs? is key for effective dietary planning.

Quick Summary

A 16-ounce portion of cooked, skinless chicken thighs provides about 812 calories, with a robust protein and moderate fat content. The total caloric and nutritional profile can change based on the specific cooking method used. For the most accurate tracking, it's best to measure the weight of the cooked meat.

Key Points

Calorie Estimation: A 16 oz portion of cooked, skinless chicken thighs contains approximately 812 calories.
Nutrient Breakdown: This serving size provides about 113g of protein and 37g of fat, offering a high-protein, moderate-fat meal.
Cooking Method Matters: The final calorie count is significantly affected by cooking methods; frying adds considerably more calories than grilling or baking.
Measurement for Accuracy: For precise calorie counting, it is best to weigh chicken after cooking, accounting for moisture and fat loss.
Thighs vs. Breast: Skinless chicken thighs have higher calories and fat than chicken breasts due to their dark meat composition.
Nutritional Value: Beyond macros, chicken thighs are a good source of B vitamins, iron, and zinc, supporting overall health.

The Calorie and Macronutrient Breakdown

To answer the question, 'How many calories are in 16 oz of skinless chicken thighs?', we can look at a standard cooking method like roasting. Based on data for a roasted portion, a 16-ounce (453.6g) serving contains approximately 812 calories. This calorie count is predominantly derived from its high protein and moderate fat content, specifically about 113g of protein and 37g of fat for this serving size. This makes skinless chicken thighs a protein-dense food choice, though with a higher fat content than lean cuts like chicken breast.

It is essential to remember that this figure represents cooked chicken. The nutrition facts for raw chicken will differ because the cooking process causes moisture and some fat to render out, concentrating the remaining nutrients and calories per gram. Therefore, for the most accurate tracking, weighing your chicken after it has been cooked is recommended.

Factors Influencing the Final Calorie Count

Several factors can cause the calorie count of skinless chicken thighs to vary. The final number is not static and depends on how the meat is prepared and seasoned. Being mindful of these variables is crucial for anyone on a specific diet or calorie-controlled plan.

Cooking Method: Healthier cooking techniques like grilling, baking, or poaching will keep the calorie count close to the base value. In contrast, frying in oil or battering will significantly increase the total calories and fat due to the added cooking agents.
Brand Variations: Calorie counts can also differ slightly depending on the specific brand of chicken. For example, some search results show variations in the nutritional profile of different store-brand chicken thighs.
Added Ingredients: Marinades, sauces, and spices can add carbohydrates, fats, and sugars, which will contribute to the total calorie count. Opting for low-calorie marinades and seasoning rubs is a simple way to control this.

How to Minimize Calories When Cooking Chicken Thighs

For those looking to enjoy the rich flavor of chicken thighs while keeping calories in check, consider these tips:

Trim Excess Fat: Before cooking, trim any visible excess fat from the thighs. This is a simple step that can reduce the overall fat content.
Use Healthier Oils: If oil is necessary for cooking, use minimal amounts of a healthier option like olive oil or a cooking spray instead of butter or other high-fat alternatives.
Grill or Bake: Stick to low-fat cooking methods. Grilling allows fat to drip away, while baking is a dry-heat method that doesn't require much added oil.
Create Your Own Marinades: Make your own marinades using herbs, spices, and a small amount of vinegar or lemon juice. This avoids the added sugars and fats found in many pre-made sauces.

Nutritional Comparison: Chicken Thighs vs. Other Cuts

While chicken thighs are a flavorful and nutritious option, their calorie and fat content differs from other popular chicken cuts. The table below shows a comparison based on a 100g (approximately 3.5oz) cooked, skinless portion.


Chicken Cut (Skinless, Cooked)	Calories (per 100g)	Protein (per 100g)	Fat (per 100g)
Chicken Thigh	~209 kcal	~26 g	~11 g
Chicken Breast	~165 kcal	~31 g	~3.6 g
Chicken Wing	~203 kcal	~30.5 g	~8.1 g

As the table illustrates, the chicken thigh has a higher fat content than both the breast and the wing, which contributes to its higher calorie count and richer flavor. However, it remains a robust source of protein.

Beyond Calories: A Complete Nutritional Profile

Skinless chicken thighs offer more than just a caloric and macronutrient contribution. Dark meat, such as that from the thigh, is packed with essential nutrients that play a vital role in bodily functions. These include B vitamins, iron, and zinc. The higher fat content in dark meat also provides a more moist and tender texture, which can be beneficial for specific cooking applications and preferences.

Conclusion

So, how many calories are in 16 oz of skinless chicken thighs? Roughly 812 for a roasted portion, but that's only part of the story. The total calories you consume from this popular cut of poultry depend heavily on how you prepare it. By choosing healthier cooking methods like baking or grilling and removing any visible fat, you can enjoy the delicious flavor and nutritional benefits of chicken thighs while keeping your overall fat and calorie intake in check. Understanding the nutritional profile of different chicken cuts empowers you to make informed decisions that align with your dietary goals.

For more detailed nutritional information on various chicken cuts, you can consult resources from reliable health and nutrition websites like Healthline.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, skinless chicken thighs can be a healthy part of a balanced diet. They are a good source of protein and contain essential nutrients like B vitamins, iron, and zinc. Their higher fat content compared to breast meat is what makes them more flavorful and juicy.

The cooking method greatly impacts the calorie count. Grilling, baking, or poaching adds minimal calories. Frying in oil, or coating in breading or sauce, can substantially increase both the calorie and fat content.

For accurate calorie counting, it is better to weigh chicken after it has been cooked. Cooking causes moisture and fat to render out, meaning the weight of the meat decreases while the calories and protein per gram become more concentrated.

For skinless, cooked portions, chicken thighs generally have more calories per gram than chicken breasts because they contain more fat. For example, per 100g, skinless breast has about 165 calories, while a skinless thigh has around 209 calories.

To reduce calories, you can trim all visible fat before cooking, opt for grilling or baking over frying, and use low-calorie seasonings or homemade marinades instead of store-bought sauces. Portion control is also an effective strategy.

Yes, removing the skin significantly reduces the calorie and fat content. Chicken skin is high in fat, and eliminating it before cooking is one of the easiest ways to create a leaner, healthier meal.

Healthy recipes for skinless chicken thighs include lemon-herb roasted thighs, grilled chicken thighs with a vegetable skewer, slow-cooked thighs with spices, or braised thighs in a light, tomato-based sauce. These methods minimize the need for added fats.