How many calories are in 2 pieces of Kentucky Fried Chicken?

October 27, 2025 •

3 min read

According to nutritional data, the number of calories in 2 pieces of Kentucky Fried Chicken can vary dramatically, ranging from around 260 to over 900 depending on the specific cuts and preparation style chosen. A breast and thigh combination, for instance, has a much higher caloric impact than two smaller drumsticks or wings. This article provides a comprehensive breakdown to help you understand the nutritional implications of your order.

Quick Summary

The calorie content of two pieces of KFC varies based on the chicken parts and recipe. Extra Crispy is typically higher in calories than Original Recipe, and larger cuts like breasts and thighs contain more calories than wings and drumsticks. The total can range from approximately 260 to over 900 calories for two pieces.

Key Points

Significant Variation: The calorie count for two pieces of KFC varies widely based on the cut and preparation method.
Extra Crispy is Higher: Extra Crispy chicken typically contains more calories than Original Recipe due to the heavier breading and oil absorption.
Cut Matters: Breasts and thighs are higher in calories than smaller wings and drumsticks.
Easy Calorie Reduction: Removing the skin and breading can significantly decrease the calorie and fat content of your chicken.
Sides Add Up: Side dishes, sauces, and sugary drinks contribute a considerable amount to the total meal calories.

Understanding the Variables in KFC's Calorie Counts

When estimating how many calories are in 2 pieces of Kentucky Fried Chicken, it's crucial to consider several factors that influence the final number. KFC offers different preparation styles, most notably Original Recipe and Extra Crispy, and the specific cuts of chicken (breast, thigh, drumstick, wing) also play a major role due to their varying meat-to-skin ratios and fat content. For the most accurate estimate, you must know exactly which two pieces you are ordering.

The Calorie Breakdown for Original Recipe

The Original Recipe chicken, known for its secret blend of herbs and spices and less heavily breaded coating compared to its Extra Crispy counterpart, offers a starting point for calculation. Here is an approximate breakdown of single-piece calories based on available data:

Original Recipe Chicken Breast (bone-in): ~390 calories
Original Recipe Chicken Thigh: ~280 calories
Original Recipe Chicken Drumstick: ~130 calories
Original Recipe Chicken Wing: ~130 calories

The Calorie Breakdown for Extra Crispy

The Extra Crispy chicken, with its thicker, crunchier breading, is a favorite for many but comes with a higher calorie count. The additional oil absorption during frying contributes to this difference. Approximate single-piece calorie counts for this style are:

Extra Crispy Chicken Breast (bone-in): ~530 calories
Extra Crispy Chicken Thigh: ~330 calories
Extra Crispy Chicken Drumstick: ~170 calories
Extra Crispy Chicken Wing: ~170 calories

Comparison: Original vs. Extra Crispy 2-Piece Combos

To illustrate the potential range, here is a comparison of common two-piece combinations. Your exact total will depend on your specific order, and the calorie counts for a thigh or drumstick combo will be notably different than a breast and thigh.


Combination	Original Recipe (Approx.)	Extra Crispy (Approx.)
2 Drumsticks	260 calories	340 calories
2 Wings	260 calories	340 calories
2 Thighs	560 calories	660 calories
1 Breast + 1 Thigh	670 calories	860 calories
1 Breast + 1 Wing	520 calories	700 calories
1 Breast + 1 Drumstick	520 calories	700 calories

Factors That Affect Your Calorie Count

Your two-piece meal might have other variables influencing the calorie count beyond just the chicken pieces themselves. These include:

Sides: Ordering a 2-piece combo meal with sides like mashed potatoes and gravy (130 calories) or fries (403 calories, Large) can drastically increase the overall meal's calorie count.
Condiments and Sauces: Sauces like KFC Sauce (90 calories) or Honey Mustard (110 calories) add to the total.
Beverages: Sugary drinks can add significant empty calories, whereas opting for water or a diet soda is a simple way to save calories.

Making Healthier Choices

For those watching their caloric intake, a few strategic decisions can significantly lower the impact of a KFC meal:

Remove the Skin: A large portion of the calories and fat are in the fried skin. Removing it can reduce the calorie count substantially.
Choose Leaner Pieces: Opting for two wings or two drumsticks instead of fattier breasts or thighs is a simple way to lower calories.
Go for Grilled Chicken: Where available, Kentucky Grilled Chicken offers a much lower-calorie alternative. A grilled breast is approximately 210 calories, and a grilled drumstick is just 80 calories.
Mindful Side Choices: Choose healthier sides like green beans (25 calories) or forgo them entirely to reduce your intake.

Conclusion

While a definitive answer for how many calories are in 2 pieces of Kentucky Fried Chicken depends on your specific selection, the key takeaway is that the count is not uniform. The combination of chicken cuts (breast, thigh, drumstick, wing) and preparation style (Original Recipe or Extra Crispy) creates a wide caloric range. By understanding these variables and making informed choices, such as opting for leaner pieces or removing the skin, you can enjoy your meal while staying mindful of your dietary goals. For the most up-to-date and specific nutritional information, it is always best to consult the official KFC nutritional guide or a reliable source like MyFoodDiary.

Frequently Asked Questions

Two Original Recipe chicken drumsticks contain approximately 260 calories in total, with each drumstick having around 130 calories.

Two Extra Crispy chicken thighs have an estimated 660 calories combined, with each thigh containing about 330 calories.

Original Recipe is generally the healthier option as it has a thinner breading and, consequently, a lower calorie and fat count than the Extra Crispy version.

You can reduce calories by removing the chicken's skin, choosing leaner cuts like wings or drumsticks, opting for healthier sides like green beans, and drinking water instead of soda.

The lowest calorie two-piece combination would be two Original Recipe wings or two Original Recipe drumsticks, each adding up to roughly 260 calories.

Yes, removing the skin and breading from fried chicken can significantly lower the calorie and fat intake, as a large amount of oil is absorbed there during the frying process.

Kentucky Grilled Chicken is a much lower-calorie alternative. For instance, a grilled chicken breast has about 210 calories, significantly less than an Original Recipe or Extra Crispy breast.