How many calories are in 200 grams of uncooked chicken?

November 10, 2025 •

3 min read

The calorie count for 200 grams of uncooked chicken varies significantly depending on the cut and whether the skin is included, ranging from approximately 240 calories for a skinless breast to over 440 calories for a thigh with skin. Understanding these differences is key for anyone trying to manage their calorie intake, as this single protein source offers vastly different nutritional profiles based on the part of the chicken used.

Quick Summary

The calorie content of 200 grams of uncooked chicken depends on the specific cut, with leaner white meat cuts like breast containing fewer calories than fattier dark meat cuts such as thighs and drumsticks. The presence of skin dramatically increases the overall calorie and fat content. Cooking methods also play a major role, as preparing chicken with added fats will further increase the calorie count.

Key Points

Cut Varies Calorie Content: The calorie count in 200g of uncooked chicken differs significantly based on the cut, with breast meat being the leanest and thighs and drumsticks having higher fat content.
Skin Adds Calories: Removing the skin is the easiest way to reduce the calorie count of any chicken cut, as the skin contains a high concentration of fat.
Cooking Method Matters: Healthy cooking methods like boiling, poaching, or steaming add no extra calories, while frying or adding marinades and sauces will increase the overall calorie and fat content.
Raw vs. Cooked Weight: The calorie count per 100 grams is higher in cooked chicken than in raw because cooking removes water weight, concentrating the nutrients and calories.
Chicken Is Nutritious: Regardless of the cut, chicken provides a valuable source of high-quality protein and essential vitamins and minerals that support muscle growth and overall health.
Food Safety First: Always cook chicken to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to prevent foodborne illnesses from bacteria like Salmonella and Campylobacter.

Understanding Chicken Calories by Cut

The most important factor determining the calorie count of uncooked chicken is the specific cut, followed closely by the presence of the skin. Different parts of the chicken have varying ratios of lean muscle to fat, which directly impacts their caloric density. For those focused on a low-calorie or high-protein diet, choosing leaner cuts is a simple way to manage intake.

Chicken Breast: Widely regarded as the leanest cut, a 200-gram serving of raw, skinless, boneless chicken breast contains roughly 240 calories. A skin-on version of the same weight would contain significantly more, around 344 calories, due to the higher fat content in the skin.
Chicken Thigh: As a darker meat cut, a 200-gram serving of raw, skinless chicken thigh contains about 242 calories. With the skin on, this jumps to approximately 442 calories, making it one of the most calorie-dense options.
Chicken Drumstick: A 200-gram portion of raw chicken drumstick with the skin on is about 322 calories, based on 161 calories per 100 grams. Skinless drumsticks would contain substantially fewer calories.
Ground Chicken: The calorie content of ground chicken can vary based on its fat percentage. A raw 200-gram serving can have approximately 286 calories.

The Impact of Cooking on Calorie Count

While the raw calorie content is a starting point, it's the cooking method that ultimately determines the final nutritional value. Cooking chicken can affect its weight and calorie density. As chicken cooks, it loses water weight, meaning 200 grams of cooked chicken will have a higher calorie count than 200 grams of uncooked chicken.

For example, 100 grams of raw, skinless chicken breast has around 112 calories, but after cooking, the same 100 grams of cooked breast contains about 165 calories, as the moisture is removed. This effect is distinct from adding calories through cooking oils or batters, which is another significant factor.

Here’s how different cooking methods impact calorie content:

Healthier Options: Methods like poaching, boiling, and steaming add no extra calories, preserving the lean nature of the meat. Roasting and grilling, if done with minimal oil, also keep calories low. For instance, a 100g serving of boiled chicken breast is about 150 calories.
Higher-Calorie Options: Frying in oil or adding sugary sauces and breading can drastically increase calories. A 100-gram batter-fried chicken breast, for example, can contain around 246 calories or more.

Making Healthier Choices with Chicken

To maximize the health benefits of chicken, focus on leaner cuts and cooking methods that don't add excessive fat. Always remove the skin, which is a major source of extra calories. Proper handling and cooking to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) are also essential to avoid foodborne illnesses like Salmonella and Campylobacter.

Comparing Different Uncooked Chicken Cuts (per 200g)


Chicken Cut (Raw, Skinless)	Approx. Calories	Approx. Protein	Approx. Fat
Chicken Breast	240	45g	5g
Chicken Thigh	242	39g	8g
Chicken Drumstick	322	36g	18g
Ground Chicken (raw)	286	35g	16g

Note: Drumstick calories are based on double the 100g amount, as precise 200g raw data for skinless is less common. Data assumes skin is removed for lean comparison.

Nutrient Density and Versatility

Chicken is a great source of lean protein, which is vital for building and maintaining muscle tissue. It also provides essential vitamins and minerals, including B vitamins, iron, and potassium. Its versatility allows it to be incorporated into a wide variety of healthy meals, from salads and stir-fries to roasted dinners.

Conclusion

The answer to "How many calories are in 200 grams of uncooked chicken?" is not a single number but a range that depends heavily on the specific cut and whether the skin is included. A 200g portion of raw, skinless chicken breast offers a lean, high-protein option at around 240 calories, whereas a skin-on thigh can exceed 400 calories. By choosing lean cuts and healthy cooking methods like grilling or poaching, you can enjoy chicken's nutritional benefits while keeping your calorie intake in check. This knowledge empowers you to make smarter dietary decisions, aligning your meal choices with your health and fitness goals.

For more detailed nutritional information and healthy recipe ideas, check out the resources from reputable health organizations like Healthline: https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/how-many-calories-in-chicken.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, removing the skin significantly reduces the calorie content of uncooked chicken. Chicken skin contains a high amount of fat, which is dense in calories. Skin-on cuts are substantially higher in calories than their skinless counterparts.

Cooked chicken has more calories per gram because the cooking process removes moisture and water content from the meat. This concentrates the remaining nutrients and calories, meaning a 100-gram serving of cooked chicken will be more calorically dense than the same weight of raw chicken.

The lowest-calorie chicken cut is the boneless, skinless chicken breast. A 200-gram portion of raw chicken breast contains approximately 240 calories, making it the leanest and best choice for calorie-conscious diets.

Dark meat chicken, such as thighs and drumsticks, is higher in calories than white meat, like breast meat. Dark meat has a higher fat content, which contributes to its richer flavor but also its higher caloric value.

To keep the calorie count low, opt for cooking methods that don't require added fats. Healthy options include poaching, boiling, steaming, grilling, or roasting with minimal oil. Avoid deep-frying or cooking with heavy sauces and marinades.

Chicken is an excellent source of high-quality protein, which is essential for building and repairing muscle tissue. It also provides important vitamins and minerals, including B vitamins, iron, potassium, and phosphorus.

No, the calorie content of ground chicken can vary depending on the fat percentage. A leaner ground chicken, often made from breast meat, will have fewer calories than a blend that includes fattier parts. A 200-gram serving of raw ground chicken can have around 286 calories, but always check the packaging for specific fat content.