How Many Calories Are in 50 Grams of Cooked Chicken?

October 27, 2025 •

3 min read

According to nutritional databases, 50 grams of plain cooked chicken breast contains approximately 82-83 calories. The exact number of calories in 50 grams of cooked chicken varies significantly depending on the cut of meat and the cooking method used. Understanding these variations is key for accurate calorie counting and achieving your dietary targets.

Quick Summary

The calorie count for 50 grams of cooked chicken depends on the specific cut, such as breast or thigh, and the preparation method. Lean cuts like plain breast are lower in calories, while fattier cuts or fried preparations have more.

Key Points

Low-Calorie Option: 50 grams of plain, cooked chicken breast contains approximately 82-83 calories.
Fat Content Matters: Fattier cuts like chicken thigh and wings have a higher calorie count per 50g due to their increased fat content.
Cooking Method Impact: Preparation methods significantly alter calorie intake; frying adds calories from oil, while grilling or poaching adds very few.
High in Protein: All cuts of cooked chicken are excellent sources of protein, making a 50g serving a good boost for muscle and satiety.
Versatile Nutrient Source: Chicken can fit into various diets, but choosing the right cut and cooking style is important for managing fat and calorie goals.
Skin Adds Calories: Leaving the skin on chicken, particularly wings and thighs, increases the fat and calorie content compared to skinless options.

Calorie Breakdown by Chicken Cut

The number of calories in 50 grams of cooked chicken is not a single, fixed value. It's influenced heavily by the specific cut of meat, since different parts of the chicken have varying fat content. For those focused on nutrition, understanding these differences is crucial.

Chicken Breast

Often considered the leanest cut, cooked chicken breast (meat only, no skin) is a popular choice for those on a high-protein, low-fat diet. A 50-gram portion of plain roasted, grilled, or baked chicken breast typically contains around 82 to 83 calories. This low-calorie count is paired with a high protein content, making it a filling and nutrient-dense option.

Chicken Thigh

Cooked chicken thighs, which include both meat and skin, have a higher fat content and, consequently, a higher calorie count per gram. A 50-gram portion of roasted chicken thigh (meat and skin) contains approximately 116 calories. If the thigh is cooked without the skin, the calorie count will be lower, but still typically higher than breast meat alone due to the intrinsic fat content of the darker meat.

Chicken Wings

When it comes to cooked chicken wings, the calories can be substantially higher. A 50-gram serving of fried, floured chicken wings contains about 161 calories due to the added fat from frying and the skin. Even roasted wings with skin are higher in calories than breast meat, coming in at approximately 127 calories for a 50-gram portion.

Impact of Cooking Method

Beyond the cut of meat, the way chicken is prepared has a major impact on its final calorie count. The addition of cooking oils, breading, and sauces can increase the caloric density of the dish significantly.

Comparison Table: Calories in 50g Cooked Chicken


Chicken Part (Cooked)	Cooking Method	Approximate Calories (50g)
Breast (Meat Only)	Roasted, Grilled, or Baked	~83 calories
Thigh (Meat Only)	Roasted	~90 calories
Thigh (Meat & Skin)	Roasted	~116 calories
Wing (Meat & Skin)	Roasted	~127 calories
Breast (Meat & Skin)	Fried, Floured	~111 calories
Thigh (Meat & Skin)	Fried, Battered	~139 calories
Wing (Meat & Skin)	Fried, Floured	~161 calories

Cooking Methods That Affect Calorie Count

Here is a list outlining how different cooking methods alter the calorie content:

Grilling/Baking: Using minimal oil or fat, these methods keep the calorie count low by relying on the chicken's natural juices. Excess fat from the skin can also be drained away during cooking.
Pan-frying: Frying in oil or butter increases the total fat and calorie content. The amount of oil absorbed by the chicken can vary depending on the type of fat used and cooking time.
Deep-frying: This method, especially when combined with a batter or flour coating, dramatically increases the calorie count. The chicken absorbs a significant amount of the hot oil, raising both the fat and calorie values.
Stir-frying: While generally healthy, stir-frying adds calories from the cooking oil and any sauces. The overall calorie impact is lower than deep-frying but higher than plain grilling.
Poaching/Boiling: Cooking chicken in water or broth is one of the lowest-calorie cooking methods, as no additional fat is required.

Macro-nutrients Beyond Calories

While calories are a key metric, the macronutrient profile (protein, fat, and carbs) provides a more complete picture. Lean chicken cuts like the breast are celebrated for their high protein content and are virtually carbohydrate-free. For instance, 50 grams of roasted chicken breast contains about 16 grams of protein with only 2 grams of fat. In contrast, a 50-gram portion of skin-on chicken thigh is higher in fat, with about 12 grams of protein and 7 grams of fat, and also no carbs. This difference illustrates why the choice of cut is as important as the calorie count for those following specific macro-nutrient targets.

Conclusion: Making Informed Choices

Understanding how many calories are in 50 grams of cooked chicken is essential for anyone tracking their food intake. The caloric value is not static but depends on the cut and cooking method. Lean cuts like breast meat, especially when grilled or roasted, offer a low-calorie, high-protein option. Fattier cuts and methods involving added oil or coatings will increase the calorie count. By considering these factors, you can make more precise and informed decisions that align with your nutritional and fitness goals. For further information on the nutritional content of various foods, consult reliable sources like the USDA's FoodData Central, a valuable tool for detailed food analysis.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, leaving the skin on significantly increases the calorie count of cooked chicken because the skin contains a higher concentration of fat. For example, 50 grams of roasted chicken thigh with skin has about 116 calories, while the same amount of meat-only thigh is closer to 90 calories.

No, 50 grams of cooked chicken is a relatively small portion. For reference, a typical adult serving size is closer to 85-100 grams, or about 3 to 4 ounces. Fifty grams is often used for calorie counting or as a small component of a larger dish.

The protein content in 50 grams of cooked chicken varies by cut but is consistently high. 50g of roasted chicken breast contains about 16 grams of protein, while 50g of roasted thigh contains around 12 grams.

The calorie count for uncooked chicken is different from cooked. When chicken is cooked, it loses water weight, concentrating the nutrients and calories. Therefore, 50 grams of uncooked chicken would have a lower calorie count than 50 grams of cooked chicken of the same cut.

To reduce calories, choose leaner cuts like skinless chicken breast. Cook using low-fat methods such as grilling, poaching, or baking. Avoid frying in excess oil or adding high-calorie sauces and marinades.

Yes, 50 grams of plain chicken breast typically has fewer calories and less fat than the same portion of chicken thigh. This makes chicken breast a more calorie-efficient choice for those focused on weight loss, assuming both are prepared simply without added oils.

Compared to other meats, 50 grams of chicken is often a lean, lower-calorie option, especially breast meat. For instance, a comparable portion of red meat like steak or pork can have a higher fat content and, therefore, more calories. The exact numbers will depend on the cut and preparation of the alternative meat.