How many calories are in 800 grams of raw chicken?

November 25, 2025 •

4 min read

According to USDA-based sources, a 100g serving of skinless, boneless raw chicken breast contains approximately 112 calories. This article provides a comprehensive breakdown of how many calories are in 800 grams of raw chicken, factoring in different cuts and the presence of skin.

Quick Summary

The calorie count for 800 grams of raw chicken varies significantly based on the cut and whether the skin is included. Leaner cuts like breast meat have fewer calories than fattier thigh meat, especially when skin is present.

Key Points

Calorie variation by cut: The calorie content of 800 grams of raw chicken is highly dependent on the cut, with skinless breast being the lowest and skin-on thigh the highest.
Skin's impact: Leaving the skin on significantly increases the overall calorie count and fat content of the chicken.
Cooking concentrates calories: The cooking process removes water from the chicken, which increases the calorie density per gram of the final cooked product.
Breast vs. Thigh macros: 800g of raw, skinless chicken breast offers a higher protein-to-fat ratio than the same amount of raw, skinless chicken thigh.
Healthier cooking methods: For calorie control, opt for grilling, baking, poaching, or air frying over frying with excessive oil.
Meal prep benefits: Proper portioning and pairing chicken with other healthy foods are essential for a balanced diet and effective calorie tracking.

Understanding Calorie Differences in Raw Chicken

When calculating the calories in 800 grams of raw chicken, it's crucial to consider the specific cut of meat, as well as whether the skin is attached. The energy content largely depends on the fat-to-protein ratio, which differs substantially between chicken breast (white meat) and chicken thigh (dark meat). Raw chicken contains water, which is lost during cooking, causing the calorie density of the meat to increase when cooked. Therefore, raw calorie counts serve as a baseline for nutritional planning.

Calorie Breakdown by Chicken Cut (800g Raw)

Raw Chicken Breast (Meat Only)

For 800 grams of raw, skinless, and boneless chicken breast, the calorie count is relatively low compared to other cuts. This is because chicken breast is a lean protein source with minimal fat. A standard calculation reveals that 800 grams contains approximately 960 calories. This makes it an ideal option for those focusing on a high-protein, low-fat diet.

Raw Chicken Thigh (Meat Only)

Raw chicken thigh meat contains more fat than breast meat, resulting in a higher calorie density. An 800-gram portion of raw, skinless, boneless chicken thigh contains about 968 calories. While this is only slightly higher than the equivalent breast portion, the difference in macronutrient composition is notable, with thighs offering more fat and slightly less protein.

Raw Chicken Breast with Skin

Including the skin dramatically increases the fat and, consequently, the calorie count. For 800 grams of raw chicken breast with the skin on, the calorie estimate jumps to approximately 1,376 calories. The skin adds a significant amount of fat, altering the overall nutritional profile.

Raw Chicken Thigh with Skin

As the fattiest option, raw chicken thigh with the skin on has the highest calorie count. An 800-gram portion contains an estimated 1,768 calories, primarily due to the high fat content of both the dark meat and the attached skin. This option is less common for individuals strictly monitoring their caloric intake but is prized for its flavor and moisture.

How Cooking Affects Calorie Counts

It is a common misconception that cooking adds calories to chicken. In reality, cooking causes the chicken to lose water, concentrating the remaining nutrients and increasing the calorie density per gram. For example, 100g of raw breast meat (approx. 112 kcal) will have a higher calorie count per 100g after cooking because the weight has been reduced while the calories remain mostly constant. Cooking methods also matter: baking, grilling, or boiling add minimal calories, while frying in oil or adding high-calorie sauces will increase the total intake significantly. For accurate tracking, it's best to measure cooked weight and use cooked nutrition data.

Comparison Table: 800g Raw Chicken Calories


Chicken Cut (800g, Raw)	Estimated Calories	Primary Nutrient Difference
Chicken Breast (Skinless)	960	Leanest option, highest protein
Chicken Thigh (Skinless)	968	Higher fat content than breast
Chicken Breast (With Skin)	1,376	Significant increase from added fat
Chicken Thigh (With Skin)	1,768	Highest fat content, highest calories

Macronutrient Breakdown: Protein vs. Fat

Chicken is a fantastic source of high-quality protein, which is essential for building and repairing muscle tissue. Different cuts provide varying amounts of protein and fat. For example, 800g of raw, skinless breast meat contains approximately 180g of protein, with minimal fat. In contrast, 800g of raw, skinless thigh meat contains around 157g of protein but features a higher fat content at 33g. This difference in macro composition can influence meal planning for those with specific fitness goals.

Conclusion: Choosing the Right Cut for Your Goals

The number of calories in 800 grams of raw chicken depends heavily on the specific cut and preparation. For a lean, high-protein meal, skinless chicken breast is the clear winner with the lowest calorie count. If flavor and moisture are higher priorities and you have more caloric flexibility, skin-on chicken thigh offers a richer experience. For calorie-conscious cooks, understanding these distinctions is key to building balanced and nutritious meals. Always cook chicken thoroughly to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for food safety.

Beyond Calories: A Balanced Diet

While calorie counting is a useful tool, a healthy diet involves much more than just a single macronutrient. Chicken, when part of a balanced diet that includes a variety of protein sources, vegetables, and healthy fats, offers a wide range of benefits. Including other protein sources like fish, eggs, and plant-based options can help ensure a diverse intake of essential nutrients.

Lists for Calorie-Conscious Cooking

Healthy Cooking Methods for Chicken

Grilling: Requires minimal added oil and provides a smoky flavor.
Baking: A simple, hands-off method for evenly cooked chicken.
Poaching: Gently cooks chicken in liquid, keeping it moist and low-calorie.
Air Frying: Uses hot air to create a crispy texture with less oil than traditional frying.
Boiling: Ideal for preparing shredded chicken for salads and soups.

How to Flavor Chicken Without Adding Many Calories

Use fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, and oregano.
Season with spices such as paprika, cumin, and garlic powder.
Add marinades made from citrus juices and low-sodium soy sauce.
Incorporate fresh vegetables like onions and peppers while cooking.
Finish with a squeeze of lemon or lime juice for brightness.

Key Considerations for Meal Prep

Choose skinless cuts to minimize saturated fat.
Separate your raw and cooked meats to prevent cross-contamination.
Portion out your chicken after cooking to accurately track your macros.
Pair your chicken with high-fiber vegetables and complex carbs for a balanced meal.

A Final Word

Ultimately, knowing how many calories are in 800 grams of raw chicken is the first step towards informed cooking and eating. Whether you choose breast or thigh, with or without the skin, prioritizing a healthy cooking method and incorporating varied, whole foods will lead to a more balanced and sustainable approach to nutrition. Eating chicken daily is fine, but moderation and variety are key to optimal health.

Frequently Asked Questions

There is a notable difference in calories; 800g of raw, skinless chicken breast contains about 960 calories, while 800g of raw, skinless chicken thigh contains slightly more, at approximately 968 calories.

Yes, removing the skin from chicken substantially reduces the calorie and fat content. For example, 800g of raw skin-on breast has 1,376 calories, while the skinless version has only 960 calories.

The calorie count per serving does not change, but the calorie density per gram increases. As raw chicken cooks and loses water, its weight decreases, meaning a 100g portion of cooked chicken will be more calorie-dense than 100g of raw chicken.

Both dark and white meat chicken are healthy protein sources. While dark meat has more fat and slightly more calories, it can still be part of a balanced diet. Choosing skinless cuts is the primary factor in reducing fat content for both types of meat.

To keep calories low, opt for cooking methods that require minimal added fat, such as grilling, baking, poaching, or steaming. Avoid deep frying or using high-calorie sauces and marinades.

The amount of protein varies by cut. For 800g of raw, skinless breast meat, you get approximately 180g of protein, whereas 800g of raw, skinless thigh meat provides around 157g of protein.

No, it is not safe to assume this. Due to water loss during cooking, the caloric content per gram changes. For accurate tracking, you should always reference nutritional data for cooked chicken if you are measuring cooked portions.