How many calories are in a 5 ounce piece of chicken?

November 12, 2025 •

3 min read

According to nutrition data, a 5 ounce serving of cooked, boneless, and skinless chicken breast contains approximately 223 calories. However, this number varies significantly depending on the cut of meat, whether the skin is included, and how the chicken is cooked. Understanding these variables is key for accurate calorie tracking, especially for those with specific health and fitness goals.

Quick Summary

The calorie count for a 5-ounce piece of chicken is not a single number; it depends on the specific cut, like breast versus thigh, and the cooking method, such as baking or frying. This article details the caloric differences based on preparation and cut to provide precise nutritional information.

Key Points

Cut Matters: Boneless, skinless chicken breast is the leanest option for a 5-ounce serving, with the lowest calorie count.
Dark vs. White Meat: Dark meat cuts like chicken thighs and drumsticks contain more fat and therefore have a higher calorie content than breast meat.
Skin Adds Calories: Cooking and eating chicken with the skin on significantly increases the calorie and fat content.
Cooking Method Impacts Total: Frying chicken adds substantial calories from the cooking oil, while baking, grilling, and boiling are much leaner alternatives.
Accurate Tracking Requires Detail: For the most precise calorie count, consider the cut, whether skin is included, and how the chicken is prepared, including any sauces or batters.
Fat Content Varies: Due to the higher fat content in dark meat, a 5-ounce piece of thigh will have a higher fat percentage compared to a 5-ounce piece of breast.

The number of calories in a 5-ounce piece of chicken is a common question, and the answer is surprisingly complex. The total calorie count is influenced by a range of factors, from the cut of the meat to the way it is prepared. For someone tracking their dietary intake, understanding these distinctions is crucial for accuracy. We will explore these different scenarios to provide a clear and comprehensive guide.

The Leanest Option: Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breast

The chicken breast is widely regarded as the leanest cut and is a staple for many fitness enthusiasts and dieters. A 5-ounce (approximately 142g) portion of boneless, skinless, cooked chicken breast contains about 223 calories. The majority of these calories come from protein, with a very small amount from fat, making it a highly efficient source of lean protein for building and maintaining muscle mass. A typical 5-ounce portion can also provide around 45 grams of protein.

Dark Meat Differences: Chicken Thighs and Drumsticks

Unlike the breast, dark meat cuts like chicken thighs and drumsticks contain more fat and therefore have a higher calorie count. This increased fat content also contributes to a richer flavor and moister texture. For a 5-ounce serving of boneless, cooked chicken thigh, you can expect the calorie count to be higher, often reaching around 347 calories. This is because dark meat has more myoglobin, which is responsible for both its darker color and higher fat content compared to white meat.

The Impact of Skin and Cooking Methods

Adding the skin or changing the cooking method significantly alters the final calorie total. Cooking with oil, adding heavy marinades, or frying the chicken will increase the calorie density substantially. For instance, a chicken breast cooked with the skin on will have a higher calorie count than a skinless version. Similarly, a fried chicken thigh will have considerably more calories than a baked one.

Skin-on vs. Skinless: Keeping the skin on adds a significant amount of fat and calories. For example, the skin on a chicken breast alone can add over 100 calories.
Frying vs. Baking: Frying chicken in oil adds extra calories from the added fat. Baking or grilling, which use little to no added oil, are leaner alternatives.
Added Ingredients: The calories from breading, batter, and sauces can add up quickly. A plain baked chicken breast is much lower in calories than a piece that has been coated in flour and fried.

Practical Tips for Calorie Counting

To accurately track the calories in your 5-ounce piece of chicken, consider the following:

Weigh Raw vs. Cooked: The weight of chicken changes during cooking as it loses water and fat. For the most accurate calorie count, weigh the chicken when it's raw. If that's not possible, be aware that a cooked portion will be lighter but more calorie-dense per ounce.
Account for Added Fat: When using oil for cooking, remember to add those calories to your total. A tablespoon of olive oil, for example, contains over 100 calories.
Use Reliable Resources: Referencing nutrition databases from sources like the USDA or reputable health organizations provides the most accurate information.

Comparison Table: 5-Ounce Cooked Chicken Calories


Cut	Preparation	Approximate Calories	Protein (g)	Fat (g)
Chicken Breast	Skinless, boneless, cooked	~223	~45	~5
Chicken Thigh	Skinless, boneless, cooked	~347	~35	~20
Chicken Breast	Skin-on, boneless, cooked	~280-300+	~45	~10-15
Chicken Thigh	Skin-on, boneless, cooked	~400+	~30-35	~30+

Note: Calorie and macronutrient values are approximations and can vary based on the exact preparation and fat content.

Conclusion

Ultimately, knowing how many calories are in a 5 ounce piece of chicken is not a one-size-fits-all answer. It requires paying close attention to the cut of meat, the presence of skin, and the cooking method. The leanest option is a boneless, skinless chicken breast, while fattier cuts like thighs and drumsticks or preparations that include the skin or added fat will increase the calorie count. By understanding these key factors, you can make informed choices to align your chicken consumption with your specific health and dietary goals.

Here is a useful link for further information on nutritional data from Healthline

Frequently Asked Questions

A 5-ounce serving of boneless, skinless, cooked chicken breast contains approximately 223 calories and is a great source of lean protein.

Yes, keeping the skin on a 5-ounce piece of chicken significantly increases the calorie and fat content. The skin on a breast alone can add over 100 extra calories.

A 5-ounce serving of boneless, skinless, cooked chicken thigh contains a higher number of calories compared to breast meat, with estimates ranging around 347 calories.

For the most accurate calorie count, it is best to weigh the chicken in its raw state. Cooked chicken loses water weight, which can make the calorie density per ounce appear higher than it truly is.

Frying adds a substantial amount of calories due to the oil and any batter used. A fried piece of chicken will always be more calorie-dense than a baked, grilled, or boiled version of the same cut.

Dark meat, such as thighs and drumsticks, has a higher fat content than white meat like the breast. This results in dark meat having more calories per ounce than white meat.

Yes, adding sauces, marinades, or glazes can significantly increase the calorie count. These additions often contain added sugars and fats that contribute to the total.