How Many Calories are in a Chicken Leg and Thigh with Skin?

November 14, 2025 •

3 min read

Did you know that leaving the skin on a chicken leg and thigh can add over 100 calories compared to the skinless version? For those monitoring their intake, understanding how many calories are in a chicken leg and thigh with skin is crucial for meal planning.

Quick Summary

A cooked chicken leg and thigh with skin typically contains over 300 calories, varying by size and preparation method. The skin contributes significant fat and calories, distinguishing dark meat from leaner white meat options. Cooking methods, like frying versus roasting, further impact the final calorie count.

Key Points

Significant Calories: A typical cooked chicken leg and thigh with skin contains over 300 calories, depending on size and preparation.
Skin Adds Fat: The skin is the primary source of extra calories, adding substantial fat content to the dark meat.
Cooking Matters: Cooking methods like roasting or grilling are lower in calories than frying, which adds significant fat from oil.
Dark vs. White Meat: Dark meat (legs and thighs) is naturally higher in fat and calories than white breast meat, even when the skin is removed.
Nutrient-Rich: Despite being higher in fat, dark meat offers high-quality protein, iron, and various B vitamins.
Easy Reduction: You can easily reduce the calorie count by simply removing the skin before eating or cooking.

Understanding the Calorie Breakdown

When calculating the calorie content of chicken, several factors come into play, with the skin and cut of meat being the most significant. Dark meat, which includes the leg and thigh, naturally has a higher fat content than white meat like the breast. The addition of skin dramatically increases this, as the skin is primarily composed of fat. A medium-sized cooked chicken leg and thigh (around 140g) with the skin on contains approximately 305 calories. This figure can fluctuate based on the chicken's size and how it is prepared. For example, a larger piece or a preparation method that adds extra fat will increase the total number. To get the most accurate number for your meal, it's best to consider the weight of the cooked portion.

The Nutritional Profile of Dark Meat with Skin

Beyond just calories, a chicken leg and thigh with skin provides a rich nutritional profile. It is an excellent source of high-quality protein, which is essential for building and repairing muscle tissue. It also contains important vitamins and minerals, including iron, B vitamins (like niacin and B6), zinc, and phosphorus. While the skin adds extra fat, it's worth noting that chicken fat is a source of monounsaturated fat, which can be part of a healthy diet in moderation.

Factors Influencing the Final Calorie Count

Several variables can cause the calorie count of your chicken leg and thigh to vary. Understanding these can help you make more informed decisions about your meal preparation and portion sizes.

Size of the Portion: A larger chicken leg and thigh will naturally have more calories than a smaller one. For example, a 3.5-oz cooked thigh with skin has about 229 calories, while a cooked drumstick of the same size has approximately 216 calories. A full roasted leg can contain significantly more.
Cooking Method: The way you prepare your chicken has a major impact. Frying chicken, especially in batter, can significantly increase the calorie and fat content due to the absorption of oil. Roasting, grilling, or baking without added fats are much healthier options.
Added Ingredients: Sauces, marinades, and breading all add calories. A simple baked chicken will be much lower in calories than one slathered in a sugar-heavy barbecue sauce or coated in flour and fried.
Bone-in vs. Boneless: The calorie count is typically based on the edible portion. A bone-in piece will have a higher total weight but a lower edible weight, so a bone-in chicken leg might seem higher in calories per gram initially but yield less edible meat.

Chicken Legs vs. Chicken Thighs vs. Skinless: A Nutritional Comparison

Understanding the differences between the various cuts of chicken and the impact of skin is key for those watching their calorie intake. Here's a brief look at how they compare:

Chicken Thigh with Skin (Cooked, per 3.5oz/100g): Roughly 229 calories, with a higher fat content.
Chicken Drumstick with Skin (Cooked, per 3.5oz/100g): Around 216 calories, slightly less than a thigh.
Skinless, Boneless Chicken Thigh (Cooked, per 3.5oz/100g): Approximately 179 calories, significantly lower than the skin-on version.
Skinless, Boneless Chicken Breast (Cooked, per 3.5oz/100g): The leanest option, around 165 calories.

How Cooking Method Impacts Calories

The way you cook your chicken is one of the most controllable factors for managing calories. Let's look at a quick comparison.


Cooking Method	Impact on Calorie Count	Best for	Worst for
Roasting/Baking	Minimal added calories (if no oil)	Healthy, lower-calorie preparation	Crispy texture lovers
Grilling	Minimal added calories	Flavor without added fat	Retaining moisture
Pan-Frying	Significant added calories from oil	Fast cooking, crispy skin	Calorie counters
Frying (Deep/Batter)	Drastic increase in calories and fat	Crispy, indulgent meal	Calorie-controlled diet

Conclusion: The Final Calorie Tally

In summary, the calorie content of a chicken leg and thigh with skin is a product of its inherent fat content and preparation. While a single piece can range from 280 to over 300 calories depending on its size and preparation, the most crucial takeaway is that the skin adds a significant amount of fat and calories. By removing the skin, you can reduce the fat and calorie intake while still enjoying the rich flavor and nutritional benefits of dark meat. For those on a calorie-restricted diet, opting for a skinless cut or a healthier cooking method like roasting or grilling can make a substantial difference. Regardless of the choice, chicken remains a versatile and protein-rich staple in many balanced diets.

For more nutritional insights, explore reliable resources like the National Chicken Council's health information page.

Frequently Asked Questions

It can be part of a balanced diet, offering rich protein and nutrients. However, it is higher in fat and calories than skinless chicken, so it is best consumed in moderation, especially if you are monitoring your fat and calorie intake.

Yes, removing the skin significantly reduces the calorie and fat content. For example, a cooked chicken thigh with skin has about 229 calories per 3.5oz, while a skinless one has approximately 179 calories.

To minimize added calories, opt for dry-heat methods like baking, roasting, or grilling instead of frying or pan-frying with excessive oil.

A single roasted chicken leg with skin, which typically includes both the drumstick and thigh, can contain up to 475 calories, depending on its size.

Yes, a cooked drumstick with skin (3.5oz) has around 216 calories, while a cooked thigh with skin (3.5oz) is slightly higher at about 229 calories.

Dark meat, such as legs and thighs, has a higher calorie and fat content than white meat like the breast, which is much leaner.

Frying dramatically increases the calories and fat content due to the added oil and breading. For instance, a fried thigh contains more calories than a plain roasted one.

The percentage can vary, but generally, a significant portion of the calories in chicken leg and thigh with skin comes from fat. For a cooked thigh with skin, it's roughly 45% of calories from fat.