How many calories are in Kirkwood chicken thighs?

January 3, 2026 •

3 min read

According to nutritional data, a 4-ounce serving of Kirkwood boneless, skinless chicken thighs contains 130 calories. This calorie count can change significantly depending on whether the skin is left on, which can increase the fat and calorie content. Understanding these differences is key for anyone tracking their intake and wondering exactly how many calories are in Kirkwood chicken thighs.

Quick Summary

This article details the calorie and macronutrient content of Kirkwood chicken thighs, differentiating between boneless, skinless and bone-in, skin-on options. It provides comparative nutritional information, factors influencing calorie count, and healthy preparation methods for balanced meals.

Key Points

Calorie Variation: The number of calories in Kirkwood chicken thighs depends heavily on whether the skin is left on and if the bone is included.
Boneless, Skinless Option: A 4-ounce serving of Kirkwood boneless, skinless chicken thighs contains approximately 130-140 calories, making it the leaner choice.
Bone-in, Skin-on Option: For a richer flavor, a 4-ounce edible portion of bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs has a higher calorie count, around 230-250 calories.
Cooking Method Impact: Preparation methods like frying add substantial calories, whereas baking, grilling, and air-frying add minimal extra fat.
Healthy Preparation: To reduce calorie and fat intake, always remove the skin and trim excess fat, and opt for dry heat cooking methods.

Kirkwood Chicken Thighs: Calorie Count by Preparation

When calculating the calories in Kirkwood chicken thighs, it's crucial to consider the cut and preparation method. The primary differences lie between boneless, skinless thighs and bone-in, skin-on thighs, as the fat content from the skin dramatically increases the overall calories.

Boneless, Skinless Chicken Thighs

The leanest option, boneless, skinless chicken thighs offer a high-protein, moderate-fat profile. A standard 4-ounce serving is typically around 130 to 140 calories. This makes them an excellent choice for a wide range of recipes, from stir-fries and skewers to baked dishes, where you want to minimize fat without sacrificing flavor. The calorie breakdown for this cut per 4oz serving is roughly:

Calories: 130-140
Protein: 18-19g
Fat: 7-9g
Carbohydrates: 0g

Bone-in, Skin-on Chicken Thighs

For those who prefer a richer flavor and juicier texture, bone-in, skin-on thighs are a popular option. However, the addition of the skin and bone adds a significant amount of fat and, therefore, calories. Nutritional data indicates that a 4-ounce edible portion of this cut can contain around 230 calories. The skin's fat content contributes to this higher number. The approximate calorie and macronutrient breakdown for a 4oz edible portion is:

Calories: 230-250
Protein: 19g
Fat: 17g
Carbohydrates: 0g

Cooking Methods and Their Impact

How you cook your Kirkwood chicken thighs also influences the final calorie count. While the raw nutritional information provides a baseline, adding oils, marinades, or breading can quickly increase the total.

Baking or Roasting: A simple, healthy method that adds minimal calories. Using a small amount of cooking spray or a light coating of olive oil won't drastically alter the nutritional values.
Grilling: Similar to baking, grilling requires minimal added fat and is a great way to maintain a lower calorie meal.
Frying: This method, especially deep-frying, will significantly increase the calorie count due to the absorption of cooking oil. Even pan-frying with generous amounts of oil will add extra calories and fat.
Stewing or Braising: The calorie impact depends on the other ingredients in the sauce. A broth-based sauce will be much lower in calories than a cream-based one.

Comparison Table: Kirkwood Chicken Thighs


Attribute	Boneless, Skinless Thighs (4 oz)	Bone-in, Skin-on Thighs (4 oz edible portion)
Calories	$\approx 130-140$	$\approx 230-250$
Total Fat	$\approx 7-9$ grams	$\approx 17$ grams
Saturated Fat	$\approx 2-3$ grams	$\approx 5$ grams
Protein	$\approx 18-19$ grams	$\approx 19$ grams
Carbohydrates	0 grams	0 grams
Flavor Profile	Milder, versatile	Richer, deeper flavor
Best For	Stir-fries, lean protein meals	Roasting, braising

Making Healthy Choices

To keep your meal as healthy as possible, consider a few simple strategies. Always remove the skin from bone-in thighs before or after cooking to reduce fat content. You can also trim visible excess fat from both types of thighs. Opt for healthier cooking methods like baking, grilling, or air-frying. Pairing the chicken with steamed vegetables or a fresh salad can create a balanced and nutritious meal.

Conclusion

The number of calories in Kirkwood chicken thighs varies based on the cut and how it's prepared. While boneless, skinless thighs are the lower-calorie option at around 130-140 calories per 4oz serving, bone-in, skin-on varieties can be significantly higher, often exceeding 200 calories for the same edible portion. By paying attention to these details and choosing healthier cooking methods, you can easily incorporate Kirkwood chicken thighs into a balanced diet without compromising on flavor or your health goals. For further information on general chicken nutrition, you can consult reliable sources on diet and nutrition, such as the USDA FoodData Central database.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, Kirkwood boneless, skinless chicken thighs are relatively low in fat compared to other cuts, containing around 7-9 grams of total fat per 4-ounce serving, with minimal saturated fat.

Chicken breast is generally leaner and lower in calories than chicken thighs. A 4-ounce serving of chicken breast typically has fewer calories than the 130-140 calories found in a comparable serving of boneless, skinless chicken thigh.

No, the freezing process does not affect the inherent calorie or nutritional content of the chicken thighs. Any nutritional information remains the same once thawed and cooked.

A 4-ounce serving of boneless, skinless Kirkwood chicken thighs provides a good source of protein, with approximately 18-19 grams per serving.

Kirkwood offers 'All Natural' chicken thighs, which typically means minimal processing and no artificial ingredients. Added calories only come from external ingredients during cooking, not from the raw product itself.

To reduce the calorie count, simply remove the skin before or after cooking. The skin holds most of the fat and calories, so its removal will make the dish significantly leaner.

Yes, the calorie count is based on the weight of the serving, typically 4 ounces. A larger or smaller individual thigh will have a proportionally higher or lower calorie count based on its size.