How Many Calories Are in One Whole Chicken Thigh?

October 30, 2025 •

3 min read

According to Healthline, a cooked skinless, boneless chicken thigh (111g) has approximately 195 calories. The total calorie count for a whole chicken thigh, however, depends on key factors like the presence of skin and the cooking method. This article explores the precise nutritional details to help you make informed choices about your meals.

Quick Summary

This guide provides an in-depth breakdown of the calorie content of a whole chicken thigh, covering variations with and without skin, and how preparation methods influence the final nutritional value.

Key Points

Calorie variation: A single cooked, skinless, boneless chicken thigh (approx. 111g) contains around 195 calories, but this can increase significantly with the skin left on.
The skin factor: The skin adds a considerable amount of fat and calories; removing it is an easy way to make the meal healthier.
Cooking method matters: Frying adds the most calories, while baking, grilling, and air frying are low-calorie options.
Nutrient-dense dark meat: Thighs are a great source of protein and contain higher amounts of essential minerals like iron and zinc compared to white meat.
Flavor vs. fat: Chicken thighs offer a richer flavor due to their higher fat content, while chicken breasts are leaner but less flavorful.
Healthy preparation: To keep calories low, opt for skinless thighs and cooking methods that don't require added oil, such as grilling or baking.
Budget-friendly protein: Chicken thighs are a more affordable and versatile source of protein than chicken breasts.

Calorie Breakdown: Skin-on vs. Skinless

One of the most significant factors affecting the calorie count of a chicken thigh is whether you cook and eat it with the skin on or not. Chicken skin, rich in fat, dramatically increases the total calories of the serving. For those focused on weight management or reducing fat intake, removing the skin is a simple and effective way to lower calorie consumption.

The Impact of Cooking Methods on Calories

Beyond the skin, how you prepare your chicken thigh also plays a crucial role in its caloric value. Frying, for example, adds a considerable amount of extra fat and calories, while methods like grilling, baking, or air frying keep the calorie count much lower by relying on the chicken's natural fat. Adding sauces, marinades, or breading can also contribute to the overall calorie and fat content. For a healthier meal, opt for dry rubs with herbs and spices instead of heavy sauces or oily marinades.

Nutrient Profile of a Chicken Thigh

While thighs are known for their delicious flavor and juiciness, they also offer significant nutritional benefits. They are an excellent source of high-quality protein, which is essential for building and repairing muscle tissue. Dark meat also contains higher levels of certain vitamins and minerals, such as iron, zinc, and B vitamins, particularly vitamin B12. Iron is crucial for healthy blood, while zinc is important for immune function.

Chicken Thigh vs. Chicken Breast: A Comparison

Choosing between chicken thighs and breasts often comes down to a trade-off between leanness and flavor. Chicken breast is a leaner cut, offering fewer calories and fat but slightly less flavor. Thighs, with their higher fat content, are more succulent and flavorful. A 100-gram serving of cooked skinless chicken breast has around 165 calories, compared to approximately 209 calories for a similar-sized chicken thigh. The best choice depends on your dietary goals and personal taste preferences. If you're focusing on maximum protein with minimum fat, breast is a good option. For a more satisfying, flavorful, and budget-friendly meal, thighs are an excellent alternative.

The Versatility of Chicken Thighs

Chicken thighs are incredibly versatile and can be incorporated into a wide variety of meals. Their robust flavor holds up well to strong spices and different cooking techniques, from slow-cooking stews and casseroles to quick stir-fries and grilling. This makes them a staple for many home cooks. You can use them for everything from a simple baked dinner to more complex recipes, proving that healthy and delicious can go hand in hand.

Cooking Tips to Control Calories

To maintain a healthy calorie count while enjoying chicken thighs, consider these tips:

Remove the skin: This is the quickest way to reduce the fat and calorie content.
Trim excess fat: Even with the skin removed, trimming any visible fat can help further reduce the calorie count.
Use low-fat cooking methods: Opt for grilling, baking, air frying, or poaching instead of frying in oil.
Choose light marinades: Stick to marinades based on citrus juices, vinegar, and herbs rather than heavy, oil-based options.
Pair with vegetables and whole grains: This adds fiber and nutrients while keeping the meal balanced and filling.

Conclusion

Understanding how many calories are in one whole chicken thigh is essential for making informed dietary decisions. A standard cooked, skinless, boneless chicken thigh contains approximately 195 calories, but this can change significantly with the addition of skin and certain cooking methods. While higher in fat and calories than chicken breast, thighs offer a rich flavor and provide valuable nutrients like iron and zinc. By being mindful of preparation techniques, you can easily enjoy this flavorful cut as part of a healthy, balanced diet.

Nutritional Comparison Table


Feature	Skinless Chicken Thigh (cooked, 100g)	Skin-on Chicken Thigh (cooked, 100g)	Skinless Chicken Breast (cooked, 100g)
Calories	~179-209	~250-290	~165
Protein	~25-26g	~25g	~31-32g
Fat	~8-11g	~15-18g	~4g
Saturated Fat	~2-3g	~5-6g	~1g
Flavor	Richer, more succulent	Very rich, more juicy	Lean, milder

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, removing the skin from a chicken thigh significantly reduces its calorie and fat content. Chicken skin is fatty, and eating skinless thighs is a common strategy for those managing their weight.

Both are healthy, but they differ nutritionally. Chicken breasts are leaner and lower in calories, making them ideal for high-protein, low-fat diets. Chicken thighs contain more fat and calories but also more iron and zinc, offering a richer flavor profile.

Frying a chicken thigh can substantially increase its calorie and fat content due to the oil absorbed during cooking. Methods like baking or grilling are healthier alternatives that keep the calorie count lower.

For the same edible portion, the calorie count is similar. However, a bone-in thigh will weigh more before cooking because of the bone, so it's important to compare based on the cooked, edible meat.

Yes, chicken thighs can be part of a balanced diet. To do so, opt for skinless thighs and use healthy cooking methods like grilling or baking instead of frying. They are a great source of protein and flavor.

Healthy cooking methods for chicken thighs include grilling, baking, broiling, or air frying. These methods use less oil and allow the natural fats to render off, reducing the final calorie count.

Chicken thigh meat is darker because it is from a more active part of the bird. The dark color is due to a higher concentration of myoglobin, a protein that carries oxygen to the muscles.

Yes, chicken thighs are an excellent source of high-quality protein, providing all nine essential amino acids needed by the body for muscle maintenance and overall health.