How many calories are there in 100g of cooked chicken?

January 9, 2026 •

3 min read

According to Healthline, a standard 100-gram (3.5-ounce) serving of plain, boneless, skinless cooked chicken can range from approximately 155 to 203 calories, with the specific number depending heavily on the cut and preparation. This wide range highlights why a general calorie count for 'cooked chicken' can be misleading without considering all the variables.

Quick Summary

The calorie content of 100g of cooked chicken varies significantly by cut and cooking method. Leaner cuts like breast have fewer calories, while fattier parts like thighs contain more. Preparation techniques, such as frying versus boiling, also heavily influence the final calorie count.

Key Points

Cut is Key: The calorie content in 100g of cooked chicken depends heavily on the cut; leaner breast meat has fewer calories than fattier thigh meat.
Cooking Method Matters: Simple cooking methods like grilling or boiling result in lower calorie counts compared to frying with oil or breading.
Skin Adds Calories: Keeping the skin on chicken, even when roasted, significantly increases the calorie and fat content due to the concentrated fat.
Cooked vs. Raw Weight: For accuracy, weigh chicken after cooking, as moisture loss during cooking concentrates the calories per 100g compared to its raw state.
Tailor to Your Goals: Choose leaner cuts like chicken breast for weight management or opt for thighs for more flavor and fat, aligning your choice with your dietary needs.
Versatile Protein Source: Chicken is a nutrient-dense food rich in protein and essential nutrients, making it a valuable part of a balanced diet.

Understanding the Calorie Differences in Cooked Chicken

When tracking nutritional intake, knowing the precise calorie count of your food is essential. For chicken, a popular source of lean protein, this isn't a single fixed number. The amount of fat and, therefore, calories in a 100g serving of cooked chicken varies depending on which part of the bird you eat and how it is prepared. White meat like the breast is leaner, while dark meat from the thigh and leg is fattier and more caloric. This difference is crucial for anyone managing their calorie intake for weight loss, muscle gain, or general health.

The Impact of Chicken Cut on Calorie Count

Different cuts of chicken have distinct calorie profiles. The two most common cuts, breast and thigh, offer a clear contrast. A 100g portion of plain, cooked, skinless chicken breast typically contains around 165 calories. This is because chicken breast is very lean, with a high protein-to-fat ratio. In contrast, a 100g serving of skinless, cooked chicken thigh has approximately 179 to 209 calories due to its higher fat content. This higher fat percentage also makes thigh meat more flavorful and moist, a trade-off many home cooks consider. Other parts like wings and drumsticks also vary, with skin-on variations dramatically increasing the calorie count.

How Cooking Method Influences Calorie Content

Beyond the cut, the method of cooking is a major determinant of the final calorie value. Simple cooking methods that add little to no extra fat, such as boiling, grilling, and roasting without skin, result in the lowest calorie counts. Conversely, techniques that use significant amounts of oil or include breading will substantially increase the caloric density. For example, 100g of plain grilled chicken breast is around 165 calories, but a breaded and fried version could easily exceed 240 calories. Even simply leaving the skin on while roasting adds a considerable amount of fat and calories.

A Comparative Table of 100g Cooked Chicken Calories

To provide a clear picture, here is a breakdown of the typical calorie counts for 100g servings of various cooked chicken parts, based on simple, low-fat cooking methods (like boiling, grilling, or roasting without oil) and skinless preparation unless otherwise noted.


Chicken Cut (Cooked, 100g)	Approx. Calories	Approx. Protein (g)	Approx. Fat (g)
Skinless Breast	165	31	3.6
Skinless Thigh	179–209	25	8.2–11
Skinless Drumstick	155–172	24	5.7
Skinless Wing	203	30.5	8.1
Breast with Skin	~197	~30	~8

Note: These values are averages and can vary based on the specific animal and exact preparation.

The Importance of Weighing Your Food

For the most accurate calorie tracking, especially if you are strictly managing your intake, it is important to weigh the chicken after it has been cooked. As chicken cooks, it loses a significant amount of its water content, which affects its weight. This means 100g of raw chicken will have a different calorie density than 100g of cooked chicken, as the cooked portion is more concentrated in nutrients and calories. This attention to detail ensures your dietary calculations are as precise as possible.

Practical Implications for Diet and Health

For those focused on weight management, understanding these calorie differences allows for smarter choices. Opting for skinless chicken breast over other cuts or fried preparations can make a noticeable difference in daily calorie intake over time. Conversely, individuals seeking a higher fat intake for flavor or specific dietary plans might prefer chicken thighs. Chicken is a nutrient-dense food rich in protein, B vitamins, and other essential minerals, making it a valuable addition to most diets, regardless of the cut. The key is to select the cut and cooking method that best aligns with your personal health and fitness goals. For deeper insights into nutrition data, reputable sources like the National Chicken Council and the USDA provide comprehensive information on chicken's nutritional benefits.

Conclusion

In summary, the calorie count for 100g of cooked chicken is not a single number but rather a range that depends on the cut and preparation method. Skinless breast meat is the leanest option at about 165 calories, while darker, fattier meat like the thigh can be higher. Being mindful of these distinctions empowers you to make informed food choices that support your nutritional and health objectives effectively. Knowing your cuts and cooking methods is the key to mastering your diet while enjoying this versatile protein source.

Frequently Asked Questions

When cooked without the skin, 100g of chicken thigh is more caloric than 100g of chicken breast. A skinless, cooked chicken breast is around 165 calories, while a skinless, cooked chicken thigh can range from 179 to 209 calories due to its higher fat content.

Yes, frying chicken adds a significant number of calories. For example, a 100g portion of plain, cooked chicken breast is about 165 calories, but a batter-fried breast of the same weight is considerably higher, potentially over 240 calories, as the meat absorbs oil.

Cooking increases the calorie density per 100g because the chicken loses water weight during the cooking process. As the moisture evaporates, the protein and fat content becomes more concentrated in the finished product.

For 100g of cooked chicken with the skin on, the calorie count is significantly higher due to the fat in the skin. For example, roasted chicken breast with skin has approximately 197 calories per 100g, compared to 165 calories without the skin.

To reduce the calories, choose leaner cuts like breast meat, remove the skin before cooking, and opt for low-fat cooking methods such as grilling, baking, boiling, or steaming instead of frying.

Yes, chicken breast is an excellent protein source for weight loss. It is high in protein and low in calories, which helps increase feelings of fullness and supports muscle maintenance while in a calorie deficit.

Cooking primarily affects the fat and moisture content of chicken. Frying increases fat, while boiling and grilling do not. The protein content remains largely stable during standard cooking, though some nutrients may be lost with high heat.