How many calories do 100 grams of chicken contain? A complete guide

November 24, 2025 •

3 min read

Knowing the calorie count of chicken is essential for precise meal planning; 100 grams of skinless chicken breast typically contains around 165 calories. The calorie count varies based on the chicken cut and how it's prepared, impacting daily intake.

Quick Summary

The calories in 100g of chicken depend on the cut and cooking method used. Leaner cuts like skinless breast have fewer calories, while fattier options such as thighs contain more. Cooking processes like frying increase the calorie count.

Key Points

Calorie Variability: The calorie count of 100g of chicken varies by cut, with skinless breast being lowest and wings typically highest.
Cooking Impact: Frying increases chicken's calorie count due to oil absorption, while grilling, baking, or boiling keeps it lower.
Skin's Influence: Removing chicken skin significantly reduces fat and calorie intake.
Protein Source: Chicken is an excellent source of high-quality protein, crucial for muscle building and satiety.
Rich in Nutrients: Chicken provides B vitamins, selenium, and phosphorus, essential for overall health.
Portion Awareness: Accurately track intake by weighing cooked chicken portions, as visual estimates can be inaccurate.

Calorie Content of Various Chicken Cuts

Chicken is a common source of protein in many diets due to its nutritional benefits and versatility. However, the caloric content varies depending on the cut of chicken, including whether the skin is present, and also the cooking method. Here is a detailed look at the calorie content for 100 grams of different cooked, boneless chicken cuts.

Lean Chicken Cuts

Chicken Breast (skinless, boneless): Approximately 165 calories per 100g, with roughly 31g of protein and 3.6g of fat. It is a popular choice for those wanting to reduce their calorie and fat consumption due to it being the leanest cut.
Chicken Drumstick (skinless, boneless): About 155 calories per 100g, containing about 24g of protein and 5.7g of fat. It is a relatively lean option, although it is slightly fattier than breast meat.

Higher Fat Cuts

Chicken Thigh (skinless, boneless): Approximately 179 calories per 100g, with 25g of protein and 8.2g of fat. It has a richer flavor because of the higher fat content.
Chicken Wing (skinless): Provides approximately 203 calories per 100g, with roughly 30.5g of protein and 8.1g of fat. Wings usually have a higher fat content, even without the skin.

Impact of Skin and Preparation Methods

The presence of skin on any chicken cut increases the calorie and fat content. For example, a 100g roasted chicken breast with skin may contain up to 197 calories, which is noticeably more than the 165 calories of the skinless counterpart.

Cooking methods also significantly affect the outcome:

Boiling or Grilling: These methods add minimal extra calories and preserve the chicken's lean profile. A 100g portion of boiled chicken breast is about 165 calories.
Frying: Frying, especially deep-frying, substantially increases the number of calories due to the oil that is absorbed during cooking. Fried chicken wings, for instance, have much more calories than grilled wings.
Sauces and Marinades: Rich sauces, sugary marinades, or breading can quickly transform a low-calorie protein into a high-calorie dish.

Calorie Comparison of Different Chicken Cuts (per 100g, cooked, skinless)


Chicken Cut	Approximate Calories	Protein (g)	Fat (g)
Chicken Breast	165	31	3.6
Chicken Thigh	179	25	8.2
Chicken Drumstick	155	24	5.7
Chicken Wing	203	30.5	8.1

Health Advantages of Eating Chicken

Chicken provides numerous health advantages beyond its calorie content. It is a complete protein source, which means it has all nine essential amino acids the body requires for muscle growth and repair. Including chicken in a diet supports muscle development, especially for active individuals or those aiming for weight loss. The high protein content also promotes satiety, aiding in the management of appetite and portion sizes.

In addition to protein, chicken has essential vitamins and minerals:

B Vitamins: Primarily Niacin (B3) and Vitamin B6, which are critical for energy metabolism and brain function.
Selenium: An essential antioxidant that aids in protecting the body against free radical damage.
Phosphorus: Needed for strong bones and teeth.

Chicken also contributes to heart health. The monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats in chicken, especially in the dark meat, can help lower bad cholesterol when eaten in moderation. Choosing lean cuts such as breast meat and preparing them with healthy cooking methods further enhances these benefits by keeping saturated fat levels low. To learn more about creating balanced meals, view this comprehensive guide on chicken nutrition.

Strategies for Controlling Calories in Chicken

To effectively control your chicken calorie intake, consider these methods:

Select Lean Cuts: Prioritize skinless, boneless chicken breasts, which offer the highest protein-to-calorie ratio.
Remove the Skin: Always cook chicken without the skin to drastically reduce fat and calories.
Use Healthier Cooking Methods: Instead of frying, grill, bake, poach, or steam your chicken.
Watch the Add-ons: Be aware of high-calorie sauces, dressings, and breading, which can add hundreds of calories.
Practice Portion Control: Use a food scale to accurately measure 100-gram portions, since visual estimates can be misleading.

Conclusion

The calories in 100 grams of chicken is not a fixed number and varies based on the specific cut and cooking method used. Skinless, cooked chicken breast is the most calorie-efficient and protein-packed option, at roughly 165 calories. While fattier cuts like thighs and wings offer slightly more calories and flavor, they can still be a healthy component of a balanced diet when prepared carefully. Understanding these differences allows individuals to make more informed food choices, helping them effectively achieve their nutritional and health objectives.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, raw chicken has fewer calories per 100 grams than cooked chicken. Cooking removes water, which concentrates nutrients and calories, so cooked chicken has more calories per 100g.

Chicken breast is generally considered healthier for those focused on low-calorie and low-fat diets, as it is a leaner cut. Chicken thighs have more fat and calories but can still be a nutritious choice, especially for those on low-carb or keto diets.

Yes, chicken, especially skinless breast meat, can be a healthy part of a daily diet. It provides protein and is low in fat, making it a good choice for those watching calorie intake.

Deep-frying and using high-fat ingredients such as butter, oil, or creamy sauces add the most calories. To keep it low-calorie, choose grilling, baking, or poaching.

Approximately 31 grams of high-quality protein are in a 100g serving of cooked, skinless chicken breast.

Dark meat, like chicken thighs and drumsticks, has more calories than light meat such as chicken breast because of its higher fat content.

While there may be minor differences in calorie counts between chicken breeds, the cut of meat, presence of skin, and cooking method are the most important factors affecting calorie content.