How many calories does 1 PC chicken have?

November 6, 2025 •

3 min read

A 100-gram serving of skinless, boneless chicken breast typically contains 165 calories, but this can change dramatically depending on how it's prepared. Understanding exactly how many calories does 1 PC chicken have requires looking at factors like the cut of meat, the cooking method, and the addition of skin or breading.

Quick Summary

The calorie count for a single piece of chicken is not fixed, as it depends on the specific cut and cooking method. Factors such as whether the piece is breast, thigh, or a drumstick and if it's fried, grilled, or baked, significantly impact the final calorie count.

Key Points

Varies by preparation: The calorie count for one piece of chicken depends heavily on the cut, presence of skin, and cooking method, ranging widely from low-calorie grilled breast to high-calorie fried portions.
Fried chicken is highest in calories: Deep-frying chicken significantly increases its calorie and fat content due to the added oil and breading.
Grilling is a low-calorie option: Grilling or baking skinless chicken breast with minimal oil yields the lowest calorie count, making it a healthier choice.
Skin adds substantial calories: Leaving the skin on a piece of chicken adds a significant amount of extra fat and calories, making it less healthy.
Cut matters: White meat cuts like the breast are leaner and lower in calories than darker, higher-fat cuts like thighs and wings.
Portion control is key: Even with healthy preparation, managing portion size is important for overall calorie management.
Sauces can add hidden calories: Dipping sauces and marinades can increase the calorie count, so be mindful of your additions.

Key Factors Influencing Chicken Calorie Count

The number of calories in a single piece of chicken is not a fixed figure. It is heavily influenced by several key factors, most notably the cut of meat, the presence of skin, and the cooking method used. Different parts of the chicken have different fat and protein contents, and preparation techniques can add significant calories through oil and breading.

The Chicken Cut: Light vs. Dark Meat

Chicken meat is categorized into two main types: light and dark. Light meat, such as the breast, is leaner and contains fewer calories. Dark meat, found in the thighs and drumsticks, has a higher fat content, which makes it more flavorful but also more calorie-dense. A skinless, boneless chicken breast is the lowest-calorie option, while a thigh or a wing will contain more calories due to a higher fat concentration.

The Impact of Skin on Calories

Eating chicken with the skin on significantly increases the calorie count. A cooked chicken breast with skin contains almost 40% more calories from fat compared to its skinless counterpart. The skin adds an additional layer of fat, which, when fried, absorbs even more oil, pushing the calorie count much higher. For a healthier option, removing the skin is highly recommended.

Cooking Method: The Biggest Calorie Differentiator

The way chicken is cooked is one of the most critical determinants of its final calorie content. Healthy methods like grilling, baking, or boiling add minimal to no extra fat, whereas frying involves adding a substantial amount of oil and often a breading, which drastically increases the calories. For instance, a plain grilled chicken breast is significantly lower in calories than a fried, breaded one.

Calorie Comparison: A Detailed Look

To illustrate the calorie differences, here is a comparison table of various chicken pieces based on cooking method and cut.


Chicken Cut & Preparation	Serving Size (approx. 1 piece)	Approximate Calories	Key Difference
Grilled Chicken Breast	1 large boneless, skinless breast (~172g)	284	Leanest option, low fat content
Grilled Chicken Thigh	1 boneless, skinless thigh (~116g)	208	Higher fat than breast, more flavorful
KFC Original Recipe Drumstick	1 piece (~53g)	130	Includes skin and batter, higher sodium
Fried Chicken Breast (Restaurant Style)	1 piece with skin and breading	350-530+	Calorie-dense due to oil and batter
Fried Chicken Wing (Plain)	1 boneless, skinless wing (~21g)	43	Naturally higher fat, but depends on preparation

Practical Tips for Managing Chicken Calorie Intake

For those watching their calorie intake, it is important to be mindful of how you prepare chicken. Opting for leaner cuts and healthier cooking methods can make a significant difference. Here are some tips to help you enjoy chicken without over-consuming calories:

Choose the right cut: Prioritize skinless chicken breast for the lowest calorie count.
Remove the skin: Always remove the skin before cooking to eliminate unnecessary fat and calories.
Use healthy cooking methods: Grill, bake, steam, or air-fry your chicken instead of deep-frying.
Watch the sauces: Many sauces and marinades can add hidden calories and sugar. Use herbs, spices, and lemon juice to add flavor instead.
Control portion sizes: Stick to a 3–4 ounce serving size, which is roughly the size of a deck of cards.

A Concluding Insight

The question of how many calories does 1 PC chicken have is not straightforward, as the answer depends on numerous variables. By being aware of how the cut, skin, and cooking method influence the final calorie count, you can make informed decisions that align with your dietary goals. Opting for leaner cuts and healthier preparations allows you to enjoy chicken as a versatile, high-protein part of a balanced diet, rather than a calorie-laden indulgence. For more detailed nutritional breakdowns, resources like Healthline provide in-depth information on specific chicken cuts and preparations.

How to Prepare a Low-Calorie Chicken Dish at Home

Making a healthier chicken meal at home is simple and delicious. One popular method is to bake or grill a skinless, boneless chicken breast. Start by marinating the chicken in a mix of lemon juice, herbs like rosemary and thyme, and a touch of olive oil. Grilling or baking the chicken on a medium heat ensures it remains juicy without adding excessive fat. Pair with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh salad for a complete, nutritious, and low-calorie meal.

List of Low-Calorie Add-ons for Chicken:

Lemon and herb marinade
Greek yogurt sauce
Spices like paprika, cumin, and garlic powder
Fresh salsa
Steamed vegetables
Leafy green salad

Frequently Asked Questions

A small piece of fried chicken can vary, but a KFC Original Recipe drumstick contains approximately 130 calories. The total can be higher depending on the size and amount of breading.

Yes, removing the skin significantly reduces the calorie and fat content. Chicken skin adds a considerable amount of fat, so removing it is an effective way to lower the calorie count.

Plain, skinless chicken wings are relatively low in calories. However, when breaded, fried, or covered in sauce, their calorie count increases substantially.

Yes, grilled chicken is generally healthier. Grilling adds minimal fat, while frying involves deep-frying in oil, which dramatically increases the calorie, fat, and unhealthy fat content.

To reduce calories, choose lean cuts like skinless breast, opt for cooking methods like grilling, baking, or air-frying, and use low-calorie seasonings instead of heavy sauces.

A large boneless, skinless, cooked chicken breast (~172g) contains about 284 calories. This can vary based on the exact weight and whether oil was used in cooking.

Dark meat, such as thighs and drumsticks, has a higher fat content and more calories than white meat like the breast. For example, a 100g serving of breast has 165 calories, while a thigh has around 179 calories.