How many calories in a raw skinless chicken thigh?

December 2, 2025 •

3 min read

A 100-gram portion of raw, boneless, skinless chicken thigh averages 127 to 150 calories, according to nutritional sources. It is a protein-rich choice for cooking, and understanding the calorie content is vital for meal planning.

Quick Summary

Raw skinless chicken thighs contain approximately 127-150 calories per 100g, influenced by trimming and brand. They offer lean protein with a higher fat content than chicken breast, resulting in richer flavor and increased calorie density.

Key Points

Calorie Range: A 100-gram serving of raw, boneless, skinless chicken thigh typically has 127 to 150 calories.
Macro Breakdown: Calories in chicken thighs come from protein and fat, with virtually no carbs.
Raw vs. Cooked: The calorie count per 100g increases after cooking because of moisture loss, which concentrates the nutrients.
Healthy Cooking: Grilling, baking, and slow-cooking are excellent, low-calorie preparation methods for thighs.
Nutrient-Dense: Skinless chicken thighs are a good source of protein, iron, zinc, and B vitamins.
Bone-In Consideration: For accurate calorie counting, measure the weight of the edible meat, not the bone-in product.

Understanding the Calorie Count of Raw Skinless Chicken Thigh

Determining the exact calorie count for a raw skinless chicken thigh can vary based on trimming, brand, and size. However, reliable nutrition databases provide a helpful baseline. A 100-gram serving of raw, skinless, boneless chicken thigh typically contains between 127 and 150 calories. These calories primarily come from protein and fat, as chicken contains almost no carbohydrates.

Protein and fat make up the majority of calories. A raw skinless thigh usually has more fat than a skinless breast. This is why it has a richer flavor and is slightly more calorie-dense per gram. It is a popular option for meals where tenderness and moisture are important.

Factors Affecting Raw Calorie Values

Several factors cause slight variations in the calorie figures for a raw skinless chicken thigh. These include:

Visible Fat Trimming: Some thighs may have more visible fat. Removing any excess fat reduces the final calorie count.
Bone-In vs. Boneless: Bone-in thighs include the inedible bone, affecting the total weight. Nutrition labels often specify if the data is for the raw, edible portion. Always check the meat's weight, not the total product weight, for calculating calories.
Brand and Source: Different suppliers and farming methods affect the fat content, which influences the calorie count. For accurate information, check the nutritional information on the product packaging.

Nutritional Breakdown Per 100g

A raw skinless chicken thigh has a rich profile of essential nutrients, in addition to calories. This breakdown is based on a 100-gram (3.5-ounce) serving:

Protein: Around 20-25 grams. Chicken is a complete protein, containing all nine essential amino acids needed for muscle repair and growth.
Fat: About 4-8 grams. The fat in chicken thighs includes a mix of saturated, monounsaturated, and polyunsaturated fats.
Vitamins and Minerals: Chicken thighs are a good source of iron, zinc, and B vitamins like B12.

The Comparison: Raw vs. Cooked Calories

The calorie count of chicken changes during cooking. The meat does not gain calories, but its weight decreases as it loses water. This concentrates the remaining calories, protein, and fat into a smaller mass. When comparing raw vs. cooked, use the same weight.


Attribute	Raw Skinless Chicken Thigh (100g)	Cooked Skinless Chicken Thigh (100g)
Approximate Calories	127–150 kcal	179–208 kcal
Approximate Protein	20–25 g	25–29 g
Approximate Fat	4–8 g	8–10 g
Change in Weight	No change (base measurement)	Decreases by 20-25%

The cooked calorie value is higher per 100 grams due to moisture loss. Weigh your chicken before or after cooking and use the corresponding nutrition data. For example, a raw 4oz (113g) thigh with 144 calories might weigh only around 3oz (85g) after cooking, but the total calories remain the same.

Tips for Cooking and Meal Prep with Skinless Chicken Thighs

Skinless chicken thighs are versatile and can be prepared in various healthy ways. Here are a few tips:

Grilling or Baking: These methods cook the chicken without adding extra fats, preserving its lean protein profile. Use a simple marinade of herbs, spices, and a small amount of healthy oil like olive oil.
Stir-Frying: Slice the meat and stir-fry with a variety of vegetables. Use minimal oil and a low-sodium sauce to keep the calorie count in check.
Slow Cooking: For tender results, braising or slow-cooking chicken thighs is an excellent option. The higher fat content keeps it moist over longer cooking times.
Portion Control: Be mindful of your portion size, especially when serving it with calorie-dense sauces or side dishes.

For more information on the calorie differences in various chicken cuts and cooking methods, you can refer to authoritative sources like Healthline.

Conclusion

In conclusion, a raw skinless chicken thigh is a nutritious, protein-rich option. While containing slightly more fat and calories than a skinless breast, it remains a lean and healthy choice for those who prefer dark meat's flavor and juiciness. A standard 100-gram portion contains approximately 127-150 calories, but it is important to account for moisture loss during cooking when tracking your intake. By opting for healthy cooking methods and practicing portion control, you can easily incorporate skinless chicken thighs into your meal plan while staying within your calorie goals.

Frequently Asked Questions

The calorie count of a chicken thigh per 100 grams will increase after cooking. This is because the meat loses moisture and fat, causing the remaining calories to become more concentrated by weight.

Both are healthy options. A raw skinless chicken breast is lower in calories and fat, while a raw skinless thigh offers more iron, zinc, and B vitamins. The 'healthier' choice depends on individual dietary needs and goals.

For the same edible portion, the calories are similar. However, a bone-in thigh will have a higher total product weight due to the bone, so calorie calculations must be based on the weight of the meat alone.

No, raw chicken should never be consumed due to the high risk of bacterial contamination. All chicken must be cooked to a safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to kill harmful bacteria.

Yes, trimming visible excess fat from a raw chicken thigh will reduce its overall fat and calorie content. This is a simple step to make the meal even leaner.

The higher calorie density per 100g in cooked chicken is a result of moisture loss. The chicken thigh shrinks during cooking, concentrating its nutrients. The total calorie count for the entire piece of meat remains the same.

For accurate tracking, weigh the chicken thigh raw and use the raw nutritional data. Alternatively, you can use cooked nutritional data and weigh the chicken after cooking to account for weight loss.