How Many Calories in a Thin Sliced Chicken Thigh? A Complete Guide

October 29, 2025 •

4 min read

A standard 100-gram serving of cooked, skinless chicken thigh contains approximately 179 calories, but the 'thin sliced' cut can vary dramatically in size. Knowing how many calories in a thin sliced chicken thigh requires considering several factors, including the weight of the specific slice, whether it's cooked with or without skin, and the preparation method.

Quick Summary

The calorie count of a thin sliced chicken thigh varies based on its weight, skin presence, and cooking method. Understanding these factors is crucial for accurate dietary tracking and meal planning. Calories can range significantly from a lean, baked piece to a skin-on, pan-fried version.

Key Points

Skin Matters Most: The presence or absence of skin is the single most significant factor in the calorie count of a chicken thigh.
Portion Size Varies: 'Thin sliced' is not a standard unit of measurement, so weighing your portion is crucial for accurate calorie tracking.
Low-Fat Cooking is Key: Frying adds substantial calories and fat, while grilling, baking, or air-frying keeps the calorie count low.
Use Raw or Cooked Data Wisely: Calories differ between raw (e.g., ~121 kcal/100g skinless) and cooked (e.g., ~179 kcal/100g skinless), so ensure you use the correct figure.
Still a Healthy Protein: Despite being fattier than chicken breast, skinless chicken thighs are a great source of protein, iron, and B vitamins when prepared correctly.

Determining the precise calorie count for a thin sliced chicken thigh is not as simple as looking up a single number. The term "thin sliced" refers to a cut, not a standard weight, meaning the actual size and thickness can vary by brand and preparation. The biggest factors influencing the final calorie total are the skin, cooking method, and the total weight of the portion you consume. While chicken thighs are generally higher in fat and calories than chicken breasts, they can still be part of a healthy, balanced diet, especially when prepared mindfully.

Calorie Breakdown: The Key Factors

The nutritional profile of a chicken thigh is primarily determined by its macronutrient composition of protein and fat. Since fat contains more than twice the calories per gram compared to protein, the fat content is the most significant variable for a calorie counter. Here's a deeper look into the factors at play.

Skin-On vs. Skinless

The presence of skin is the most impactful variable affecting the calorie count. For example, a 3.5-ounce (100-gram) serving of cooked chicken thigh with the skin on contains roughly 229 calories and 15.5 grams of fat. The same portion cooked without the skin drops to about 179 calories and 8.2 grams of fat. This difference highlights how simply removing the skin can save a significant number of calories, making a skinless thigh a much leaner protein source.

Cooking Method

The way you cook your chicken adds further layers of complexity to the calorie calculation. Cooking with added fats like oil or butter will increase the final count, while methods that don't rely on added oil are naturally lower in calories.

Pan-Frying: A skinless chicken thigh fried in batter can contain around 238 calories, whereas a basic cooked skinless thigh is 208 calories. The oil and batter significantly increase both the fat and calorie content.
Grilling/Baking: These methods require little to no added fat. Using a simple spice rub or a non-stick cooking spray for a baked or grilled thin sliced chicken thigh will result in the lowest possible calorie count.
Sautéing: If you are sautéing, use a minimal amount of a heart-healthy oil, or opt for a broth-based marinade to keep calories in check.

Understanding the 'Thin Sliced' Portion

Since "thin sliced" isn't a standardized weight, estimating your calories requires a bit of detective work. Many commercially sold boneless, skinless chicken thighs weigh between 70 and 100 grams each. Therefore, a "thin sliced" version is often just a smaller, more uniform cut of this same product. To get an accurate calorie count, weigh your portion before cooking.

Here’s a practical example:

A 70-gram thin sliced, boneless, skinless thigh: 70/100 * 179 calories = ~125 calories.
A 100-gram thin sliced, boneless, skinless thigh: 100/100 * 179 calories = 179 calories.

Comparison Table: Calories Per 100g


Chicken Thigh Cut	Preparation	Approximate Calories (Per 100g)	Approx. Protein (g)	Approx. Fat (g)
Boneless, Skinless	Cooked (Baked/Grilled)	179	24.8	8.2
Boneless, Skinless	Raw	121	20	4
With Skin	Cooked	229	25	15.5
Boneless, Skinless	Fried in Batter	238	Varies	14.2

Practical Steps for Accurate Tracking

For those on a diet, accurate calorie tracking is key. Simply assuming a number can lead to an over- or under-estimation. The best approach is to follow these steps:

Remove the Skin: This is the easiest and most effective way to reduce the fat and calorie content immediately.
Use a Kitchen Scale: A small kitchen scale is your best friend. Weigh your raw chicken thigh portion to determine the exact weight in grams.
Calculate Based on Weight: Use the 179 calories per 100g figure for cooked, skinless thighs. If you weighed your raw portion, use the 121 calories per 100g figure and account for moisture loss during cooking.
Factor in Cooking Method: If you are adding oil, be sure to measure it. Remember that oil has a high calorie density (around 120 calories per tablespoon), so every drop counts.

A Note on Other Nutrients

Beyond calories, chicken thighs offer excellent nutritional benefits. They are a good source of protein, which is essential for muscle maintenance and repair. The darker meat also contains more myoglobin, which is rich in iron. Furthermore, chicken thighs provide B vitamins, zinc, and selenium, all of which are important for overall health. The key is balance and mindful preparation, not eliminating them from your diet entirely.

Conclusion

Ultimately, the number of calories in a thin sliced chicken thigh is not a fixed figure. The final tally depends on your preparation choices, especially whether you keep the skin and how you cook it. By prioritizing skinless options, using low-fat cooking methods, and accurately measuring your portion size with a kitchen scale, you can easily incorporate this flavorful and nutritious cut of poultry into your meal plan while staying on track with your calorie goals. It's an excellent protein source that, with a little care, can be a healthy addition to any diet.

Frequently Asked Questions

To calculate the calories, weigh the raw, skinless chicken thigh in grams using a kitchen scale. Then, use the USDA average for raw, skinless thighs, which is approximately 121 calories per 100g. For cooked thighs, the average is about 179 calories per 100g for a skinless portion. Be sure to account for any added oils or sauces used during cooking.

Yes, removing the skin from a chicken thigh significantly reduces the calorie count. The skin and the layer of fat underneath it are very calorie-dense. For instance, a 3.5-ounce cooked thigh goes from around 229 calories with the skin to 179 calories without it.

Skinless chicken thighs are a good source of protein, though they are not as lean as chicken breast. They provide a high amount of protein per serving and are often more flavorful and tender due to their higher fat content.

The lowest calorie cooking methods for a thin sliced chicken thigh are grilling, baking, or air-frying. These techniques require little to no added fat. Simply use a low-calorie marinade or a non-stick cooking spray to keep the calorie count down.

A thin sliced, skinless chicken thigh can be a great option for weight loss, especially when cooked using low-fat methods. It provides high-quality protein that promotes satiety, helping to manage overall calorie intake. The key is portion control and mindful preparation.

Cooking with oil significantly increases the calorie count. A single tablespoon of oil can add over 100 calories. Using methods like pan-frying or deep-frying will add far more fat and calories compared to baking or grilling.

No, all thin sliced chicken thighs do not have the same number of calories. The calorie count depends on the individual weight of the thigh, whether the skin is present, and how it was cooked. Always weigh your portion for the most accurate information.