How many kcal are in 150g of chicken? The definitive guide to calorie counts

November 25, 2025 •

4 min read

According to the National Chicken Council, chicken is a nutrient-dense, lean protein source, but its calorie count varies significantly depending on the cut and preparation. This means that knowing exactly how many kcal are in 150g of chicken requires a deeper look beyond a single number. The difference can be substantial, especially when comparing a lean breast to a fatty thigh or a boiled fillet to a fried piece.

Quick Summary

The calorie count for 150g of chicken depends on the specific cut, such as breast or thigh, whether the skin is included, and the cooking method. Leaner cuts like skinless breast have fewer calories, while fattier cuts and fried preparations contain significantly more.

Key Points

Varies by Cut and Cooking: The calorie count in 150g of chicken is not static; it depends heavily on whether it's breast or thigh meat and how it is prepared.
Skinless Breast is Leanest: A 150g serving of skinless, boneless chicken breast, roasted or grilled, is one of the lowest-calorie options, containing approximately 248 kcal.
Thighs Have More Fat and Calories: Due to higher fat content, 150g of roasted, skinless chicken thigh contains more calories, around 269 kcal.
Frying Adds Substantial Calories: Frying chicken significantly increases the calorie count by adding fats and batter. A 150g portion of fried breast meat can reach up to 280 kcal.
Skin-On is More Caloric: Leaving the skin on your chicken adds considerable fat and calories. A 150g serving of roasted chicken breast with skin has a higher calorie count than a skinless portion.
Weigh Cooked or Raw Consistently: For accurate tracking, decide whether to weigh your chicken raw or cooked and consistently apply this method, as calorie density increases after cooking due to water loss.

The Core Factors Affecting Chicken's Caloric Content

The primary reason a single answer for "how many kcal are in 150g of chicken?" is impossible is due to several key variables. The type of meat (white or dark), the presence of skin, and the cooking method all play crucial roles in determining the final calorie count. Understanding these differences is essential for anyone tracking their nutritional intake.

White Meat vs. Dark Meat

Chicken is categorized into two main types of meat: white and dark. White meat, primarily from the breast, is leaner and has a lower fat content. Dark meat, found in the thighs and drumsticks, is richer and contains more fat. This higher fat content directly translates to more calories per gram.

Chicken Breast: This cut is known for being a very lean source of protein. A cooked, skinless chicken breast contains significantly fewer calories than other parts.
Chicken Thigh: With its higher fat content, chicken thigh meat is more caloric. This is why many people find it more flavorful and juicy, but it comes at the cost of extra calories.

The Impact of Skin

The presence of skin on the chicken dramatically increases its fat and calorie count. Chicken skin is high in fat, and leaving it on during cooking adds a considerable number of extra calories. For instance, a cooked chicken breast with the skin on can have nearly 40% more calories from fat compared to its skinless counterpart. Opting for skinless chicken is a simple way to reduce the caloric value of your meal.

The Cooking Method

How you cook your chicken is one of the most important factors. Cooking with added fats or at high temperatures can drastically change the final calorie count. Consider the following cooking methods and their effect on a 150g serving:

Boiling/Steaming: These methods add no extra fat, preserving the chicken's natural nutritional value. It is one of the lowest-calorie ways to prepare chicken.
Grilling/Roasting: These methods use minimal oil, resulting in a moderate calorie count.
Frying: Deep-frying chicken or even pan-frying with generous amounts of oil adds substantial calories from the cooking fat and any breading or batter used. For example, a fried chicken strip can have a much higher calorie count than a plain, roasted piece.

Calorie Breakdown for 150g of Cooked Chicken

To provide a clearer picture, here is a comparison table outlining the approximate calorie counts for a 150g serving based on different cuts and preparations. These are estimates, and exact values can vary based on specific brands, size, and added ingredients. For accurate nutritional information, referring to the U.S. Department of Agriculture's FoodData Central is a reliable source.


Chicken Cut & Preparation	Approximate Kcal (per 150g)	Primary Source	Key Takeaway
Skinless, Boneless Breast (Roasted)	~248 kcal	Very lean protein source, lowest in calories.	Ideal for weight management.
Skinless Thigh (Roasted)	~269 kcal	More fat than breast meat, resulting in a higher calorie count.	More flavorful, slightly higher fat.
Breast with Skin (Roasted)	~296 kcal	The fat in the skin adds significant calories.	Removing skin is a simple way to save calories.
Fried Chicken Breast	~280 kcal	Frying in oil and any added breading increases calories dramatically.	A less healthy, but often tastier, option.
Stewed Breast	~226 kcal	Cooking in liquid minimizes added fat.	A low-calorie cooking method.

Practical Tips for Calorie Counting

For those who are meticulous about their calorie tracking, here are some helpful tips:

Weighing Consistency: Decide whether you will weigh your chicken raw or cooked and stick with it. Since chicken loses moisture during cooking, 150g of raw chicken will weigh less when cooked, but its total calorie content remains the same. The calorie density of 150g cooked chicken is higher because the weight is based on the final product.
Look for Skinless Options: If buying pre-packaged chicken, always choose skinless options if your goal is to minimize calories. This is the single biggest factor you can control when purchasing.
Choose Lean Cooking Methods: Opt for grilling, baking, or boiling over frying. These methods require minimal to no added fats, keeping the calorie count low and maximizing the lean protein benefits of chicken.
Mind Your Additives: Marinades, sauces, and breading can all contribute extra calories, sugar, and fat. Be mindful of what you're adding to your chicken, as it can negate the benefit of choosing a lean cut.
Use a Food Tracker App: Many apps allow you to log food by type and preparation, making it easy to see the calorie difference between roasted chicken breast and a fried chicken thigh. This can help you stay on track with your dietary goals.

Conclusion

So, how many kcal are in 150g of chicken? The answer is not a single number, but rather a range that depends on the cut and preparation method. A 150g serving can range from approximately 226 kcal for a stewed breast to over 280 kcal for a fried version. By being mindful of your choices—opting for lean, skinless cuts and using healthy cooking methods—you can enjoy chicken as a nutritious part of a balanced diet without excess calories. Always check nutritional information and be consistent with how you measure and track your food for the most accurate results.

Frequently Asked Questions

A 150g serving of chicken breast is considered a moderate to large portion for most people, providing a significant amount of lean protein for a single meal.

To reduce calories, choose skinless, boneless breast meat and cook using low-fat methods like grilling, roasting, or boiling. Avoid frying and heavy, creamy sauces.

Yes, some brands inject chicken with saltwater to add moisture, which can slightly affect the nutritional information. Always check the nutrition facts label for the most accurate data.

During cooking, chicken loses water, which causes its weight to decrease. This means a 150g portion of cooked chicken is more calorically dense than 150g of raw chicken.

While both are excellent sources of protein, chicken breast contains a slightly higher percentage of protein per gram compared to thigh meat, due to its lower fat content.

You can, but it's important to be mindful of the portion size and frequency, as fried chicken is much higher in fat and calories. Opt for air-fried chicken for a lower-calorie alternative.

Air-frying uses hot air to cook food, which requires significantly less oil than deep-frying. This results in a dish with much fewer added calories and fat compared to its deep-fried counterpart.