Is Turkey Fatter Than Chicken? A Detailed Nutrition Diet Breakdown

November 8, 2025 •

3 min read

While many assume all poultry is equally lean, the specific cut of meat, not the animal, is the most important factor in fat content. The question, is turkey fatter than chicken?, has a nuanced answer that depends heavily on which part of the bird you are eating.

Quick Summary

The fat content comparison between turkey and chicken is not a simple choice, as it depends on the specific cut and whether the skin is included. Generally, turkey white meat is slightly leaner than chicken white meat, while the opposite can be true for dark meat cuts.

Key Points

Cut is Key: White meat (breast) is significantly leaner than dark meat (thigh, leg) for both chicken and turkey.
Leanest Option: Skinless, white meat turkey breast is typically the lowest in fat and calories among the popular poultry cuts.
Ground Meat Nuance: Regular ground turkey can contain more fat than chicken breast, but often has a better profile of healthy unsaturated fats.
Don't Forget the Skin: Consuming poultry with the skin on significantly increases the fat and calorie content for both birds.
Nutrient Variety: Both meats offer high-quality protein, but turkey is richer in vitamin B12 and zinc, while chicken offers more niacin.
Preparation Matters: Opt for healthy cooking methods like grilling, roasting, or baking over frying to keep fat and calorie counts low.
Dark Meat Difference: Skinless turkey thigh has slightly less fat and fewer calories than skinless chicken thigh.

The Truth About Fat Content in Poultry

One of the most common misconceptions about poultry is that one type is universally healthier than another. The reality is far more complex, and a proper nutrition diet relies on understanding these finer details. For both turkey and chicken, the fat content is significantly influenced by two main factors: the cut of meat and whether the skin is included. White meat, such as the breast, is inherently leaner than dark meat, which is found in the thighs and legs. Additionally, consuming the skin adds a considerable amount of extra fat and calories, regardless of the bird. Therefore, the simple answer to 'is turkey fatter than chicken?' is that it depends on the specific part being compared.

Turkey vs. Chicken: A Nutritional Breakdown by Cut

When making dietary choices, comparing similar cuts is the most accurate way to determine which is leaner. As seen in the table below, both turkey and chicken offer excellent lean protein, but there are subtle differences in their caloric and fat makeup.


Nutrient (per 100g cooked)	Skinless Chicken Breast	Skinless Turkey Breast	Skinless Chicken Thigh	Skinless Turkey Thigh	Ground Chicken (Regular)	Ground Turkey (Regular)
Calories	165	189	179	165	150-200	160-220
Protein (g)	31	28.5	24.8	27.7	20-23	22-24
Fat (g)	3.6	7.39	8.2	6.04	8-11	8-12

Looking at skinless white meat, turkey breast is slightly lower in calories and fat than chicken breast. For dark meat, skinless turkey thigh has less fat and fewer calories than skinless chicken thigh. Ground meat varies based on leanness; regular ground turkey might have slightly more fat than regular ground chicken, though it may contain more beneficial unsaturated fats.

Beyond Fat: Other Nutritional Differences

Beyond fat, turkey and chicken offer different vitamin and mineral profiles. Turkey is generally richer in minerals like zinc, selenium, phosphorus, and copper, and has higher levels of Vitamin B12, folate, and B6. Chicken, on the other hand, provides more niacin (Vitamin B3) and some Vitamin E. Both are considered nutrient-dense.

The Impact of Preparation and Cooking Methods

The way you prepare poultry significantly affects its nutritional value. Healthy methods like grilling, roasting, baking, stir-frying with minimal oil, boiling, or steaming are recommended over frying, which adds considerable fat and calories.

Making the Right Choice for Your Diet

The choice between turkey and chicken depends on personal preference and dietary goals. Both fit well into a balanced nutrition diet and are excellent protein sources. Choose turkey for the leanest white meat, higher zinc and selenium, or its richer flavor. Choose chicken for a slightly higher protein-to-calorie ratio in breast meat, its versatility, milder flavor, or higher niacin content. Focusing on skinless cuts and healthy cooking ensures either choice is beneficial.

Conclusion

Ultimately, the question of is turkey fatter than chicken? is less about the type of bird and more about the specific cut and preparation. While minor differences exist (skinless turkey breast is slightly leaner than chicken breast, and turkey thigh is slightly leaner than chicken thigh), both are excellent lean protein options. The most significant factors impacting fat and calorie content are whether the skin is consumed and the cooking method used. Therefore, personal preference and varying your protein sources are great strategies for a healthy diet.

Frequently Asked Questions

Skinless turkey breast is considered slightly leaner than skinless chicken breast, containing marginally fewer calories and less fat per serving.

The fat content depends on the leanness percentage of the product. Lean ground turkey (e.g., 93% lean) can be comparable to lean ground chicken, but regular ground turkey may be higher in total fat. However, ground turkey can contain more beneficial unsaturated fats and minerals.

Yes, eating the skin of either chicken or turkey significantly increases the fat and calorie content, making the meal less lean. Removing the skin is an easy way to reduce overall fat intake.

Turkey is typically richer in certain B vitamins like B12, as well as minerals such as zinc and selenium. In contrast, chicken is a better source of niacin (Vitamin B3) and Vitamin E.

No, per 100 grams, a skinless turkey thigh contains slightly less fat and fewer calories than a skinless chicken thigh. However, dark meat is still fattier than white meat in both birds.

Both chicken and turkey are excellent, high-quality protein sources containing all essential amino acids necessary for muscle growth and repair. The protein content is very similar, so neither has a clear advantage over the other.

Yes, how you cook poultry is crucial. Grilling, roasting, and baking with minimal added fats are healthier options than frying or smothering the meat in high-fat sauces, which can negate the benefits of a lean cut.