Nutrition Breakdown: How many carbohydrates are in one piece of KFC chicken?

October 29, 2025 •

3 min read

According to KFC's official nutrition information, the carbohydrate count for a single piece of fried chicken can vary significantly depending on the cut and recipe. Understanding how many carbohydrates are in one piece of KFC chicken is crucial for managing your dietary goals, especially when trying to limit carbohydrate intake.

Quick Summary

The carbohydrate count in a single piece of KFC chicken depends heavily on the chicken cut and preparation, with the breading being the primary source. This guide details the specific carb information for different pieces and offers strategies for mindful fast-food consumption.

Key Points

Carb counts are varied: A single piece of KFC fried chicken can have between 4g and 20g of carbohydrates, depending on the cut and recipe.
Breading adds the carbs: The flour-based coating is the main source of carbohydrates in KFC fried chicken, while the chicken meat itself has almost none.
Original Recipe vs. Extra Crispy: The Extra Crispy chicken has significantly more carbs than the Original Recipe because of its double-breaded coating.
Best low-carb options: For the lowest carbohydrate count, choose smaller pieces like a wing or drumstick, or opt for grilled chicken if available.
Dietary strategy matters: Healthier choices include removing the breading, selecting low-carb sides, controlling portions, and choosing water over sugary drinks.
Side dishes add significant carbs: Fried chicken is not the only source of carbs; sides like mashed potatoes and biscuits contribute substantially to the total carbohydrate count.

Why Carbohydrate Counts Vary by Piece

The most significant factor determining the carbohydrate content of KFC's fried chicken is the breading. The flour-based coating, seasoned with the Colonel's 11 herbs and spices, is what adds the majority of the carbs. The amount of breading differs by the size of the chicken piece, making a breast significantly higher in carbohydrates than a wing or drumstick. Additionally, the Extra Crispy recipe, which uses a double-breaded technique, contains more carbohydrates than the Original Recipe. The chicken meat itself contains virtually no carbohydrates.

Original Recipe Chicken Carbohydrate Breakdown

For those who prefer the classic blend of spices, here is an estimated breakdown of the carbohydrate content for different pieces of the Original Recipe chicken based on available nutrition data:

Original Recipe Breast (Keel): A single piece typically contains around 8-11 grams of carbohydrates.
Original Recipe Thigh: A thigh generally has approximately 4-8 grams of carbohydrates.
Original Recipe Drumstick: A drumstick usually contains between 6.9 and 8.2 grams of carbohydrates.
Original Recipe Wing: The smallest and often lowest-carb option, a wing has about 4 grams of carbohydrates.

Extra Crispy Chicken Carbohydrate Breakdown

The Extra Crispy recipe, known for its thick, crunchy breading, is higher in carbohydrates across all cuts. This is important to remember when making dietary decisions.

Extra Crispy Breast: This piece is one of the highest-carb fried options, containing approximately 18-20 grams of carbohydrates.
Extra Crispy Drumstick: An Extra Crispy drumstick typically contains around 5 grams of carbohydrates.
Extra Crispy Thigh: Data suggests an Extra Crispy thigh has about 13 grams of carbohydrates.

Comparison of Carbohydrate Content


Chicken Piece	Original Recipe Carbs (approx.)	Extra Crispy Carbs (approx.)
Breast	8-11g	18-20g
Thigh	4-8g	13g
Drumstick	7-8g	5g
Wing	4g	6g

Note: Carbohydrate values can vary slightly by region and source, so always consult the official nutritional information if available.

Strategies for Mindful KFC Consumption

If you are on a restricted-carb diet, enjoying KFC requires a strategic approach. Here are a few tips to help you stay on track:

Choose Grilled over Fried: KFC offers grilled chicken in some locations, which has very low carbohydrates. A piece of skinless grilled chicken contains minimal carbs, making it a much better option for a low-carb diet.
De-Breading the Chicken: While it might seem unconventional, removing the skin and breading from the fried chicken pieces will drastically reduce the carbohydrate count. The chicken meat underneath is primarily protein.
Practice Portion Control: Instead of ordering a bucket, consider getting a single piece. Choosing a lower-carb piece like a wing or drumstick and pairing it with a healthier, non-fried side can help manage your overall intake.
Select Healthier Sides: Swap high-carb sides like mashed potatoes, biscuits, or fries for lower-carb alternatives if offered. A green salad (without a sugary dressing) would be the best choice to complement your meal. Side dishes like macaroni and cheese can add significant carbs.
Skip Sugary Drinks: Opt for water or a zero-calorie beverage instead of soda. Sugary drinks can add a considerable amount of hidden carbohydrates to your meal.

Conclusion: Finding the Right Balance

While KFC's fried chicken is a higher-carb fast-food option, understanding the specific carbohydrate content allows you to make informed decisions. A single piece of Original Recipe chicken can contain anywhere from 4 grams (for a wing) to 11 grams (for a breast), while Extra Crispy counts are higher. By selecting grilled chicken, removing the breading, or simply being mindful of your portion size and side choices, you can still enjoy this classic meal as part of a balanced diet. Ultimately, the key is moderation and making informed choices that align with your nutritional goals. For more detailed nutritional information, it's always best to check KFC's official nutrition guide.

What to Eat at KFC: Healthy Menu Choices and Nutrition Facts

For additional guidance on healthier fast food choices, consider resources like Verywell Fit's guide to healthier KFC options, which provides further insights into managing your intake.

Frequently Asked Questions

The main source of carbohydrates in KFC's fried chicken is the seasoned, flour-based breading. The chicken meat itself contains virtually no carbohydrates.

KFC's Extra Crispy chicken generally contains more carbohydrates than the Original Recipe because its double-breaded coating adds a thicker layer of flour.

Among the fried options, the Original Recipe wing typically has the lowest carbohydrate count, with approximately 4 grams per piece.

KFC fried chicken is not ideal for a strict low-carb diet. However, you can manage your intake by choosing smaller pieces, removing the breading, or opting for grilled chicken if available.

Yes, removing the skin and breading will drastically reduce the carbohydrate content of KFC's fried chicken, leaving mostly protein.

A single piece of Original Recipe breast typically contains 8 to 11 grams of carbohydrates, though it can vary by region.

For a much lower-carb option, choose grilled chicken if it is offered on the menu, as it has minimal carbohydrate content.