Nutrition Diet: How many calories are there in a chicken thigh with skin?

October 28, 2025 •

4 min read

According to nutrition data, a cooked, bone-in chicken thigh with skin contains roughly 274 calories per 4-ounce serving, making it a flavorful yet calorie-dense choice. Understanding how many calories are there in a chicken thigh with skin? is crucial for managing dietary intake and making informed food choices.

Quick Summary

A cooked chicken thigh with skin contains more calories than a skinless one, primarily due to higher fat content. The exact calorie count depends on portion size and cooking method, with frying significantly increasing total calories. This guide breaks down the nutritional profile of skin-on chicken thighs, comparing it to other cuts to help with dietary planning.

Key Points

Variable Calorie Count: The number of calories in a chicken thigh with skin changes based on its size and how it's cooked, but averages around 274 calories per 4oz cooked portion.
Skin Adds Calories: The skin significantly increases the calorie count due to its high fat content; removing it is a simple way to reduce calories.
Cooking Method Matters: Frying a chicken thigh increases its calorie count, while baking or grilling can lead to a lower total as some fat renders off.
Rich in Protein and Nutrients: Despite higher fat, the thigh provides excellent protein, selenium, and B vitamins, contributing to overall health.
Balanced Diet Integration: Skin-on chicken thighs can fit into a healthy diet when portions are managed and healthier cooking methods are used.

The Calorie Breakdown of a Chicken Thigh with Skin

The number of calories in a chicken thigh with skin can vary based on a few key factors, but a general breakdown provides a useful benchmark. The skin and the fat layer underneath are the primary sources of the higher calorie count when compared to skinless options. For a standard 4-ounce (approx. 113g) cooked chicken thigh with skin, you can expect the calorie count to be around 274 calories. However, smaller or larger thighs will naturally differ. For example, a medium (85g) cooked thigh with skin is closer to 188 calories. These are general figures, and preparation techniques can alter the final result considerably.

Factors Influencing the Calorie Count

Several elements beyond just the presence of skin can affect the total calories of your chicken thigh. Being mindful of these can help you control your intake more effectively.

Cooking Method: The way you cook your chicken has a major impact. Frying, especially deep-frying or cooking in a large amount of oil, will dramatically increase the calorie and fat content as the skin absorbs the cooking oil. Healthier methods like roasting, baking, or grilling allow some of the fat to render and drip away, resulting in a lower final calorie count. For instance, a fried, battered thigh will be significantly higher in calories than a simple roasted one.
Added Ingredients: Sauces, marinades, and seasonings can all contribute to the final calorie total. High-sugar barbecue sauces, creamy marinades, and extra butter or oil will add calories that don't come from the chicken itself. Using herbs and spices for flavor is a low-calorie alternative.
Portion Size: This is a straightforward but essential factor. A larger thigh contains more meat and skin, and therefore, more calories. Always consider the portion size you are consuming and adjust your calorie estimations accordingly.

Nutritional Profile of Skin-On Chicken Thighs

While higher in fat and calories than breast meat, chicken thighs with skin offer a rich source of protein and other nutrients. A cooked 4-ounce (113g) thigh with skin provides roughly 32 grams of protein and 15 grams of fat. This macronutrient profile offers significant benefits:

High-Quality Protein: Chicken is a complete protein, meaning it contains all nine essential amino acids necessary for muscle repair, growth, and overall bodily function.
Vitamins and Minerals: Chicken thighs are an excellent source of selenium, a powerful antioxidant, and niacin (Vitamin B3), which is crucial for metabolism. They also provide a good amount of Vitamin B12 and zinc.
Fat Content: The fat in chicken thighs is a mix of saturated and unsaturated fats. The higher fat content is what gives the dark meat its signature juiciness and rich flavor. While skinless cuts are leaner, including skin-on options in moderation can still fit into a balanced diet.

Comparing Skin-On vs. Skinless Chicken

To understand the nutritional trade-offs, here is a comparison of cooked, boneless chicken thigh with and without the skin, based on a 4-ounce (113g) serving size. This table highlights the significant impact of the skin on fat and calorie content.


Nutrient	Skin-on Cooked Thigh	Skinless Cooked Thigh	Difference	Source
Calories	274 kcal	192 kcal	+82 kcal
Protein	32g	33g	-1g
Total Fat	15g	11g	+4g
Saturated Fat	~5g	~3g	+2g

Incorporating Chicken Thighs into a Healthy Diet

Enjoying chicken thighs with skin can be part of a healthy diet, especially when balanced with other food choices. To keep it healthy, consider these tips:

Moderate Portions: A single thigh is often enough for a serving. Avoid eating multiple thighs in one meal if you are watching your calorie intake.
Healthier Cooking: Instead of frying, opt for roasting or grilling. Cooking the chicken on a rack can allow excess fat to drip off.
Pairing with Healthy Sides: Serve your chicken thigh with a large portion of roasted vegetables, a fresh salad, or whole grains. This adds nutrients and fiber to your meal, promoting a feeling of fullness.
DIY Seasoning: Create your own low-sodium and low-sugar spice rubs using herbs like paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. This avoids the extra calories found in many pre-made sauces.

Conclusion

For those asking how many calories are there in a chicken thigh with skin?, the answer is that it is a calorie-dense food, primarily due to the higher fat content from the skin. However, it also provides a rich source of protein, vitamins, and minerals. By choosing healthier cooking methods, controlling portion sizes, and pairing it with nutritious sides, chicken thighs with skin can be enjoyed as part of a balanced diet. Ultimately, the decision to include the skin or remove it depends on your dietary goals and preferences, but having the nutritional facts allows for an informed choice. For further nutritional guidance, resources like the USDA's food database can provide more detailed information.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, leaving the skin on a chicken thigh significantly increases the calorie count. The skin contains a layer of fat, which is the primary source of extra calories. For a 4oz cooked thigh, leaving the skin on can add over 80 calories compared to a skinless version.

A fried chicken thigh will have more calories than a baked one due to the absorption of cooking oil during the frying process. Baking or roasting allows fat to render off, reducing the final calorie count. For example, a fried thigh might be closer to 238 calories for a small piece, while a roasted one of similar size is around 153 calories.

Yes, chicken thighs with skin are an excellent source of high-quality protein. A 4oz cooked portion provides approximately 32 grams of protein, essential for muscle maintenance and overall health.

The fat in a chicken thigh is a mix of saturated and unsaturated fats. While higher than in breast meat, it's not inherently unhealthy in moderation. The unsaturated fats are beneficial, but the higher saturated fat content should be considered, especially if you have a history of high cholesterol or heart disease.

Chicken thighs are a good source of several key nutrients. They are particularly rich in selenium, niacin (Vitamin B3), and are a good source of Vitamin B12 and zinc.

Yes, you can remove the skin after cooking to save calories. While the flavor from the fat will have infused into the meat, the majority of the fat and associated calories will be discarded with the skin, leaving you with a leaner piece of meat.

A chicken thigh with skin is significantly higher in calories than a skinless chicken breast. A 100g serving of cooked chicken thigh (without skin) contains about 179 calories, while skinless chicken breast has around 165 calories. The addition of skin dramatically increases the thigh's calorie count.