Calories in Chicken Thighs: Nutrition Facts & Serving Sizes
Per 1 thigh (116g)
Per 100g
Source: Web research, March 2026.
One chicken thigh (116g) contains about 205 calories with 28.1g of protein, zero carbs, and 10g of fat. Per 100g, chicken thighs provide 177 calories with 24.2g of protein and 8.6g of fat. Compared to chicken breast (120 cal per 100g), thighs are higher in calories and fat but deliver richer flavor and stay juicier during cooking. The fat content comes mainly from monounsaturated and saturated fat. A standout micronutrient is niacin at 5.6mg per 100g, supporting energy metabolism. Selenium is solid at 23mcg per 100g. Chicken thighs are a go-to for anyone who finds chicken breast too dry or bland, offering a better eating experience with a manageable calorie tradeoff.
Nutrition Highlights
Calories by Serving Size
| Serving | Cal | Protein | Carbs | Fat | Fiber |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 thigh (116g) | 205.3 | 28.1g | 0g | 10g | 0g |
| 100g | 177 | 24.2g | 0g | 8.6g | 0g |
Track Chicken Thigh in CaloBurner
Snap a photo to log calories and macros instantly.
Full Nutrition Facts (per 100g)
| Nutrient | Amount | % Daily Value |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 177 | 9% |
| Protein | 24.2g | 48% |
| Total Fat | 8.6g | 11% |
| Saturated Fat | 2.3g | 12% |
| Total Carbohydrates | 0g | |
| Dietary Fiber | 0g | |
| Sugars | 0g | |
| Sodium | 75mg | 3% |
| Cholesterol | 94mg | 31% |
Vitamins & Minerals (per 100g)
| Nutrient | Amount | % Daily Value |
|---|---|---|
| Saturated Fat | 2.3g | 1% |
| Cholesterol | 94mg | 31% |
| Calcium | 7mg | 1% |
| Iron | 0.8mg | 4% |
| Potassium | 242mg | 5% |
| Vitamin A | 7mcg | 1% |
| Vitamin D | 0.2mcg | 1% |
| Vitamin B6 | 0.4mg | 24% |
| Vitamin B12 | 0.6mcg | 25% |
| Magnesium | 23mg | 5% |
| Phosphorus | 185mg | 15% |
| Zinc | 1.6mg | 15% |
| Selenium | 23mcg | 42% |
| Folate | 4mcg | 1% |
| Thiamin (B1) | 0.1mg | 8% |
| Riboflavin (B2) | 0.2mg | 15% |
| Niacin (B3) | 5.6mg | 35% |
% Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA reference).
Health Benefits of Chicken Thighs
Chicken thighs are an underrated protein source that delivers nearly as much protein as chicken breast while offering significantly more flavor due to the higher fat content. The 24.2g of protein per 100g supports muscle protein synthesis with a complete amino acid profile, making thighs fully viable for building and maintaining muscle.
The fat in chicken thighs is not a problem. The 8.6g per 100g breaks down into 2.3g saturated fat, 3.2g monounsaturated fat, and 1.9g polyunsaturated fat. Monounsaturated fats support heart health and help absorb fat-soluble vitamins, including vitamins A, D, E, and K.
Vitamin B6 at 0.4mg per 100g is notably higher than in chicken breast, and B6 is critical for protein metabolism. When you are eating high-protein diets, your body requires more B6 to process those amino acids efficiently. B12 at 0.6mcg per 100g supports red blood cell production and neurological function.
For meal prep, chicken thighs are more forgiving than breasts. They stay moist even when overcooked slightly, and they are cheaper per pound. Whether grilled, baked, or braised, they hold up well in bulk cooking. For those on a bulk who need higher daily calories, the extra fat in thighs makes it easier to hit calorie targets without adding extra food.
Dietary Considerations
Chicken thighs are naturally gluten-free, dairy-free, and suitable for keto and paleo diets with zero carbs. They are not vegan or vegetarian. For weight loss, thighs are higher in calories than chicken breast (177 vs 120 per 100g) due to fat content, but the extra satiety from fat can make them effective for appetite control. Removing the skin before eating cuts fat and calories significantly. Sodium is low at 75mg per 100g for plain, unseasoned thighs, which is a bonus for those watching sodium intake.
Daily Intake (100g)
100g of chicken thigh provides 9% of a 2,000-calorie diet.
Track Your Intake
See how chicken thigh fits your personal calorie and macro targets.
Related Foods
Restaurant Meals with Chicken Thigh
See how chicken thigh shows up in popular restaurant dishes.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many calories in a chicken thigh?
One chicken thigh (116g) contains about 205 calories. Per 100g, chicken thigh has 177 calories. Calorie content varies depending on whether the skin is on or off and how it is cooked.
Is chicken thigh good for weight loss?
Chicken thigh can work for weight loss. It has 177 calories per 100g with 24.2g of protein, which promotes satiety. It is higher in calories than chicken breast (120 per 100g), but removing the skin reduces fat and calories significantly. The high protein content helps preserve muscle during a calorie deficit.
How much protein in chicken thigh?
Chicken thigh has 24.2g of protein per 100g. One thigh (116g) provides about 28.1g of protein. This is slightly less than chicken breast but still a very strong protein source.
Is chicken thigh better than chicken breast?
It depends on your goal. Chicken breast (120 cal per 100g) is leaner and better for strict calorie cutting. Chicken thigh (177 cal per 100g) is higher in fat and calories but more flavorful and stays juicier during cooking. Both have similar protein levels. Thighs are better for bulking or when palatability matters more.
Is chicken thigh keto-friendly?
Yes. Chicken thigh has zero carbs and 8.6g of fat per 100g, making it well-suited for a ketogenic diet. It is one of the best keto protein options due to the higher fat content relative to chicken breast.
How do you cook chicken thighs for meal prep?
Bake bone-in thighs at 400°F for 35 to 40 minutes or boneless at 425°F for 20 to 25 minutes until they reach 165°F internal temperature. They stay moist when reheated, making them excellent for weekly meal prep. Season with garlic powder, paprika, and salt before baking.
Track Chicken Thighs in Your Diet
Snap a photo of your meal and CaloBurner will calculate the exact calories and macros. No food weighing required.