Calories in Chicken Thigh

Updated July 2026 · Reviewed by CaloriesCalc Team · Source: USDA FoodData Central

209
kcal
per 100g
26.0
g
Protein
10.9
g
Fat
0.0
g
Carbs
0
g
Fiber
242
kcal per thigh bone-in (116g)
209
kcal per 100g cooked
59
kcal per oz (28g)
✔ Highest protein of any common meat✔ Zero carbs✔ Gluten free✔ Complete protein
Chicken Thigh nutrition facts and calories per 100g
💪26g protein per 100g
🔴More iron than breast — 1.34mg/100g
🔬More zinc — 2.8mg/100g (25% DV)
🍗Juicier — higher fat keeps moisture
🧠Vitamin B6 — 33% Daily Value
Selenium — 48% Daily Value

🥩 Calculate Calories for Any Chicken Thigh Weight

Weight100g

Nutrition Facts

Per 100g (cooked chicken thigh)

* % Daily Value based on a 2,000 kcal diet.


Quick summary: Chicken thigh contains 209 calories per 100g cooked with 26g protein and zero carbs. It has more iron (1.34mg vs 0.74mg) and zinc (2.8mg vs 1.0mg) than breast. The higher fat content (10.9g/100g, mostly unsaturated) delivers richer flavour and better dietary adherence.

Vitamins & Minerals — per 100g

NutrientAmount% Daily ValueBar
Selenium26.3µg48%
Niacin (B3)6.1mg38%
Zinc2.8mg25%
Vitamin B60.56mg33%
Phosphorus179mg14%
Vitamin B120.25µg10%
Iron1.34mg7%
Potassium218mg5%
Magnesium22mg5%
Riboflavin0.19mg15%

Calories in Chicken Thigh by Weight

WeightCaloriesProteinFatCarbs

Calories in Different Chicken Thigh Servings

ServingWeightCaloriesProteinFatCarbs
Per 100g100g209 kcal26.0g10.9g0.0g
thigh bone-in (116g)242 kcal
100g cooked209 kcal
How does chicken thigh fit your daily calorie goal?
Calculate your TDEE to see exactly how it fits your daily budget
Calculate TDEE →

Macronutrient Breakdown — per 100g

Protein26.0g · 50% of calories
Fat10.9g · 47% of calories
Carbohydrates0.0g · 0% of calories

Zero carbs. Higher fat vs breast (10.9g vs 3.6g) gives juicier texture and richer flavour. Thigh fat is ~56% monounsaturated.

Micronutrient Highlights

💪
Protein
26.0g
52% DV
Complete amino acid profile
🔬
Selenium
26.3µg
48% DV
Antioxidant and thyroid function
🧠
Vitamin B6
0.56mg
33% DV
Brain health and protein metabolism
🔴
Iron
1.34mg
7% DV
More than breast — oxygen transport
🔬
Zinc
2.8mg
25% DV
Immune function and wound healing
Niacin (B3)
6.1mg
38% DV
Energy metabolism

Chicken Thigh Benefits

More Iron and Zinc Than Breast

Chicken thigh is dark meat — higher myoglobin content means more iron (1.34mg vs 0.74mg/100g) and zinc (2.8mg vs 1.0mg). Iron and zinc are the two nutrients most commonly deficient in active people. For those monitoring these minerals, thigh is significantly superior to breast.

Fat Quality — Mostly Unsaturated

Despite 10.9g of fat per 100g, thigh fat is ~56% monounsaturated (oleic acid — same as olive oil) and 20% polyunsaturated, with only 24% saturated. The monounsaturated component is associated with cardiovascular benefits and improves absorption of fat-soluble vitamins.

Flavour and Dietary Adherence

Research shows food palatability is one of the strongest predictors of long-term diet success. Thigh's higher fat gives significantly more flavour and juiciness than breast — harder to overcook and remains tender across a wider range of cooking methods, improving dietary adherence.

Collagen for Joint Health

Chicken thighs, particularly bone-in when cooked in soups or braises, release collagen — glycine-rich protein supporting joint cartilage and gut lining integrity. Clinical studies show dietary collagen peptides benefit joint pain in athletes and osteoarthritis patients.

Is Chicken Thigh Suitable for Your Diet?

Weight loss
Good — watch portions
Keto
Yes — zero carbs, good fat
Paleo
Yes
Gluten-free
Yes
Diabetic
Yes — zero carbs
High protein
Excellent
Vegan
No
Vegetarian
No

Frequently Asked Questions

How many calories in chicken thigh?
Cooked skinless chicken thigh has 209 calories per 100g. A medium bone-in thigh (116g) has 242 calories. Skin-on adds 40-60 kcal per serving.
Is chicken thigh healthier than breast?
Both are nutritious. Breast has more protein (31g vs 26g) and fewer calories. Thigh has more iron, zinc, and flavour. For minerals and eating satisfaction, thigh wins.
How much protein in chicken thigh?
26g of protein per 100g cooked. A medium thigh (116g boneless) provides ~30g of protein.
Is chicken thigh keto?
Yes — zero carbohydrates. The higher fat content is actually advantageous for keto.
Skin-on vs skinless thigh calories?
Skinless: ~209 kcal/100g. Skin-on: ~270-290 kcal/100g. Removing skin reduces calories by ~25%.
Does chicken thigh have more fat than breast?
Yes — 10.9g vs 3.6g. But the fat is predominantly unsaturated (similar to olive oil) and provides flavour and satiety.

Nutrition values from USDA FoodData Central. Not medical advice.