How many calories in chicken? Breast, thigh, wing and more
The number of calories in chicken can vary depending on the specific cut and how it is prepared. However, the most popular varieties contain 155 to 203 calories per 3.5 ounce (oz) or 100 grams (g) serving.
Chicken is a popular option for lean protein because it packs a considerable amount in a single serving without a lot of fat.
Plus, it’s easy to cook at home and available in most restaurants. Chicken dishes can be found on almost every menu, regardless of the type of cuisine you eat.
But you might be wondering how many calories exactly are in that chicken on your plate.
Chicken comes in many cuts, including breasts, thighs, wings and drumsticks. Each cut contains a different number of calories and a different ratio of protein to fat.
Here are the calorie counts of the most popular cuts of chicken.
Chicken breast is one of the most popular cuts of chicken. It is high in protein and low in fat, making it a great choice for people trying to lose weight.
One cooked, skinless, boneless chicken breast (172 g) contains the following
- Calories: 284
- Protein: 53.4g
- Crabs: 0g
- Fat: 6.2g
A 3.5 oz. One serving (100 g) of chicken breast provides 165 calories, 31 g of protein and 3.6 g of fat. This means that about 80% of the calories in chicken breast come from protein and 20% from fat.
Remember that these quantities refer to a plain chicken breast with no added ingredients. Once you start cooking it in oil or adding marinades or sauces, you increase the total amount of calories, carbs and fat.
Chicken thigh is slightly more tender and flavorful than chicken breast due to its higher fat content.
One cooked, skinless, boneless chicken thigh (116 g)
- Calories: 208
- Protein: 28.8g
- Crabs: 0g
- Fat: 9.5g
A 3.5 oz. One serving (100 g) of chicken thigh provides 179 calories, 24.8 g of protein and 8.2 g of fat. So, 55% of calories come from protein, while 45% come from fat.
When you think of healthy cuts of chicken, chicken wings probably don’t come to mind. However, if they are not breaded or breaded and fried, they can easily fit into a healthy diet.
One skinless, boneless chicken wing (21 g)
- Calories: 43
- Protein: 6.4g
- Crabs: 0g
- Fat: 1.7g
Per 3.5 ounces. (100 g), chicken wings provide 203 calories, 30.5 g of protein and 8.1 g of fat. This means that 64% of calories come from protein and 36% from fat.
Chicken thighs have two parts: the thigh and the drumstick. The drumstick is the lower part of the leg.
One skinless, boneless chicken drumstick (96 g)
- Calories: 149
- Protein: 23.2g
- Crabs: 0g
- Fat: 5.5g
Per 3.5 ounces. (100 g), chicken drumsticks contain 155 calories, 24.2 g of protein and 5.7 g of fat. Regarding the number of calories, approximately 65% ​​comes from protein, while 35% comes from fat.
Although breast, thighs, wings and drumsticks are the most popular cuts of chicken, there are several others.
Here are the calories in other cuts of chicken:
- Chicken fillets: 89
calories per 3.5 oz. (100g) - Back: 239
calories per 3.5 oz. (100g) - Dark meat: 178
calories per 3.5 oz. (100g) - Light meat: 153
calories per 3.5 oz. (100g)
While a skinless chicken breast contains 284 calories with 80% protein and 20% fat,
One cooked boneless, skin-on chicken breast (196 g)
- Calories: 386
- Protein: 58.4g
- Fat: 15.2g
In a skin-on chicken breast, 61% of the calories come from protein, while 39% come from fat. Plus, eating the skin adds almost 81 calories.
Similarly, a skin-on chicken wing (34 g) contains 86 calories,
So, if you’re trying to lose weight or reduce your fat intake, it may be best to opt for skinless chicken to minimize calories and fat.
Chicken meat alone is relatively low in calories and fat compared to other meats. But once you start adding oil, sauce, dough and breading, the calories can add up.
For example, a cooked, skinless, boneless chicken thigh (116 g)
But a chicken thigh fried in batter contains even more — 238
Similarly, a boneless, skinless chicken wing (21 g) contains 43
However, a chicken wing glazed with barbecue sauce brings 61
Therefore, cooking methods that add little fat, such as poaching, roasting, grilling, and steaming, are your best option for keeping your calorie count low.
Chicken is a popular meat and most cuts are low in calories and fat while providing enough protein.
Here are the calorie counts of the most common boneless, skinless cuts of chicken per 3.5 oz. (100 g) serving:
- Chicken breast: 165 calories
- Chicken thigh: 179 calories
- Chicken wing: 203 calories
- Chicken drumstick: 155 calories
Note that eating the skin or using high-fat cooking methods adds calories.
