A 3-ounce serving of chicken thighs also contains 0.96 of the 8 (males) to 18 (females) milligrams of the mineral iron recommended for adults daily. The same serving provides 229 milligrams of potassium; an adult male should aim for 3,400 milligrams daily, and a female, 2,600.
If you prefer the richer flavor and tender texture of chicken thighs over breast meat, you may choose to buy them to save a few dollars per pound. If you frequently include this cut of meat in meals, you might be curious about the calories in chicken thighs and how they stack up against other meat cuts.
Despite the calorie and nutrient differences, both chicken thighs and breasts are considered a lean protein, according to the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. Lean proteins are considered more heart-healthy, as they may help you maintain healthy cholesterol and blood pressure levels, the organization explains. Other lean proteins include fish and shellfish, tofu and low-fat dairy.
The calorie and macronutrient contents of thighs to breast meat are readily comparable. Chicken breasts nutrition profile differs slightly from that of thighs. A 3-ounce portion of roasted chicken breast with no skin contains 139 calories, 26 grams of protein and 3 grams of fat; keep the skin on for 165 calories, 25 grams of protein and 6.5 grams of fat.
Depending on whether the skin is included, a 3-ounce serving of baked or roasted chicken thighs has 150–200 calories.
Fortunately, we now know that chicken thighs contain a variety of nutrients that are good for you and can definitely be a nutritious addition to your diet.
If you don’t remove the skin before eating, you can anticipate consuming an extra 53 calories, 5 grams of fat, and 1 gram of sugar. 7 grams of saturated fat per 3-ounce serving.
Finding ways to consume nutrient-dense and cost-effective foods can be a challenge for many people. And while it is true that chicken thighs tend to contain more fat and cholesterol than the breast meat (which has 3 grams total fat and 0.7 gram saturated fat per 3-ounce serving), both can can easily fit into the Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommendations for fat intake. This ranges from 20% to 35% of total calories from fat, with 10% or less of total calories coming from saturated fat.
If you enjoy dark meat, you are aware that few things compare to the satisfaction of biting into a juicy, flavorful chicken thigh. And with a little knowledge, it is entirely possible to enjoy them as a part of an overall healthy diet.
An excellent protein source for casseroles, gumbos, and pasta dishes, chicken thighs are incredibly tender and flavorful. But over time, chicken thighs have earned a bad reputation for some reason. Even though the thigh does have more fat than its white meat counterparts, this cut of meat has somehow come to be associated with being a poorer choice if you maintain a healthy diet and way of life.
One of the most popular chicken cuts is the chicken breast. It is a great option for those trying to lose weight because it is high in protein and low in fat.
However, they can easily be incorporated into a healthy diet as long as they are not deep-fried and covered in breading or sauce.
The thigh and the drumstick are the two parts that make up a chicken leg. The drumstick is the lower portion of the leg.
While a skinless chicken breast is 284 calories with 80% protein and 20% fat, those numbers dramatically shift when you include the skin (1).
Most cuts of chicken, a popular meat, are low in calories and fat and high in protein.
FAQ
How many calories are in a chicken thigh?
Chicken thighs are a good option for anyone on a budget because they are frequently less expensive than chicken breasts. 109 calories, or 209 calories per three, are found in a chicken thigh. 5 ounces (100 grams). It’s 53% protein and 47% fat.
How many calories are in one chicken thigh with skin?
Skin-on thighs People also refer to the thighs as the “dark” meat on the chicken, along with the drumsticks. In a 3. 5 ounces of cooked thighs with the skin on have 229 calories in them.
Is chicken thigh good for losing weight?
Chicken thighs are typically more moist than chicken breasts due to their higher fat content. Chicken thighs, unfortunately, have more calories and fat than other cuts of meat. Skinless chicken breast contains 140 calories and 3 grams of fat per 3-ounce serving.
Why is chicken thigh high in calories?
The fat content of the two is the only significant distinction. In addition to being fattier, chicken thighs are also more moist than chicken breasts. However, while the relative amounts of iron, sodium, and good cholesterol are the same in both the thighs and the breasts, they differ in the amounts of calories, fat, and saturated fats.
