Sure, chicken breast is a lean source of high-quality protein that is incredibly versatile and filling, but why does it seem to get all the love when it comes to healthy recipes and diets? But if you don’t enjoy chicken breast, you might be wondering whether choosing a thigh is an equally healthy option or whether it would be wiser to forgo the chicken altogether.
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.
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.
Since chicken contains all nine essential amino acids that our bodies cannot produce on their own, it is regarded as a complete protein. Additionally, all chicken cuts, including the thighs, contain tryptophan, an amino acid that increases serotonin, the “feel-good” neurochemical that can support a positive mood.
When you use chicken thighs in your favorite chicken soup when you’re feeling under the weather, you’ll be giving your body vital hydration from the broth in addition to immune-supporting vitamins and minerals like zinc.
For many people, it can be difficult to figure out how to eat foods that are both affordable and high in nutrients. It is also true that chicken breast meat (which has 3 grams of total fat and 0 mg of cholesterol) tends to be lower in fat and cholesterol than chicken thighs. Both can easily fit into the Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommendations for fat intake (7 grams of saturated fat per 3-ounce serving). 20% to 35% of total calories are made up of fat, and 10% or fewer of those calories are saturated fat.
Additionally, chicken thighs are a great source of protein if you are on a tight budget because they are frequently a more affordable substitute to other meat or fish products. Among many other potential advantages, eating foods high in protein can support weight-management objectives and bone health.
In the end, chicken thighs can be a nutritious addition to your diet if they are prepared in a way that is good for you. If you’re trying to cut back on fat, prepare chicken thighs using methods like grilling, baking, or stir-frying that don’t require a lot of additional oil. Likewise, pay attention to the amount of sodium you use when cooking. A great salt-free way to increase a dish’s flavor is with herbs and spices. To balance the nutrition and give your meal more staying power, serve chicken thighs with whole grains and vegetables.
Feel free to indulge if you’re a fan of dark meat and prefer the flavor of juicy chicken thighs to that of leaner chicken breast. Chicken thighs are acceptable as part of a healthy diet due to their high protein content and abundance of nutrients. Just concentrate on attempting to cook the thighs in a healthful manner and serving them with vegetables and whole grains to give them more staying power. You can enjoy a nutrient-rich meal that is both quick and satisfying with recipes like our Honey-Garlic Chicken Thighs with Carrots & Broccoli or Skillet Lemon Chicken with Potatoes and Kale.
When you use chicken thighs in your favorite chicken soup when you’re feeling under the weather, you’ll be giving your body vital hydration from the broth in addition to immune-supporting vitamins and minerals like zinc.
In the end, chicken thighs can be a nutritious addition to your diet if they are prepared in a way that is good for you. If you’re trying to cut back on fat, prepare chicken thighs using methods like grilling, baking, or stir-frying that don’t require a lot of additional oil. Likewise, pay attention to the amount of sodium you use when cooking. A great salt-free way to increase a dish’s flavor is with herbs and spices. To balance the nutrition and give your meal more staying power, serve chicken thighs with whole grains and vegetables.
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.
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.
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.
FAQ
Why is chicken thigh better than breast?
Chicken thighs are a fattier cut of meat, so they will have a much richer, more intense flavor than their white meat equivalents. No matter how they are cooked, chicken thighs always produce a product that is richer and more flavorful.
Is chicken breast or thigh better for weight loss?
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. Three ounces of chicken thigh contains three grams of fat and 170 calories.
Why are chicken thighs healthier?
So what advantages do chicken legs and thighs have? They are a great source of many vital nutrients. The amounts of iron and zinc in dark meat are significantly higher than those in white meat, both of which are crucial for a strong immune system.
