Calories in Chicken Thighs

Learn the Calories in Chicken Thighs (for all cuts!) plus how to cook chicken thighs, and lots of low calorie chicken thigh recipes!

Chicken thighs are a versatile and delicious source of protein that can be cooked in many ways. They are available bone-in, boneless, skinless, and with skin on.

But with so many options, it can be confusing to know which type of chicken thigh is the healthiest or the lowest in calories.

In this guide, I’ll share the calories in chicken thighs and help you make an informed decision about which type to choose. Plus I’ll share how to cook chicken thighs, the nutrition in chicken thighs, and supply you with some low calorie chicken thigh recipes too!

Are Chicken Thighs Healthy?

Chicken thighs can be a healthy addition to your diet as they are a good source of protein, vitamins, and minerals. Here are some of the benefits of chicken thighs:

Protein:

Chicken thighs are an excellent source of protein, which is essential for building and repairing muscle tissue. Protein also helps keep you feeling full and satisfied, which can help with weight management.

Vitamins and Minerals:

Chicken thighs are a good source of several essential vitamins and minerals, including niacin, vitamin B6, phosphorus, and selenium. Niacin is important for maintaining healthy skin, while vitamin B6 is necessary for brain development and function. Phosphorus is essential for strong bones and teeth, while selenium is important for a healthy immune system.

Healthy Fats:

While chicken thighs are higher in fat than chicken breasts, they contain healthy fats that can provide a number of health benefits. For example, chicken thighs contain oleic acid, which is a type of monounsaturated fat that has been shown to help lower bad cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of heart disease.

Nutrition Breakdown:

• Protein: Chicken thighs are a good source of protein, with a 3-ounce serving containing approximately 18 grams of protein.
• Carbohydrates: Chicken thighs contain very little carbohydrates, with only trace amounts per 3-ounce serving.
• Fiber: Chicken thighs are not a significant source of fiber, with only trace amounts per 3-ounce serving.
• Sugar: Chicken thighs do not contain any added sugars, with only trace amounts of natural sugars per 3-ounce serving.
• Cholesterol: Chicken thighs contain cholesterol, with a 3-ounce serving containing approximately 80 milligrams of cholesterol.
• Fat: Chicken thighs are a good source of healthy fats, with a 3-ounce serving containing approximately 9 grams of fat.
• Saturated Fat: Chicken thighs contain both saturated and unsaturated fats, with approximately 2 grams of saturated fat and 7 grams of unsaturated fat per 3-ounce serving.
• Sodium: The sodium content of chicken thighs can vary depending on the cooking method and seasoning, but a 3-ounce serving of plain chicken thighs typically contains around 60-80 milligrams of sodium.
• Potassium: Chicken thighs are a good source of potassium, with a 3-ounce serving containing approximately 230 milligrams of potassium.
• Vitamins and Minerals: Chicken thighs are a good source of vitamins and minerals, including niacin, vitamin B6, phosphorus, and selenium.

Chicken thighs can be a healthy addition to your diet as they are a good source of protein, vitamins, and minerals. However, it’s important to keep the calorie count and fat content in check by choosing skinless and boneless chicken thighs and preparing them in a healthy way.

Calories in Chicken Thighs With Skin

• Small Thigh = 135 Calories
• Medium Thigh = 152 Calories
• Large Thigh = 206 Calories
• 4 Ounce Boneless = 278 Calories
• 4 Ounce Bone In = 216 Calories
• 1 Cup = 331 Calories
• 1/2 Cup = 166 Calories

Calories in Chicken Thighs Without Skin

• Small Thigh= 95 Calories
• Medium Thigh = 108 Calories
• Large Thigh = 145 Calories
• 4 Ounce Boneless = 207 Calories
• 4 Ounce Bone In = 157 Calories
• 1 Cup = 279 Calories
• 1/2 Cup = 140 Calories

Factors Affecting the Calories in Chicken Thighs

Cooking Method

The cooking method can affect the calorie count of chicken thighs. Grilling, baking, or broiling chicken thighs can be healthier than frying or sautéing them.

Marinades and Sauces

Adding high-calorie marinades or sauces to chicken thighs can increase the calorie count. Using low-calorie or homemade marinades and sauces can help keep the calorie count in check.

Seasonings

Adding high-calorie seasonings to chicken thighs, such as butter or oil, can also increase the calorie count. Using herbs, spices, or low-calorie seasonings can help reduce the calorie count.

Tips for Lowering the Calories in Chicken Thighs:

• Choose skinless boneless chicken thighs for the lowest calorie count
• Remove the skin before cooking to reduce the calorie count
• Use a healthy cooking method such as grilling, baking, or broiling
• Use low-calorie or homemade marinades and sauces
• Use herbs, spices, or low-calorie seasonings

Different Ways to Cook Chicken Thighs

Chicken thighs are a versatile and flavorful protein that can be cooked in a variety of ways. Here are some of the different ways you can cook chicken thighs:

Grilling Chicken Thighs

Grilling chicken thighs is a popular way to cook them, as it adds a smoky and charred flavor that complements their rich and savory taste. Here’s how to grill chicken thighs:

1. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
2. Season your chicken thighs with your preferred low-calorie seasoning or marinade.
3. Place the chicken thighs on the grill, bone side down, and grill for 5-7 minutes.
4. Flip the chicken thighs over and continue grilling for another 5-7 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
5. Remove the chicken thighs from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes before serving.

Grilling chicken thighs is a healthy and delicious way to cook them, as it allows the fat to drip off the meat while creating a flavorful charred exterior. By using low-calorie seasonings and choosing boneless, skinless chicken thighs, you can create a healthy and flavorful meal that is perfect for any occasion.

Baking Chicken Thighs

Baking chicken thighs is a simple and healthy way to cook them, as it requires minimal preparation and uses no added oil or fat. Here’s how to bake chicken thighs:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F.
2. Season your chicken thighs with your preferred low-calorie seasoning or marinade.
3. Place the chicken thighs on a baking sheet, leaving some space between each piece.
4. Bake the chicken thighs in the oven for 25-30 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
5. Remove the chicken thighs from the oven and let them rest for a few minutes before serving.

Baking chicken thighs results in juicy and tender meat with a crispy exterior. By using low-calorie seasonings and choosing boneless, skinless chicken thighs, you can create a healthy and flavorful meal that is perfect for any occasion.

Air Frying Chicken Thighs

Air frying is a popular cooking method that uses hot air to cook food, resulting in a crispy exterior and juicy interior without the added oil and calories of traditional frying. Here’s how to air fry chicken thighs:

1. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F.
2. Season your chicken thighs with your favorite low-calorie seasoning or marinade.
3. Place the chicken thighs in the air fryer basket, leaving some space between each piece.
4. Cook the chicken thighs for 12-15 minutes, flipping them halfway through cooking.
5. Check the internal temperature of the chicken thighs to ensure they have reached 165°F.
6. Serve and enjoy!

Air frying chicken thighs is a healthy and easy way to enjoy this delicious protein without the added calories and fat of traditional frying. By using low-calorie seasonings and choosing boneless, skinless chicken thighs, you can create a healthy and flavorful meal in no time.

Broiling Chicken Thighs

Broiling chicken thighs is a quick and easy way to cook them, as it only takes a few minutes to achieve a crispy and browned exterior. Here’s how to broil chicken thighs:

1. Preheat your broiler to high heat.
2. Season your chicken thighs with your preferred low-calorie seasoning or marinade.
3. Place the chicken thighs on a broiler pan or baking sheet, leaving some space between each piece.
4. Broil the chicken thighs for 6-8 minutes on one side, then flip them over and broil for another 6-8 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
5. Remove the chicken thighs from the broiler and let them rest for a few minutes before serving.

Broiling chicken thighs is a healthy and delicious way to cook them, as it allows the fat to drip off the meat while creating a crispy and browned exterior. By using low-calorie seasonings and choosing boneless, skinless chicken thighs, you can create a healthy and flavorful meal that is perfect for any occasion.

Pan-frying Chicken Thighs

Pan-frying chicken thighs is a simple and quick way to cook them, as it only takes a few minutes to achieve a crispy and golden-brown exterior. Here’s how to pan-fry chicken thighs:

1. Heat a non-stick pan over medium-high heat and add a small amount of oil or cooking spray.
2. Season your chicken thighs with your preferred low-calorie seasoning or marinade.
3. Place the chicken thighs in the pan, skin-side down, and cook for 6-8 minutes until the skin is crispy and golden-brown.
4. Flip the chicken thighs over and cook for another 6-8 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
5. Remove the chicken thighs from the pan and let them rest for a few minutes before serving.

Pan-frying chicken thighs is a healthy and delicious way to cook them, as it allows the fat to drip off the meat while creating a crispy and golden-brown exterior. By using low-calorie seasonings and choosing boneless, skinless chicken thighs, you can create a healthy and flavorful meal that is perfect for any occasion.

Slow-Cooking Chicken Thighs

Slow-cooking chicken thighs is a great option if you want a hands-off approach to cooking. By using a slow cooker or crockpot, you can create a delicious and tender meal with minimal effort. Here’s how to slow-cook chicken thighs:

1. Season your chicken thighs with your preferred low-calorie seasoning or marinade.
2. Place the chicken thighs in the slow cooker or crockpot and add any vegetables or liquids you desire, such as onions, garlic, chicken broth, or low-fat cream of mushroom soup.
3. Cover and cook on low heat for 6-8 hours, or on high heat for 3-4 hours, until the chicken thighs are tender and the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
4. Remove the chicken thighs from the slow cooker or crockpot and let them rest for a few minutes before serving.

Slow-cooking chicken thighs is a healthy and convenient way to cook them, as it allows the meat to cook slowly and absorb the flavors of any added ingredients. By using low-calorie seasonings and choosing boneless, skinless chicken thighs, you can create a healthy and flavorful meal that is perfect for busy weekdays or lazy weekends.

Stir-Frying Chicken Thighs

Stir-frying chicken thighs is a quick and easy way to create a healthy and flavorful meal. By using a wok or a large skillet and high heat, you can achieve a crispy and flavorful exterior while keeping the meat tender and juicy. Here’s how to stir-fry chicken thighs:

1. Cut boneless, skinless chicken thighs into small pieces or strips.
2. Heat a wok or a large skillet over high heat and add a small amount of oil.
3. Add your desired vegetables, such as bell peppers, onions, carrots, or broccoli, and stir-fry for a minute or two until they are tender-crisp.
4. Add the chicken thighs to the wok or skillet and stir-fry for 5-7 minutes until they are cooked through and lightly browned.
5. Season with low-calorie sauces or spices, such as soy sauce, ginger, garlic, or chili flakes, and stir-fry for another minute or two.
6. Serve over brown rice or quinoa for a healthy and satisfying meal.

Stir-frying chicken thighs is a great way to create a healthy and flavorful meal in just a few minutes. By using boneless, skinless chicken thighs and low-calorie seasonings, you can create a dish that is high in protein and low in calories. Plus, by adding a variety of colorful vegetables, you can increase the nutritional value and create a dish that is as healthy as it is delicious.

There are many different ways to cook chicken thighs, each with its own unique flavor and texture. By choosing healthy cooking methods and low-calorie seasonings, you can enjoy chicken thighs as a delicious and healthy part of your diet.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Low Calorie Chicken Thigh Recipes

These low calorie chicken thigh recipes are all reader favorites at Lose Weight By Eating! I know you will love them!!

1. Sesame Garlic Crockpot Chicken Thighs

These slow cooker chicken thighs are low calorie and packed with flavor! You can set and forget this healthy recipe, and come home to then best crockpot chicken thighs ever!

2. Baked Boneless Chicken Thighs

These easy boneless chicken thighs come with 5 low calorie spice blends! No matter how you make this low calorie chicken thigh recipe, I know you will love it!

3. Low Calorie Chicken Thighs

My most popular chicken thigh recipe, this low calorie skin on (yes-really!) bone in chicken thigh recipe is perfect and low calorie too. With a crispy skin and packed full of flavor, make it tonight and see why this is a five star rated reader favorite!

Final Thoughts on Calories in Chicken Thighs

The calorie count of chicken thighs can vary depending on the type of thigh and how it is cooked.

Skinless boneless chicken thighs have the lowest calorie count, while skin-on boneless chicken thighs have the highest calorie count.

By using healthy cooking methods, low-calorie marinades and seasonings, and by removing the skin, you can lower the calorie count of chicken thighs and enjoy them as a part of a healthy diet.

I hope this article has answered all your questions, and that you will try some of these low calorie recipes so you can start making healthier chicken thigh dinners.

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