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Chicken Breast vs Chicken Thigh: Calories Compared
Chicken Breast is lower in calories (165 vs 179 per 100g). Chicken Breast has 31g protein per 100g versus 24.8g in Chicken Thigh.
Per typical serving, Chicken Breast provides 231 kcal (based on a 140g portion) versus Chicken Thigh at 208 kcal (116g). The average adult needs around 2,000 calories per day, so chicken breast contributes 11.6% and chicken thigh contributes 10.4% of that daily target per serving. Getting these numbers right for your own portions starts with a digital kitchen scale.
Full nutrition comparison (per 100g)
| Nutrient | Chicken Breast | Chicken Thigh |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 165 kcal | 179 kcal |
| Protein | 31g | 24.8g |
| Carbohydrates | 0g | 0g |
| of which Sugars | 0g | 0g |
| Fat | 3.6g | 8.2g |
| of which Saturates | 1g | 2.3g |
| Fibre | 0g | 0g |
| Sodium | 74mg | 106mg |
| Potassium | 256mg | 269mg |
| Calcium | 15mg | 9mg |
| Iron | 1mg | 1.1mg |
| Vitamin C | 0mg | 0mg |
| Vitamin A | 6µg | 8µg |
| Selenium | 28µg | 27µg |
| Riboflavin (B2) | 0.1mg | 0.2mg |
Nutrient-by-nutrient breakdown
- Calories: Chicken Thigh has more (179kcal vs 165kcal per 100g) — a difference of 14kcal. Chicken Breast is the lower-calories option if that is your priority.
- Protein: Chicken Breast has more (31g vs 24.8g per 100g) — a difference of 6.2g. Chicken Breast is the stronger source of protein here.
- Carbohydrates: both foods contain the same amount (0g per 100g).
- Sugars: both foods contain the same amount (0g per 100g).
- Fat: Chicken Thigh has more (8.2g vs 3.6g per 100g) — a difference of 4.6g. Chicken Breast is the lower-fat option if that is your priority.
- Saturated fat: Chicken Thigh has more (2.3g vs 1g per 100g) — a difference of 1.3g. Chicken Breast is the lower-saturated fat option if that is your priority.
- Fibre: both foods contain the same amount (0g per 100g).
- Sodium: Chicken Thigh has more (106mg vs 74mg per 100g) — a difference of 32mg. Chicken Breast is the lower-sodium option if that is your priority.
- Potassium: Chicken Thigh has more (269mg vs 256mg per 100g) — a difference of 13mg. Chicken Thigh is the stronger source of potassium here.
- Calcium: Chicken Breast has more (15mg vs 9mg per 100g) — a difference of 6mg. Chicken Breast is the stronger source of calcium here.
- Iron: Chicken Thigh has more (1mg vs 1mg per 100g) — a difference of 0mg. Chicken Thigh is the stronger source of iron here.
- Vitamin c: both foods contain the same amount (0mg per 100g).
- Vitamin a: Chicken Thigh has more (8µg vs 6µg per 100g) — a difference of 2µg. Chicken Thigh is the stronger source of vitamin A here.
- Selenium: Chicken Breast has more (28µg vs 27µg per 100g) — a difference of 1µg. Chicken Breast is the stronger source of selenium here.
- Riboflavin (b2): Chicken Thigh has more (0mg vs 0mg per 100g) — a difference of 0mg. Chicken Thigh is the stronger source of riboflavin (B2) here.
Live serving-size calculator
Enter any amount for each food — every figure below recalculates instantly, with % of daily value shown for each nutrient (based on a standard 2,000-calorie reference diet).
| Nutrient | Chicken Breast | % DV | Chicken Thigh | % DV |
|---|
* % Daily Value based on a 2,000-calorie reference diet, the same basis used on nutrition labels in the US and UK. Figures update live as you change the amounts above — no page reload.
Substituting one for the other
When substituting one protein source for another, cooking time and method may need adjusting — leaner cuts cook faster and can dry out more easily than fattier ones.
Useful for comparing these foods
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Which should you choose?
If your priority is fewer calories, Chicken Breast is the lower-calorie option at 165 kcal per 100g. If you need more protein, Chicken Breast provides more at 31g per 100g. For lower carbohydrates, Chicken Breast has fewer carbs at 0g per 100g.
Both chicken breast and chicken thigh can form part of a healthy, balanced diet. The best choice depends on your individual goals — whether that is weight management, muscle building, or simply hitting your daily nutritional targets. A meal prep container set makes it easy to portion whichever you choose.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which has more calories, Chicken Breast or Chicken Thigh?
Chicken Breast has 165 calories per 100g while Chicken Thigh has 179 calories per 100g. Chicken Thigh is higher in calories by 14 kcal per 100g.
Which has more protein, Chicken Breast or Chicken Thigh?
Chicken Breast contains 31g of protein per 100g. Chicken Thigh contains 24.8g of protein per 100g. Chicken Breast has more protein.
Is Chicken Breast healthier than Chicken Thigh?
Chicken Breast has 165 kcal, 31g protein, 0g carbs and 3.6g fat per 100g. Chicken Thigh has 179 kcal, 24.8g protein, 0g carbs and 8.2g fat per 100g. Which is healthier depends on your goals — higher protein, lower calorie and lower fat foods are generally preferred for weight management.
Which has more fibre, Chicken Breast or Chicken Thigh?
Chicken Breast contains 0g of fibre per 100g, and Chicken Thigh contains 0g per 100g. Chicken Breast has more fibre. Fibre supports digestion and helps with feeling fuller for longer.
How many calories per serving — Chicken Breast vs Chicken Thigh?
A typical 1 breast of chicken breast (140g) is around 231 calories. A typical 1 thigh of chicken thigh (116g) is around 208 calories — a difference of 23 kcal per serving in favour of chicken thigh.
Can I substitute Chicken Breast for Chicken Thigh in recipes?
When substituting one protein source for another, cooking time and method may need adjusting — leaner cuts cook faster and can dry out more easily than fattier ones.
Track both accurately
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Figures per 100g from the USDA FoodData Central database (CC0 1.0).