Affiliate links on this page — disclosure. As an Amazon Associate, CJ Affiliate, and AWIN publisher we earn from qualifying purchases.
Chicken Thigh vs Ham: Calories Compared
Ham is lower in calories (100 vs 179 per 100g). Chicken Thigh has 24.8g protein per 100g versus 16.9g in Ham.
Per typical serving, Chicken Thigh provides 208 kcal (based on a 116g portion) versus Ham at 56 kcal (56g). The average adult needs around 2,000 calories per day, so chicken thigh contributes 10.4% and ham contributes 2.8% 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 Thigh | Ham |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 179 kcal | 100 kcal |
| Protein | 24.8g | 16.9g |
| Carbohydrates | 0g | 0.6g |
| of which Sugars | 0g | 0g |
| Fat | 8.2g | 3.4g |
| of which Saturates | 2.3g | 0.7g |
| Fibre | 0g | 0g |
| Sodium | 106mg | 1279mg |
| Potassium | 269mg | 490mg |
| Calcium | 9mg | 5mg |
| Iron | 1.1mg | 0.6mg |
| Vitamin C | 0mg | 0mg |
| Vitamin A | 8µg | 0µg |
| Selenium | 27µg | 32µg |
| Riboflavin (B2) | 0.2mg | 0.3mg |
Nutrient-by-nutrient breakdown
- Calories: Chicken Thigh has more (179kcal vs 100kcal per 100g) — a difference of 79kcal. Ham is the lower-calories option if that is your priority.
- Protein: Chicken Thigh has more (24.8g vs 16.9g per 100g) — a difference of 7.9g. Chicken Thigh is the stronger source of protein here.
- Carbohydrates: Ham has more (0.6g vs 0g per 100g) — a difference of 0.6g.
- Sugars: both foods contain the same amount (0g per 100g).
- Fat: Chicken Thigh has more (8.2g vs 3.4g per 100g) — a difference of 4.8g. Ham is the lower-fat option if that is your priority.
- Saturated fat: Chicken Thigh has more (2.3g vs 0.7g per 100g) — a difference of 1.6g. Ham is the lower-saturated fat option if that is your priority.
- Fibre: both foods contain the same amount (0g per 100g).
- Sodium: Ham has more (1279mg vs 106mg per 100g) — a difference of 1173mg. Chicken Thigh is the lower-sodium option if that is your priority.
- Potassium: Ham has more (490mg vs 269mg per 100g) — a difference of 221mg. Ham is the stronger source of potassium here.
- Calcium: Chicken Thigh has more (9mg vs 5mg per 100g) — a difference of 4mg. Chicken Thigh is the stronger source of calcium here.
- Iron: Chicken Thigh has more (1mg vs 1mg per 100g) — a difference of 1mg. 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 0µg per 100g) — a difference of 8µg. Chicken Thigh is the stronger source of vitamin A here.
- Selenium: Ham has more (32µg vs 27µg per 100g) — a difference of 5µg. Ham is the stronger source of selenium here.
- Riboflavin (b2): Ham has more (0mg vs 0mg per 100g) — a difference of 0mg. Ham 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 Thigh | % DV | Ham | % 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
As an Amazon Associate and affiliate partner we earn from qualifying purchases and other referrals. Disclosure ›
Which should you choose?
If your priority is fewer calories, Ham is the lower-calorie option at 100 kcal per 100g. If you need more protein, Chicken Thigh provides more at 24.8g per 100g. For lower carbohydrates, Chicken Thigh has fewer carbs at 0g per 100g.
Both chicken thigh and ham 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 Thigh or Ham?
Chicken Thigh has 179 calories per 100g while Ham has 100 calories per 100g. Chicken Thigh is higher in calories by 79 kcal per 100g.
Which has more protein, Chicken Thigh or Ham?
Chicken Thigh contains 24.8g of protein per 100g. Ham contains 16.9g of protein per 100g. Chicken Thigh has more protein.
Is Chicken Thigh healthier than Ham?
Chicken Thigh has 179 kcal, 24.8g protein, 0g carbs and 8.2g fat per 100g. Ham has 100 kcal, 16.9g protein, 0.6g carbs and 3.4g 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 Thigh or Ham?
Chicken Thigh contains 0g of fibre per 100g, and Ham contains 0g per 100g. Chicken Thigh has more fibre. Fibre supports digestion and helps with feeling fuller for longer.
How many calories per serving — Chicken Thigh vs Ham?
A typical 1 thigh of chicken thigh (116g) is around 208 calories. A typical 2 slices of ham (56g) is around 56 calories — a difference of 152 kcal per serving in favour of ham.
Can I substitute Chicken Thigh for Ham 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
As an Amazon Associate and affiliate partner we earn from qualifying purchases and other referrals. Disclosure ›
Calorie Tracking Journal
Write down what you actually eat — it doubles the chance of hitting your goal.
Check Price →Last updated:
Figures per 100g from the USDA FoodData Central database (CC0 1.0).