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Chicken Thigh vs Lean Beef Mince: Calories Compared
Chicken Thigh is lower in calories (179 vs 215 per 100g). Chicken Thigh has 24.8g protein per 100g versus 18.6g in Lean Beef Mince.
Per typical serving, Chicken Thigh provides 208 kcal (based on a 116g portion) versus Lean Beef Mince at 215 kcal (100g). The average adult needs around 2,000 calories per day, so chicken thigh contributes 10.4% and lean beef mince contributes 10.8% 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 | Lean Beef Mince |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 179 kcal | 215 kcal |
| Protein | 24.8g | 18.6g |
| Carbohydrates | 0g | 0g |
| of which Sugars | 0g | 0g |
| Fat | 8.2g | 15g |
| of which Saturates | 2.3g | 5.7g |
| Fibre | 0g | 0g |
| Sodium | 106mg | 66mg |
| Potassium | 269mg | 295mg |
| Calcium | 9mg | 15mg |
| Iron | 1.1mg | 2.1mg |
| Vitamin C | 0mg | 0mg |
| Vitamin A | 8µg | 4µg |
| Selenium | 27µg | 16µg |
| Riboflavin (B2) | 0.2mg | 0.2mg |
Nutrient-by-nutrient breakdown
- Calories: Lean Beef Mince has more (215kcal vs 179kcal per 100g) — a difference of 36kcal. Chicken Thigh is the lower-calories option if that is your priority.
- Protein: Chicken Thigh has more (24.8g vs 18.6g per 100g) — a difference of 6.2g. Chicken Thigh 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: Lean Beef Mince has more (15g vs 8.2g per 100g) — a difference of 6.8g. Chicken Thigh is the lower-fat option if that is your priority.
- Saturated fat: Lean Beef Mince has more (5.7g vs 2.3g per 100g) — a difference of 3.4g. Chicken Thigh 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 66mg per 100g) — a difference of 40mg. Lean Beef Mince is the lower-sodium option if that is your priority.
- Potassium: Lean Beef Mince has more (295mg vs 269mg per 100g) — a difference of 26mg. Lean Beef Mince is the stronger source of potassium here.
- Calcium: Lean Beef Mince has more (15mg vs 9mg per 100g) — a difference of 6mg. Lean Beef Mince is the stronger source of calcium here.
- Iron: Lean Beef Mince has more (2mg vs 1mg per 100g) — a difference of 1mg. Lean Beef Mince 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 4µg per 100g) — a difference of 4µg. Chicken Thigh is the stronger source of vitamin A here.
- Selenium: Chicken Thigh has more (27µg vs 16µg per 100g) — a difference of 11µg. Chicken Thigh is the stronger source of selenium here.
- Riboflavin (b2): both foods contain the same amount (0mg per 100g).
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 | Lean Beef Mince | % 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 Thigh is the lower-calorie option at 179 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 lean beef mince 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 Lean Beef Mince?
Chicken Thigh has 179 calories per 100g while Lean Beef Mince has 215 calories per 100g. Lean Beef Mince is higher in calories by 36 kcal per 100g.
Which has more protein, Chicken Thigh or Lean Beef Mince?
Chicken Thigh contains 24.8g of protein per 100g. Lean Beef Mince contains 18.6g of protein per 100g. Chicken Thigh has more protein.
Is Chicken Thigh healthier than Lean Beef Mince?
Chicken Thigh has 179 kcal, 24.8g protein, 0g carbs and 8.2g fat per 100g. Lean Beef Mince has 215 kcal, 18.6g protein, 0g carbs and 15g 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 Lean Beef Mince?
Chicken Thigh contains 0g of fibre per 100g, and Lean Beef Mince 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 Lean Beef Mince?
A typical 1 thigh of chicken thigh (116g) is around 208 calories. A typical 100g serving of lean beef mince (100g) is around 215 calories — a difference of 7 kcal per serving in favour of chicken thigh.
Can I substitute Chicken Thigh for Lean Beef Mince 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).