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Chicken Thigh vs Mackerel: Calories Compared
Chicken Thigh is lower in calories (179 vs 205 per 100g). Chicken Thigh has 24.8g protein per 100g versus 18.6g in Mackerel.
Per typical serving, Chicken Thigh provides 208 kcal (based on a 116g portion) versus Mackerel at 230 kcal (112g). The average adult needs around 2,000 calories per day, so chicken thigh contributes 10.4% and mackerel contributes 11.5% 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 | Mackerel |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 179 kcal | 205 kcal |
| Protein | 24.8g | 18.6g |
| Carbohydrates | 0g | 0g |
| of which Sugars | 0g | 0g |
| Fat | 8.2g | 13.9g |
| of which Saturates | 2.3g | 3.3g |
| Fibre | 0g | 0g |
| Sodium | 106mg | 90mg |
| Potassium | 269mg | 314mg |
| Calcium | 9mg | 12mg |
| Iron | 1.1mg | 1.6mg |
| Vitamin C | 0mg | 0.4mg |
| Vitamin A | 8µg | 50µg |
| Selenium | 27µg | 44µg |
| Riboflavin (B2) | 0.2mg | 0.3mg |
Nutrient-by-nutrient breakdown
- Calories: Mackerel has more (205kcal vs 179kcal per 100g) — a difference of 26kcal. 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: Mackerel has more (13.9g vs 8.2g per 100g) — a difference of 5.7g. Chicken Thigh is the lower-fat option if that is your priority.
- Saturated fat: Mackerel has more (3.3g vs 2.3g per 100g) — a difference of 1g. 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 90mg per 100g) — a difference of 16mg. Mackerel is the lower-sodium option if that is your priority.
- Potassium: Mackerel has more (314mg vs 269mg per 100g) — a difference of 45mg. Mackerel is the stronger source of potassium here.
- Calcium: Mackerel has more (12mg vs 9mg per 100g) — a difference of 3mg. Mackerel is the stronger source of calcium here.
- Iron: Mackerel has more (2mg vs 1mg per 100g) — a difference of 0mg. Mackerel is the stronger source of iron here.
- Vitamin c: Mackerel has more (0mg vs 0mg per 100g) — a difference of 0mg. Mackerel is the stronger source of vitamin C here.
- Vitamin a: Mackerel has more (50µg vs 8µg per 100g) — a difference of 42µg. Mackerel is the stronger source of vitamin A here.
- Selenium: Mackerel has more (44µg vs 27µg per 100g) — a difference of 17µg. Mackerel is the stronger source of selenium here.
- Riboflavin (b2): Mackerel has more (0mg vs 0mg per 100g) — a difference of 0mg. Mackerel 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 | Mackerel | % 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 mackerel 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 Mackerel?
Chicken Thigh has 179 calories per 100g while Mackerel has 205 calories per 100g. Mackerel is higher in calories by 26 kcal per 100g.
Which has more protein, Chicken Thigh or Mackerel?
Chicken Thigh contains 24.8g of protein per 100g. Mackerel contains 18.6g of protein per 100g. Chicken Thigh has more protein.
Is Chicken Thigh healthier than Mackerel?
Chicken Thigh has 179 kcal, 24.8g protein, 0g carbs and 8.2g fat per 100g. Mackerel has 205 kcal, 18.6g protein, 0g carbs and 13.9g 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 Mackerel?
Chicken Thigh contains 0g of fibre per 100g, and Mackerel 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 Mackerel?
A typical 1 thigh of chicken thigh (116g) is around 208 calories. A typical 1 fillet of mackerel (112g) is around 230 calories — a difference of 22 kcal per serving in favour of chicken thigh.
Can I substitute Chicken Thigh for Mackerel 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).