Chicken is one of the most commonly consumed meats worldwide. It’s versatile easy to cook and a great source of protein. However, when watching your calories, it’s important to understand how many are in a piece of chicken. The number can vary significantly depending on the cut, whether skin is present, cooking method, and serving size.
Calorie Content by Chicken Cut
The calorie content differs based on the chicken cut:
Chicken Breast
Chicken breast is a popular low-fat cut perfect for diets and weight loss. A 3.5 oz (100g) serving of boneless skinless cooked chicken breast contains
- 165 calories
- 31g protein
- 3.6g fat
80% of calories come from protein and 20% from fat,
A whole boneless, skinless chicken breast (172g) has:
- 284 calories
- 53g protein
- 6g fat
Chicken Thigh
Chicken thighs have a bit more fat than breasts. A 3.5 oz (100g) serving of boneless, skinless thigh contains:
- 179 calories
- 24.8g protein
- 8.2g fat
55% of calories are from protein and 45% from fat.
Chicken Wing
Wings are often breaded and fried but the wing itself is lean. A 3.5 oz (100g) serving of boneless, skinless wing has:
- 203 calories
- 30.5g protein
- 8.1g fat
64% of calories come from protein, 36% from fat.
Chicken Drumstick
The drumstick is the lower portion of the leg. A 3.5 oz (100g) serving of boneless, skinless drumstick provides:
- 155 calories
- 24.2g protein
- 5.7g fat
65% of calories are from protein, 35% from fat.
Skin Adds Calories
Chicken skin significantly increases fat and calorie content.
A boneless, skinless breast has 284 calories and 20% fat. With skin, it has:
- 386 calories
- 39% of calories from fat
Skin also adds 43 calories and 24% more fat to a wing. Try skinless chicken if watching calories.
Cooking Method Matters
Plain chicken is relatively low calorie but cooking method impacts nutrition.
Frying, battering, breading, sauce, etc. increase calories:
-
Plain thigh: 208 calories
-
Fried battered thigh: 238 calories
-
Plain wing: 43 calories
-
Fried wing: 103 calories
-
BBQ glazed wing: 61 calories
Healthiest cooking methods are poaching, roasting, grilling, and steaming. They add little fat.
Serving Size Significantly Affects Calories
Larger pieces mean more calories:
-
1 small wing (21g): 43 calories
-
1 medium wing (34g): 61 calories
-
1 large wing (85g): 152 calories
-
1 small breast (85g): 142 calories
-
1 large breast (170g): 284 calories
-
1 extra large breast (340g): 569 calories
When eating chicken, pay attention to serving sizes, especially for higher calorie cooked wings, fried chicken, etc. Stick to a deck of cards sized serving.
Average Calories in Popular Chicken Dishes
Here are calories for 3.5 oz (100g) of common chicken dishes:
- Roast chicken: 190 calories
- Fried chicken: 279 calories
- Chicken nuggets: 228 calories
- Chicken fajita: 166 calories
- Chicken Parmesan: 288 calories
- Chicken stir fry: 175 calories
Dishes with breading, frying, cheese, heavy sauces will be higher in calories. Lighter prep methods keep calories down.
Tips for Low Calorie Chicken Meals
- Choose lean cuts like breast and wing
- Remove skin before cooking
- Bake, grill, or poach instead of frying
- Avoid heavy breading, batter, sauces
- Watch portion sizes with cooked wings, fried chicken, etc.
- Pair with non-starchy veggies for a filling, nutrient-packed meal
The Bottom Line
There can be a wide range of calories in a piece of chicken depending on many factors. But focusing on preparation method, avoiding skin, and controlling portions can help keep calories in check. A 3.5 oz serving of most boneless, skinless cuts provides 150-200 calories, with a mix of satiating protein and fat.
/chicken-leg_annotated-41227f1f9a6f45949a83c307fbd44c33.jpg)
How many calories are in a chicken breast?
The calorie count in a chicken breast can vary depending on factors such as the size of the breast and whether it is cooked with or without the skin. Heres a general estimate:
- Skinless, boneless chicken breast (cooked, roasted): Approximately 165 calories per 100 grams.
Keep in mind that these numbers are approximate and can vary based on cooking methods and specific preparations. If you have a specific chicken breast and cooking method in mind, I can provide a more accurate estimate.
Are chicken wings high in calories?
Yes, chicken wings are relatively high in calories compared to some other parts of the chicken. The calorie count for chicken wings can vary depending on factors like the size of the wing and how they are prepared. Heres a rough estimate:
- A single small chicken wing (without sauce) can have around 43 calories.
Its important to note that this calorie count is for a plain, unseasoned, and unbreaded chicken wing. When chicken wings are coated in sauces or breading, the calorie count can increase significantly. For example, fried and sauced chicken wings can have much higher calorie counts due to the added ingredients.
If you have a specific type of chicken wing preparation in mind, please provide more details for a more accurate calorie estimate.
Is Tracking Your Food Raw Ruining Your Gains?
FAQ
How many calories are in a single piece of chicken?
| Food | Serving | Calories |
|---|---|---|
| Chicken 1/2 piece (16.2 oz) | 1/2 piece (16.2 oz) | 764 Cal |
| Chicken Breast 1 piece (5.3 oz) | 1 piece (5.3 oz) | 151 Cal |
| Chicken Breast Fillet 1 piece (4.0 oz) | 1 piece (4.0 oz) | 132 Cal |
| Chicken Breast, fried 1 portion (6.3 oz) | 1 portion (6.3 oz) | 189 Cal |
How many calories are in a 1pc of chicken?
One skinless, boneless, cooked chicken breast (172 g) has the following nutrition breakdown : Calories: 284. Protein: 53.4 g. Carbs: 0 g.
How many calories are in an average piece of chicken?
In a 3.5-oz serving of cooked boneless and skinless chicken breast, a person is consuming about 165 calories. They are also getting: 31 grams (g) of protein.Oct 23, 2019
How much chicken is 1500 calories?