Chicken thighs are a delicious and versatile ingredient used in many recipes. But when meal prepping or following a recipe, it’s helpful to know exactly how much a single thigh weighs. This allows you to accurately portion and prepare the right amount.
In this article we’ll provide a detailed look at chicken thigh weights. Read on to learn
- The average weight of one chicken thigh
- Factors that affect thigh weight
- Weight ranges for bone-in and boneless thighs
- A helpful weight and calorie chart
- How much meat is on a thigh
- Weight loss when cooked
- And more…
Let’s dive in!
The Average Weight of One Chicken Thigh
On average, one bone-in, skin-on chicken thigh weighs between 5 to 8 ounces (140 to 225 grams). A boneless, skinless thigh is lighter, weighing about 4 to 6 ounces (110 to 170 grams).
However, keep in mind that weights vary based on the:
- Size and breed of the chicken
- Part of the thigh used (drumstick or whole thigh)
- Amount of skin and bone
Thighs from larger chickens or meat-producing breeds will sit at the heavier end of the range. Smaller heritage breed thighs are often lighter.
What Affects the Weight of a Chicken Thigh?
Several factors impact the weight of a chicken thigh:
Chicken Size and Breed
Larger chickens and meat-producing breeds like Cornish Cross tend to have bigger, meatier thighs. Smaller heritage breeds such as Rhode Island Red have slightly smaller thighs.
Diet
A balanced, high-protein diet supports muscle growth and healthier chicken thigh weights. Poor nutrition can lead to small, underdeveloped thighs.
Age
Younger chickens have smaller, lighter thighs than older, fully grown chickens. Thigh size increases rapidly as chickens mature.
Living Conditions
Stressful, overcrowded, or unsanitary living conditions may stunt a chicken’s growth, reducing thigh weight.
Helpful Chicken Thigh Weight Ranges
Here are typical weight ranges for different cuts of chicken thighs:
-
Whole bone-in, skin-on thigh: 5 – 8 oz (140 – 225 g)
-
Bone-in thigh with drumstick removed: 4 – 7 oz (110 – 200 g)
-
Boneless, skin-on thigh: 3 – 5 oz (85 – 140 g)
-
Boneless, skinless thigh: 2.5 – 4 oz (70 – 110 g)
Remember these are averages only. The actual weight varies based on the individual thigh.
Chicken Thigh Weight and Calorie Chart
This handy chart shows the average weight and calories for different cuts of chicken thighs:
| Thigh Type | Average Weight | Calories (kcal) |
|---|---|---|
| Bone-in, skin-on | 5 – 8 oz (140 – 225 g) | 250 – 450 |
| Boneless, skin-on | 3 – 5 oz (85 – 140 g) | 130 – 210 |
| Boneless, skinless | 2.5 – 4 oz (70 – 110 g) | 100 – 160 |
Use this as a general guide for nutritional info and portioning. Calorie counts are for raw chicken thighs.
How Much Meat Is on a Chicken Thigh?
After removing the bones and skin, a typical chicken thigh contains around 2 to 4 ounces (57 to 113 grams) of meat.
A bone-in thigh with skin provides less edible meat since it retains the skin and bones. You’ll get more usable meat from a boneless, skinless cut.
How Much Weight Is Lost When Cooked?
Raw chicken thighs reduce in size and weight when cooked. The exact amount depends on the cooking method.
In general, expect a 15-40% loss in weight after cooking:
- Grilling or baking: 20-25% loss
- Braising or stewing: 15-20% loss
- Deep frying: Minimal loss due to oil absorption
Moist heat methods like braising retain more moisture so the thighs will shrink less. Dry heat leads to greater evaporative losses.
How Many Thighs Are in a Pound?
- Skinless boneless thighs: Around 5 per pound
- Bone-in, skin-on thighs: Around 4 per pound
The number can vary slightly based on average sizes. Smaller thighs may yield more per pound while larger thighs give less.
How Many Thighs Are in a Serving?
The recommended serving size for chicken thighs is:
- 2 small boneless thighs
- 1 medium bone-in thigh
Adjust the serving amount based on your calorie needs and the meal. Allow 1 extra thigh if making a larger portion.
Key Takeaways on Chicken Thigh Weights
- An average boneless, skinless thigh weighs 3-5 oz (85-140 g)
- Bone-in thighs with skin are heavier at 5-8 oz (140-225 g)
- Weight varies based on chicken breed, diet, living conditions, and age
- Thighs lose 15-40% of their weight when cooked
- There are around 4-5 thighs per pound on average
- Recommended serving size is 1-2 thighs
Knowing the average chicken thigh weight ranges helps ensure proper portions for recipes and meal prep. Consider the size, breed, and cut when estimating the weight of thighs.
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Market House chicken is supplied by Kadejan, located in Minnesota, where the entire raising, processing, and air-chilling process occurs. Kadejan chickens are raised in a low-stress environment without antibiotics, vaccines, or hormones, and all processing is done individually by hand.
With conventional chilling methods, chickens absorb added chlorinated water. Air chilling uses “cooling chambers” and eliminates the need for chlorinated ice water in the chilling process, meaning that the chickens’ natural juices never get diluted. Moreover, benefits of air chilling include more flavorful and tender meat, reduced human handling, and less environmental waste.
Kadejan chicks have been raised throughout their lifespan without antibiotics. They enjoy a diet of corn, expeller-pressed soybeans, vitamins, and minerals. Additionally, the clean and stress-free environment helps to keep the chickens’ immune systems strong, eliminating the need for antibiotics.
Chicken legs are comprised of the thigh and the drumstick, the lower portion of the leg. You can purchase just the thighs, just the drumsticks, or the whole chicken leg, which includes both.
These chicken thighs are bone-in and skin-on (if you’re looking for boneless, skinless chicken thighs, you can find those here.) Each pack contains four thighs, which weigh approximately 3-4 oz each. As with all Market House orders, they’ll arrive packed with plenty of dry ice to keep them frozen while en route to your doorstep.
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- Market House chicken is supplied by Kadejan, located in Minnesota, where the entire raising, processing, and air-chilling process occurs. Kadejan chickens are raised in a low-stress environment without antibiotics, vaccines, or hormones, and all processing is done individually by hand.
- All Kadejan chicken is air-chilled, meaning there is no water or chemical immersion. This results in chicken that is easier to cook with, tastier to eat, and much healthier for you. (Not to mention – you dont pay for extra water weight!)And if youre looking for recipe inspiration, try out some of our favorites!
- Each order is packed with dry ice so that it stays completely frozen while en route to your doorstep.
- Thaw your poultry in the refrigerator overnight (between 8-12 hours) before cooking. May take more or less time depending on your refrigerator settings.
- Cooking chicken thighs can be done on the skillet, on the grill, or in the oven.
- Cook poultry to a minimum internal temperature of 165° F for optimal food safety.
- Note: consuming raw or undercooked poultry may increase your risk of foodboren illness.
Weighing In: How Much Does a Chicken Thigh Really Weigh?
FAQ
How much does one chicken thigh usually weigh?
Average weight 20/24 oz or 1.2-1.5lb.
How many ounces is 1 chicken thigh?
A single chicken thigh typically weighs between 3 and 4 ounces, though this can vary based on whether it’s bone-in, skin-on, or boneless and skinless. Boneless, skinless thighs are often around 3 to 3.5 ounces.
How many chicken thighs is 1lb?
Approximately four boneless chicken thighs per pound. Sold by the pound.
How much do chicken thighs weigh?
Chicken thighs can vary in size and weight. Typically, a bone-in, skin-on chicken thigh weighs between 5 to 8 ounces (140 to 225 grams), while the boneless, skinless variety weighs slightly less at around 4 to 6 ounces (110 to 170 grams). Remember that these weights can fluctuate based on the chicken’s age and overall size.
How much does a boneless chicken thigh weigh?
A boneless chicken’s thigh weight depends on the size of the chicken. Personally, when I purchase boneless and skinless thighs, they tend to weigh approximately 13.5 grams, 3 ounces, per thigh. How much does one chicken thigh weigh in grams? One chicken thigh weighs approximately 13.5 grams or 27 grams per 100 grams.
How many calories are in a chicken thigh?
The average weight of one chicken thigh with the skin on and the bone in is around 125g/4.4oz. A chicken thigh of this size contains 295 calories (in kcal). The average weight of one raw skinless and boneless chicken thigh is around 83g/2.9oz. A chicken thigh of this size contains 114 calories (in kcal).
How much meat is in a chicken thigh?
A single boneless and skinless chicken thigh yields approximately 3 ounces of meat. So as a meat fan, you can have two thighs a day for good amounts of fat and protein. How much does a chicken thigh weigh in oz.? It weighs 0.5 oz and contains 58 calories per thigh.
How much do bone-in chicken thighs weigh?
Bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs generally weigh between 113 and 170 grams per thigh. This additional weight comes from the bone and skin, which contribute to richer, more succulent flavors during cooking. Some sources indicate that bone-in thighs can weigh as much as 210 to 260 grams pre-cooking, especially when they include the drumstick.
How much protein is in a chicken thigh?
100 grams of skinless cooked chicken contains about 31-54 grams of protein, depending on the breed. It also carries 164 calories per 100 grams, with 70% of it coming from protein and 30% from fat. On the other hand, a single chicken thigh boasts 13.5- 26 grams of protein per 100 grams, with 54% of its calories coming from protein and 46% from fat.