Chicken Thigh Protein: How Many Grams?

Chicken is a popular source of protein, with chicken breasts being the leanest and containing the most protein by weight. Chicken thighs, on the other hand, are slightly cheaper and contain more fat, making them a good option for those on keto or low-carb diets. So, how many grams of protein are in a chicken thigh?

Chicken Thigh Characteristics

Chicken thigh nutrition facts

Chicken is a popular meat and a great source of protein. The chicken thigh is a tender and flavourful cut of meat that is slightly cheaper than chicken breast. Chicken thighs are also a good source of potassium and are keto-friendly.

Chicken thighs have a slightly darker colour than chicken breasts. This is because the chicken's legs are more active and contain more myoglobin, a molecule that helps provide active muscles with oxygen and also makes them redder.

A 100-gram serving of chicken thigh provides 179 calories, with 24.8 grams of protein and 8.2 grams of fat. This means that 55% of the calories come from protein, while 45% come from fat.

A skinless, boneless, cooked chicken thigh weighing 116 grams contains 27 grams of protein. This is equal to 25 grams of protein per 100 grams.

Chicken breast is the leanest part of the chicken, which means it has the fewest calories but the most protein by weight. For this reason, chicken breast is ideal for people who want to lose weight, maintain muscle mass, and improve recovery.

Chicken thigh vs. breast

Chicken is a popular meat and a great source of protein. The cut of chicken you should eat depends on your health and fitness goals. Chicken breast is the leanest part of the chicken and has the most protein by weight, making it ideal for people who want to lose weight, maintain muscle mass, and improve recovery. For example, a skinless, cooked chicken breast (174 grams) contains 56 grams of protein, which is equal to 32 grams of protein per 100 grams.

Chicken thighs, on the other hand, are a fattier cut of meat with a slightly darker colour than chicken breasts. This is because the chicken's legs are more active and contain more myoglobin, a molecule that helps provide active muscles with oxygen and also makes them redder. The extra fat in chicken thighs can benefit some goals but hinder others. Chicken thighs are also slightly cheaper than chicken breasts. A skinless cooked chicken thigh (111 grams) contains 27 grams of protein, which is equal to 25 grams of protein per 100 grams. Chicken thighs are also keto-friendly due to their high fat and very low carbohydrate content. An average serving of chicken thighs (about 6 ounces) with the skin contains around 7 grams of saturated fat, which is not excessive if eaten as part of a balanced diet.

Chicken thighs are also favoured for their flavour and versatility in cooking. They are commonly sold with the skin on, which is quite hard to find with chicken breasts unless you're buying a whole bird and breaking it down yourself. Chicken thighs are also extremely forgiving when it comes to cooking times, making it difficult to overcook them. They yield a richer, more flavourful product than chicken breasts, which can quickly go from tender and flavourful to dry and bland if overcooked. When you buy bone-in chicken thighs, you can also carve out the bones and save them in your freezer for future stocks, which is not possible with chicken breasts.

Chicken thigh keto-friendliness

Chicken thighs are considered keto-friendly as they are high in protein and fat and contain virtually zero carbohydrates. A typical keto diet includes 20-50 grams of carbohydrates, so chicken thighs are compatible with this. Chicken thighs are also a good source of potassium, with a 6oz serving providing around 434mg, or 9% of the recommended daily value.

Chicken thighs are a fattier cut of chicken, which makes them ideal for people following keto or low-carb diets, as these diets require a higher fat intake. Chicken thighs are also a cheaper cut of meat than chicken breast, and some people prefer the darker colour and more succulent taste of the thigh.

However, it is important to remember that chicken thighs are high in saturated fat, with an average serving of two thighs containing around 7g of saturated fat. This is not an excessive amount as part of a balanced diet, but it is something to be aware of. If you are using sauces or marinades with your chicken thighs, remember to account for the additional carbohydrates and calories.

There are many keto-friendly recipes that use chicken thighs, including crispy baked or pan-fried thighs, and thighs with mushroom sauce. These recipes often include spices and seasonings such as smoked paprika, garlic powder, dried oregano, and onion powder, and may be served with low-carb sides such as cauliflower rice or roasted asparagus.

Chicken thigh calories

Chicken is a great source of protein and is popular among fitness enthusiasts. The number of calories in chicken thighs varies depending on the weight of the cut, the cooking method, and the inclusion of skin and bones.

A 3.5-oz (100-g) serving of chicken thigh provides 179 calories, 24.8 grams of protein, and 8.2 grams of fat. This means that 55% of the calories come from protein, while 45% come from fat. The calorie count of chicken thighs can vary depending on the cooking method, as frying or roasting can add calories.

Chicken thighs are considered keto-friendly due to their high fat and moderate protein content, with virtually zero carbohydrates. An average serving of chicken thighs (about 6 ounces) with the skin contains around 7 grams of saturated fat. However, it is important to note that the American Heart Association recommends a daily intake of less than 13 grams of saturated fat based on a 2,000-calorie diet.

The calorie count can also be affected by the inclusion of skin and bones. A skinless, cooked chicken thigh (111 grams) contains 27 grams of protein, which is equal to 25 grams of protein per 100 grams. The bone-in chicken thighs are generally around 0.4 pounds each, including the bone.

In summary, chicken thighs are a good source of protein and have a moderate calorie count. The calorie content can vary depending on the weight of the cut, the cooking method, and the inclusion of skin and bones. It is important to consider the overall diet and health goals when including chicken thighs in your meals.

Chicken thigh potassium content

Chicken thighs are a great source of protein, providing between 24 and 32 grams of protein per 100 grams. A skinless cooked chicken thigh weighing 111 grams contains 27 grams of protein. Chicken thighs are also keto-friendly, with high protein and fat content and virtually zero carbohydrates.

Chicken thighs are also a good source of potassium, an essential mineral that helps maintain healthy blood pressure and heart function. While they are not considered a high-potassium food, they do contribute to your daily potassium intake. A typical serving of chicken thighs (approximately 6 ounces) contains around 434 mg of potassium, which meets 9% of the recommended daily value (DV) for potassium. For reference, the daily recommended intake of potassium for an average adult is 4,700 mg.

The potassium content in chicken thighs can vary depending on the specific size and weight of the thigh, as well as the cooking method. Chicken thighs that are larger or cooked with the skin on may have a slightly higher potassium content. However, even with these variations, chicken thighs are not considered a primary source of potassium in the diet.

It is worth noting that while chicken thighs provide a good amount of potassium, other foods are significantly richer sources. For example, a medium-sized banana contains approximately 422 mg of potassium, which is similar to the amount found in chicken thighs. Other potassium-rich foods include sweet potatoes, avocados, salmon, and yogurt, which can help individuals meet their daily potassium requirements.

In conclusion, while chicken thighs are primarily known for their protein content, they also contribute a decent amount of potassium to one's diet. However, for individuals specifically seeking to increase their potassium intake, focusing on the aforementioned potassium-rich foods may be a more efficient strategy.

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