Fried Chicken > How many calories in a small fried chicken thigh

How Many Calories Are In A Small Fried Chicken Thigh?

Fried chicken is beloved by many for its crispy, juicy goodness. But the calories can quickly add up, especially in the tasty chicken thighs. So how many calories are in a small fried chicken thigh? And how do factors like skin, batter, and portion size impact the calorie count?

How Many Calories Are In A Small Fried Chicken Thigh?

A small fried chicken thigh contains between 170-210 calories when cooked with the skin on. Chicken thighs are naturally higher in fat than chicken breasts. Frying adds even more fat and calories from the oil and breading.

Specifically, a 3 ounce boneless, skinless chicken thigh contains around 130 calories when fried. However, leaving the skin on adds roughly 50-70 additional calories per thigh. This is because the chicken skin alone contains 5-8 grams of fat.

In addition to the skin, the coating adds more calories. A lighter panko breadcrumb coating only adds about 50 calories. But a heavy batter coating can contribute up to 100 extra calories per thigh depending on thickness.

Related post: How many calories in a small fried chicken leg?

Other factors impacting calorie content include:

• • Oil used for frying – Lard or shortening adds more fat than oils like avocado or olive oil.
  • Marinade or seasoning – Some marinades and seasoned coatings add minimal calories, while sugary sauces or honey glazes add more.
  • Cooking method – Frying packs in more calories than baking, grilling, or air frying. But the skin and breading also make fried chicken thighs tastier to most people.

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To summarize, a typical small fried chicken thigh with the skin on contains about 170-210 calories. Removing the skin eliminates 50-70 of those calories. Opting for lighter breading over heavy batter also minimizes the calorie impact.

But for the full experience of juicy, crispy fried chicken flavor, a whole thigh with moderate portion size is a satisfying way to indulge while keeping calories in check.

How many calories are in a small chicken thigh with skin?

Chicken thighs have more fat than chicken breasts. When fried with the skin on, a small thigh contains:

• • 170-210 calories
  • 10-15 g fat
  • 8-12 g saturated fat

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A skinless thigh would have around 130 calories – so the skin adds roughly 50-70 calories and 5 g saturated fat.

How many calories are in a fried chicken thigh with coating?

The coating on a fried chicken thigh also impacts its calorie content. A thigh coated in a light breading like panko has fewer calories than a heavy batter-fried thigh.

• • Panko crusted thigh: 180-220 calories
  • Batter-fried thigh: 200-250 calories

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So heavier coatings can add 30-50 calories over a lighter breading.

How many calories are in 2 pieces of fried chicken thighs?

Two small fried chicken thighs with skin will have roughly:

• • 340-420 calories
  • 20-30 g fat
  • 16-24 g saturated fat

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Two thighs is plenty for most people hungry for some crispy fried chicken. But beware of bigger 3-4 piece servings which can have 500+ calories.

So, How many calories are in a fried chicken thigh with skin?

A small fried chicken thigh with the skin on packs 170-210 calories. Frying adds oil and breading, but the calorie-dense skin also accounts for 30-40% of the total calories. Removing the skin would reduce the calorie count to about 130 calories for a 3 ounce boneless, skinless thigh. So the skin itself contributes about 50-70 calories, mostly from fat, to a fried chicken thigh.

FAQs
How many calories are in boneless fried chicken thighs?

Boneless, skinless thighs have around 130 calories per thigh when fried.

What’s more fattening – fried chicken thighs or legs?

Thighs and legs have similar calorie counts. Thighs have a bit more fat under the skin. Legs are leaner but typically have more breading.

Which is healthier – grilled or fried chicken thigh?

Grilled chicken thighs are healthier with about 140-180 calories compared to 170-210 calories when fried.

Should I remove fried chicken skin?

Removing the skin eliminates 50-70 calories and 5g saturated fat per thigh. But the skin is the tastiest part for many!

 

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