Chicken is a popular option when it comes to lean protein, as it packs a considerable amount into a single serving without a lot of fat. Plus, it’s easy to cook at home and available in most restaurants. Chicken dishes can be 3 ounces of chicken breast on just about any menu, no matter what type of cuisine you’re eating.
But you may wonder exactly how many calories are in that chicken on your plate. Chicken comes in many cuts, including breasts, thighs, wings and drumsticks. Each cut contains a different number of calories and a different proportion of protein to fat. Here are the calorie counts for the most popular cuts of chicken.
Chicken breast is one of the most popular cuts of chicken. It’s high in protein and low in fat, making it an excellent choice for people trying to lose weight. 165 calories, 31 grams of protein and 3. Keep in mind that these amounts refer to a plain chicken breast with no added ingredients. Once you start cooking it in oil or adding marinades or sauces, you increase the total calories, carbs and fat. Summary Chicken breast is a low-fat source of protein that contains zero carbs. One chicken breast has 284 calories, or 165 calories per 3.
Chicken thigh is slightly more tender and flavorful than chicken breast due to its higher fat content. 209 calories, 26 grams of protein and 10. Chicken thighs are often cheaper than chicken breasts, making them a good choice for anyone on a budget. Summary One chicken thigh contains 109 calories, or 209 calories per 3. When you think about healthy cuts of chicken, chicken wings probably don’t come to mind. However, as long as they’re not covered in breading or sauce and deep-fried, they can easily fit into a healthy diet.
5 grams of protein and 8. Summary One chicken wing has 43 calories, or 203 calories per 3. Chicken legs are made up of two parts — the thigh and the drumstick. The drumstick is the lower portion of the leg. 3 grams of protein and 5.