Boneless skinless chicken thighs are one of the most flavorful, affordable, and protein-rich meats you can put on your plate. But how healthy are they really? If you’re watching calories, building muscle, or just curious about your food, this guide breaks down exactly what you need to know about the nutrition in chicken thighs boneless skinless. From calorie count to protein levels and essential vitamins, we’ll help you understand why this cut deserves a place in your high-protein lifestyle.
Why We Love Chicken Thighs (and Why You Should Too).
A Flavorful Start to Better Nutrition.
At EasyYumRecipes, we’ve cooked just about everything but boneless skinless chicken thighs are the one ingredient we always return to. They’re easy to work with, rich in flavor, and surprisingly nutritious. I still remember the first time we tested our boneless skinless chicken thighs in oven recipe it was a simple dinner idea that turned into a weekly staple. Not only did it come out juicy and delicious, but the macros blew us away. With over 27 grams of protein per thigh and zero carbs, it was a perfect fit for high-protein meal prep.
Our trio Tommy, Emma, and Caroline each bring their own spin to cooking, but we all agree: chicken thighs offer the best balance of flavor, flexibility, and nutrition. Whether you’re making a stir-fry or a creamy chicken Alfredo, this cut holds up beautifully every
Chicken Thighs vs. Chicken Breast: Surprising Differences.
Sure, chicken breast is leaner but does lean always mean better? Boneless skinless thighs bring more fat to the table (about 8.7g per 112g), yet that fat adds flavor and satisfaction. And unlike breasts, thighs don’t dry out. Each thigh delivers 184 calories, 27g protein, and essential nutrients like iron and potassium. It’s the type of protein that fuels your day while keeping meals exciting. For anyone following a high-protein or balanced diet, thighs are the smarter and tastier choice.
Deep Dive into Nutrition in Chicken Thighs Boneless Skinless.
Macronutrient Breakdown (Per 100g & Per Serving).
Understanding the nutrition in chicken thighs boneless skinless starts with the basics: macros. One average thigh without skin, weighing about 112g, offers a powerful protein punch with moderate fat and absolutely no carbs making it ideal for low-carb and high-protein eaters alike.
Let’s look at the full nutrition profile:
| Nutrient | Amount per 112g (1 thigh) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 184 kcal |
| Protein | 27g |
| Total Fat | 8.7g |
| Saturated Fat | 2.7g |
| Carbohydrates | 0g |
| Cholesterol | 137mg |
| Sodium | 198mg |
From a macro standpoint, chicken thighs are a smart way to load up on protein while keeping your meals carb-free. The fat content adds flavor and boosts satiety perfect for staying full and energized between meals.
If you’re preparing higher-volume meals like blackened chicken Alfredo or protein bowls, thighs make every bite count without compromising your goals.
Micronutrients You Didn’t Know You Were Getting.
Beyond calories and macros, chicken thighs deliver essential vitamins and minerals. You’re not just eating for muscle; you’re supporting your heart, bones, and immune system too.
Each boneless skinless thigh contains:
- Iron: 1.1mg (6% DV) – supports oxygen transport
- Potassium: 300mg (6% DV) – aids muscle function and hydration
- Vitamin D: 0.3mcg (2% DV) – crucial for bone health
- Calcium: 11mg (1% DV) – bone support
- Zero sugar, zero fiber, and no carbs
What stands out is how clean this profile is. Chicken thighs give you protein and essential nutrients without fillers. If you’re eating for performance or recovery, this is the kind of food your body will thank you for. We’ve even paired it in dishes like chicken and shrimp Alfredo, where the balance of macros turns indulgent meals into muscle-friendly fuel.
How to Use Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs for a High Protein Diet.
Why It’s Ideal for Muscle Gain & Fat Loss.
If you’re aiming to increase lean muscle while managing your calorie intake, boneless skinless chicken thighs offer a smart nutritional profile. With 27 grams of protein and just 184 calories per serving, they pack a powerful protein-to-calorie ratio. That’s key for muscle growth, recovery, and maintaining a healthy metabolism.
The moderate fat content especially the 3.9 grams of monounsaturated fat can also help you stay full longer, making it easier to control portions. This is exactly why we use chicken thighs in dishes like the sweet potato taco bowl, which balances slow-digesting carbs with lean protein and healthy fats.
What sets thighs apart from leaner cuts is how satisfying they are. If you’ve ever eaten dry, rubbery chicken breast and felt hungry an hour later, you’ll appreciate the moist texture and fuller flavor of chicken thighs. That satisfaction helps reduce cravings something that makes sticking to a high-protein diet much easier long term.
Best Cooking Methods to Retain Nutrients.
Cooking boneless skinless chicken thighs doesn’t have to mean frying or breading. In fact, the healthiest ways to prepare them also preserve their nutrient profile and flavor.
Here are some of our favorite techniques:
- Roasting: A simple spice rub and an oven can work wonders. This method locks in moisture and keeps the fat content balanced. Our go-to method involves laying thighs flat on a baking sheet and roasting at 400°F for about 25 minutes.
- Grilling: Grilling adds a smoky flavor without needing extra fat. Just be sure to avoid over-charring to preserve those micronutrients.
- Poaching or steaming: These gentle methods maintain tenderness and nutritional value without adding calories. They’re excellent for batch cooking or shredding for wraps.
We love pairing grilled chicken thighs with roasted vegetables or tucking them into meal-prep bowls with quinoa or whole grains. Recipes like our high protein kielbasa meals even use similar techniques to preserve flavor and nutrients in protein-packed dishes.
And if you’re short on time? A slow cooker or pressure cooker can turn chicken thighs into a melt-in-your-mouth main courseno fuss required.
FAQs:
How many calories in 100g of Boneless, Skinless Chicken Thighs?
A 100g portion of boneless, skinless chicken thighs contains approximately 164 calories. That includes about 6.7g of total fat and 24g of protein. These numbers make thighs an excellent choice for anyone tracking macros, especially on a high-protein or low-carb plan. If you’re preparing meals like bread and banana pudding (high protein), chicken thighs can help hit your protein goals without excess calories.
Are Boneless, Skinless Chicken Thighs healthy?
Absolutely. While they contain more fat than chicken breasts, boneless skinless chicken thighs are still very healthy. They’re rich in essential nutrients like iron, potassium, and B vitamins, and contain zero carbohydrates or sugar. The fats they include mostly monounsaturated and polyunsaturated support heart health and hormone function. When cooked without heavy sauces or frying, they’re a clean, nutrient-dense protein source.
For an example of how to use thighs in a balanced way, check out this cottage cheese banana bread pairing this with grilled chicken thighs makes for a surprisingly effective post-workout meal.
How much protein is in 1 boneless chicken thigh?
One average boneless, skinless chicken thigh (about 112g) delivers 27 grams of protein. That’s over half of many people’s recommended protein intake per meal. With no carbs and moderate fat, it’s perfect for muscle building, recovery, and general nutrition. It’s also a complete protein meaning it contains all nine essential amino acids your body needs.
How many calories in 200g of Boneless, Skinless Chicken Thighs?
Double the portion means double the calories. In 200g of boneless skinless chicken thighs, you’ll find approximately 328 to 368 calories, depending on the exact cut. You’ll also get around 54g of protein and 15g to 17g of total fat. This makes it a solid option for athletes, active lifestyles, or meal preppers building bulk-friendly menus.
If you’re assembling a high-protein plate, combining 200g of chicken thighs with a fiber-rich carb like sweet potatoes or whole grains can create a nutrient-balanced meal that keeps you satisfied for hours.
When it comes to high-protein, budget-friendly, and incredibly versatile meals, boneless skinless chicken thighs are hard to beat. They offer an ideal blend of flavor and nutrition delivering over 27 grams of protein per serving, zero carbs, and essential nutrients like iron and potassium. Yes, they contain more fat than chicken breast, but that fat adds richness and keeps you full, especially when you’re eating for energy and recovery.
Whether you’re meal prepping for the week, building muscle, or just trying to eat better without sacrificing taste, chicken thighs deserve a regular spot on your plate. From oven-baked classics to high-protein comfort food, they fit right into a sustainable, satisfying way of eating.
At easyumrecipes.com, we believe that cooking should be simple, flavorful, and empowering. That’s why we pair nutrition with creativity and back it up with real data. If you’re ready to explore more high-protein recipes that make healthy eating easy, check out our latest creations and let’s get cooking.
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