Chicken breast vs chicken thigh

Key differences

• Chicken breast provides more protein per calorie: 18.8 g per 100 kcal, versus 16.3 g for chicken thigh.
• Their energy density is similar: 120 kcal per 100 g for chicken breast and 121 for chicken thigh.
• Neither provides any fiber.

Comparison per 100 g

Per typical serving

With typical servings, 150 g (5.5 oz) of chicken breast has about 180 kcal and 33.8 g of protein, and 120 g (4 oz) of chicken thigh about 145 kcal and 23.6 g.

To get 20 g of protein you would need about 89 g of chicken breast (107 kcal) or about 102 g of chicken thigh (123 kcal).

The typical serving is a common amount used for the math, not a recommendation. Ounces are rounded US equivalents; the values come from the database entries cited in the sources.

Which is more filling?

Chicken breast and chicken thigh have the same estimated satiety score: 5 out of 5.

• 5/5Chicken breast: Low energy density; a lot of protein per calorie; high water content.
• 5/5Chicken thigh: Low energy density; a lot of protein per calorie; high water content.

The 1 to 5 score is our own estimate: it starts at 1 point, adds points for low energy density, for protein and fiber per 100 kcal, and for the water in solid foods, and subtracts points for drinks with calories. It is useful for comparing foods with each other; it is not a measurement in people.

When to choose each one

Chicken breast

• If you want more protein per calorie: 18.8 g per 100 kcal.
• If you want more protein in a typical serving: 33.8 g in 150 g (5.5 oz).

Chicken thigh

• If you prefer a lighter typical serving: about 145 kcal in 120 g (4 oz).

On a GLP-1 medication

Chicken breast. “High in protein”: plenty of protein per calorie; protein helps preserve muscle mass when you eat less. “Easy to digest”: a soft or low-fat food that many people tolerate well when they feel nauseous or get full quickly.

Chicken thigh. “High in protein”: plenty of protein per calorie; protein helps preserve muscle mass when you eat less. “Easy to digest”: a soft or low-fat food that many people tolerate well when they feel nauseous or get full quickly.

These are general guidelines, not medical advice: everyone tolerates foods differently.

Full food pages

• Chicken breast: every nutrient, frequently asked questions, and similar foods.
• Chicken thigh: every nutrient, frequently asked questions, and similar foods.

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