Chicken Breast vs Chicken Thigh
Side-by-side macro comparison. Chicken Breast vs Chicken Thigh per their standard serving sizes.
Macro Comparison Table
| Macro | Chicken Breast | Chicken Thigh | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Calories | 165 cal | 209 cal | -21% Chicken |
| Protein | 31g | 26g | +19% Chicken |
| Carbs | 0g | 0g | 0% Chicken |
| Fat | 3.6g | 11g | -67% Chicken |
Differences shown relative to Chicken Breast. Positive = Chicken Breast has more.
Quick Take
Chicken Breast delivers 165 calories per serving with 31g protein, 0g carbs, and 3.6g fat. Chicken Thigh delivers 209 calories with 26g protein, 0g carbs, and 11g fat. The most meaningful difference: Chicken Breast saves 44 calories per serving — meaningful over a week of meals. Both deliver similar protein density.
When to Pick Each
For Cutting / Weight Loss
When cutting on a tight calorie budget, Chicken Breast gives you 44 more calories of headroom per serving — that's room for an extra snack, more vegetables, or a higher-protein second portion. If protein density matters more (which it does for preserving muscle on a deficit), Chicken Breast delivers more grams of protein per calorie consumed.
For Bulking / Muscle Gain
For muscle gain, you want calories AND protein. Chicken Thigh brings 209 calories — useful when you're chasing a surplus and struggling to eat enough. Chicken Breast delivers 31g of protein per serving, which directly feeds muscle protein synthesis. The best pick depends on whether you need more total calories or more usable protein.
For Keto / Low-Carb
Both Chicken Breast and Chicken Thigh are keto-friendly with under 10g carbs per serving.
Frequently Asked
Which has more protein, Chicken Breast or Chicken Thigh?
Chicken Breast has more protein: 31g vs 26g per serving. That's a difference of 5g.
Which has fewer calories, Chicken Breast or Chicken Thigh?
Chicken Breast has 165 calories per serving vs 209 calories in Chicken Thigh — a difference of 44 calories.
Is Chicken Breast or Chicken Thigh better for keto?
Chicken Thigh is the better keto choice at 0g carbs per serving vs 0g carbs in Chicken Breast.
Is Chicken Breast or Chicken Thigh better for weight loss?
For weight loss, Chicken Breast gives you more calorie flexibility (44 cal less per serving). For preserving muscle during a deficit, Chicken Breast delivers more protein per calorie. Most people on cuts benefit from Chicken Breast.
Which Is Better for Your Goal?
🔥 Weight Loss
Chicken Breast
Higher protein-to-calorie density + lower absolute fat = more satiety per calorie.
💪 Muscle Gain
Chicken Breast
Higher absolute protein per serving better supports muscle protein synthesis.
🥑 Low-Carb / Keto
tie
Lower carbohydrate content fits keto and low-carb macros without burning your carb budget.
Both fit most balanced diets. These verdicts reflect macro-only comparisons — taste, satiety, cost, and personal preference also matter.
Find Your Personal Macros
The "right" food depends on your individual macro targets. Calculate yours in 60 seconds:
→ Calculate My Macros (Free)Related Comparisons
Other ways Chicken Breast and Chicken Thigh stack up:
Full Chicken Breast guide • Full Chicken Thigh guide • All comparisons