Chicken Thigh vs Edamame
Side-by-side macro comparison. Chicken Thigh vs Edamame per their standard serving sizes.
Macro Comparison Table
| Macro | Chicken Thigh | Edamame | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Calories | 209 cal | 188 cal | +11% Chicken |
| Protein | 26g | 18g | +44% Chicken |
| Carbs | 0g | 14g | -100% Chicken |
| Fat | 11g | 8g | +38% Chicken |
Differences shown relative to Chicken Thigh. Positive = Chicken Thigh has more.
Quick Take
Chicken Thigh delivers 209 calories per serving with 26g protein, 0g carbs, and 11g fat. Edamame delivers 188 calories with 18g protein, 14g carbs, and 8g fat. The most meaningful difference: they're within 21 calories per serving, so calorie load is essentially equivalent. For protein density per calorie, Chicken Thigh wins at 50% of calories from protein.
When to Pick Each
For Cutting / Weight Loss
When cutting on a tight calorie budget, Edamame gives you 21 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 Thigh 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 Thigh delivers 26g 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
Chicken Thigh fits cleanly into keto with only 0g carbs. Edamame at 14g carbs uses significantly more of your daily 20g carb budget.
Frequently Asked
Which has more protein, Chicken Thigh or Edamame?
Chicken Thigh has more protein: 26g vs 18g per serving. That's a difference of 8g.
Which has fewer calories, Chicken Thigh or Edamame?
Edamame has 188 calories per serving vs 209 calories in Chicken Thigh — a difference of 21 calories.
Is Chicken Thigh or Edamame better for keto?
Chicken Thigh is the better keto choice at 0g carbs per serving vs 14g carbs in Edamame.
Is Chicken Thigh or Edamame better for weight loss?
For weight loss, Edamame gives you more calorie flexibility (21 cal less per serving). For preserving muscle during a deficit, Chicken Thigh delivers more protein per calorie. Most people on cuts benefit from Chicken Thigh.
Which Is Better for Your Goal?
🔥 Weight Loss
Edamame
Higher protein-to-calorie density + lower absolute fat = more satiety per calorie.
💪 Muscle Gain
Chicken Thigh
Higher absolute protein per serving better supports muscle protein synthesis.
🥑 Low-Carb / Keto
Chicken Thigh
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:
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Other ways Chicken Thigh and Edamame stack up:
Full Chicken Thigh guide • Full Edamame guide • All comparisons