Are you trying to keep track of your daily calorie intake but love indulging in some crispy coated chicken thighs? Look no further as we break down the nutritional facts for 1 oz of baked or fried coated chicken thigh with skin, which yields 64 calories after bone removal.

Chicken thighs are a great source of protein and minerals like iron and zinc. However, the addition of the coating and skin can make them high in fat and calories. It's important to know the impact of various factors on the calorie count of your favorite chicken dish before including it in your diet.

In this article, we'll explore how different cooking methods and the inclusion of skin and coating can affect the calorie count of chicken thighs. We'll also discuss the nutritional value and possible health risks of regular consumption, and provide some tips and tricks to cut down on calories. Additionally, we'll share some delicious recipes for making coated chicken thighs at home!

Calories per 1 Oz Chicken Thigh with Bone

According to the USDA, 1 oz of chicken thigh with bone yields 31 calories.

Number of Calories After Removing the Bone

After removing the bone, the 1 oz chicken thigh with skin and coating still yields 64 calories. This is because the majority of the calories come from the skin and the coating.

How Cooking Method Affects Calories

The cooking method used for chicken thighs can significantly impact their calorie count. Baked chicken thighs with skin and coating have fewer calories compared to fried ones. For example, one 3 oz serving of baked chicken thigh with skin and coating has 271 calories, while a fried serving has 361 calories. Other factors like the amount of oil used and the cooking time can also influence the calorie count. Using cooking spray instead of oil and baking at a lower temperature for longer can help cut down on calories.

Skin and Coating Impact on Calorie Count

Chicken skin and coating add flavor and texture to the dish, but they can also significantly increase its calorie count. One ounce of skinless chicken thigh with coating yields 56 calories, while the same amount with skin and coating yields 64 calories. It's important to note that the skin and coating also add fat to the dish, and consuming too much saturated fat can increase your risk of heart disease.

Comparison with Other Chicken Cuts

In comparison to other chicken cuts, chicken thighs are higher in fat and calories. For example, one 3 oz serving of skinless chicken breast has 140 calories and 3 grams of fat, while the same amount of skinless chicken thigh has 170 calories and 9 grams of fat. However, chicken thighs are still a good source of protein and essential nutrients. Moderation is key when it comes to incorporating chicken thighs into your diet.

Nutritional Value of Coated Chicken Thighs

Coated chicken thighs are a good source of protein, vitamins, and minerals. The coating typically consists of breadcrumbs, flour, or cornmeal, which add some dietary fiber to the dish. The chicken itself is rich in iron, zinc, and B vitamins. However, the skin and coating also add sodium, saturated fat, and calories. It's important to balance your intake of coated chicken thighs with other healthy food choices and limit your intake of saturated fat and sodium to prevent health issues.

Ways to Cut Calories in Coated Chicken Thighs

If you want to continue enjoying coated chicken thighs without worrying about their calorie count, there are several ways to cut down on calories. First, opt for skinless chicken thighs instead of ones with skin. This can significantly reduce the calorie and fat content of the dish. Second, bake instead of fry your chicken thighs. This can cut down on calories and fat. Additionally, using cooking spray instead of oil can reduce the amount of added fat.

Possible Health Risks of Regular Consumption

Regular consumption of chicken thighs with skin and coating can increase your risk of health issues like heart disease, high blood pressure, and obesity. The high amounts of saturated fat and sodium can contribute to these health problems. It's important to limit your intake of coated chicken thighs and balance them with other healthy food choices like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins.

Balancing Chicken Thighs with a Healthy Diet

Incorporating chicken thighs into a healthy diet requires moderation and balance. Choose skinless chicken thighs and bake instead of frying to cut down on calories and fat. Pair the dish with a variety of colorful vegetables to increase its nutritional value. Additionally, make sure to limit your intake of saturated fat, sodium, and processed foods to maintain overall health.

Recipes for Making Coated Chicken Thighs

Here are some delicious recipes for making coated chicken thighs at home: 1. Baked Parmesan Chicken Thighs - combine Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, and spices for a crispy coating without the added calories of frying. 2. Honey Mustard Chicken Thighs - top your chicken thighs with a homemade honey mustard sauce for a sweet and savory flavor.