1 Small (yield After Cooking, Bone Removed) Fried Chicken Thigh No Coating has a caloric value of 140 calories. Fried chicken is a popular dish that people often choose for their meals, especially fast food. Its crispy, juicy texture, and savory taste can be tempting, but it’s important to know the nutritional content before consuming. In this article, we will examine the nutritional and health aspects of this dish.

Fried chicken is a high-calorie food that tends to be high in fat and low in vitamins and minerals. However, the protein content of this dish is also significant. One small fried chicken thigh can provide 14 grams of protein, which is essential for muscle growth and development. In addition, it also contains essential amino acids that cannot be produced naturally by the body.

Therefore, it’s crucial to balance the intake of fried chicken with other nutritious foods such as whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and lean meats. In the following sections, we'll explore further into the nutritional value and health benefits of small fried chicken thigh.

Caloric Value of Small Fried Chicken Thigh

As mentioned earlier, one small fried chicken thigh without coating contains 140 calories. This calorie value is for after cooking, bone removed chicken. However, if the chicken is breaded and deep-fried, the calorie count can go up to 250-300 calories. Therefore, it’s essential to choose healthier cooking methods such as baking, grilling, or air-frying to reduce the calories and fat content of the dish.

Protein Content of Small Fried Chicken Thigh

One small fried chicken thigh without coating contains 14 grams of high-quality protein. Protein is essential for building and repairing tissues, especially muscles. In addition, it also contains essential amino acids that cannot be produced naturally by the body. Consuming small fried chicken thigh provides the body with adequate protein requirements to support growth and maintenance.

Fat Content of Small Fried Chicken Thigh

One small fried chicken thigh without coating contains around 6-7 grams of fat. Although fat is an essential macronutrient, excessive consumption can lead to various health issues such as obesity, heart disease, and diabetes. Therefore, it’s vital to control the amount of fat intake by choosing healthier cooking methods such as grilling or baking instead of deep-frying the chicken.

Vitamins and Minerals in Small Fried Chicken Thigh

Small Fried Chicken Thighs are not an excellent source of vitamins and minerals; however, they do contain some essential micronutrients that support overall health. One small fried chicken thigh provides about 6% of the daily value of iron, which is essential for red blood cell production. It also includes small amounts of vitamin B6, phosphorus, and selenium, which play a crucial role in maintaining healthy bones, cells, and metabolism.

Carbohydrate Content of Small Fried Chicken Thigh

Small Fried Chicken Thighs contain minimal carbohydrates, making it a suitable food for individuals following a low-carb diet. However, if the chicken is coated with flour or breaded, the carbohydrate content can increase significantly, making it unsuitable for individuals with diabetes or those watching their carb intake.

Cholesterol Content of Small Fried Chicken Thigh

Small Fried Chicken Thighs are high in cholesterol, with one small thigh containing around 50-60 mg of cholesterol. While dietary cholesterol does not have a significant impact on blood cholesterol levels for most people, individuals with high cholesterol should limit their intake of fried chicken to reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke.

Sodium Content of Small Fried Chicken Thigh

Small Fried Chicken Thighs are also high in sodium, providing around 190-200 mg of sodium per serving. Excessive sodium intake can lead to high blood pressure, which is a risk factor for heart disease, stroke, and kidney disease. Therefore, it’s crucial to limit the intake of fried chicken and choose other low-sodium options when possible.

Fried Chicken Thigh vs Grilled Chicken Thigh

Grilled Chicken Thigh is a healthier option than Fried Chicken Thigh as it contains fewer calories, fat, and sodium. One grilled chicken thigh (without skin) provides around 120 calories, 3.5 grams of fat, and 50-60 mg of sodium. In addition, grilling chicken helps to retain most of the essential nutrients and flavor without adding any extra fat. Therefore, it’s best to opt for grilled or baked chicken rather than fried chicken whenever possible.

Serving Size of Small Fried Chicken Thigh

The recommended serving size for Small Fried Chicken Thigh is around 3-4 ounces, which is approximately the size of a deck of cards. Consuming a larger portion can lead to an excessive intake of calories, fat, and sodium. It’s also important to pair the chicken with a healthy side dish and avoid high-calorie sauces or dips to keep the overall meal nutritious.

Health Benefits of Small Fried Chicken Thigh

While fried chicken may not be the healthiest food, small portions can still provide some benefits to the body. For example, it contains high-quality protein and essential amino acids that support muscle growth and development. In addition, it also contains small amounts of micronutrients such as iron, vitamin B6, and selenium, which are crucial for overall health.