If you're looking for a delicious and nutritious meal, fresh chicken thighs are a great option. In a 4 oz (112 g) serving, you'll find 190 calories. But that's not all – chicken thighs are also rich in protein and a variety of other important nutrients. Here's what you need to know about the nutritional value of chicken thighs!

Chicken thighs are an excellent source of protein, with a 4 oz serving containing around 26 grams. Protein is essential for building and repairing tissues in the body, and it can also help you feel full and satisfied after a meal. Additionally, chicken thighs contain a variety of vitamins and minerals, including vitamin B12, iron, zinc, and selenium. These nutrients have important roles in maintaining overall health and wellbeing.

In this article, we'll explore the nutritional value of chicken thighs in more detail, and provide some tips for incorporating them into your diet.

Calories in Fresh Chicken Thighs

As mentioned earlier, a 4 oz (112 g) serving of fresh chicken thighs contains around 190 calories. However, the exact calorie count may vary depending on how the chicken is prepared. For example, if the chicken is breaded and deep-fried, the calorie count will be significantly higher. On the other hand, if the chicken is grilled or baked without added oil or butter, the calorie count will be lower. It's important to keep this in mind when planning your meals and tracking your calorie intake. Overall, fresh chicken thighs can be a healthy and satisfying addition to your diet, as long as you're mindful of how they're prepared and consumed.

Protein Content in Chicken Thighs

As mentioned earlier, chicken thighs are an excellent source of protein. A 4 oz (112 g) serving typically contains around 26 grams of protein, which makes up a significant portion of the recommended daily intake for most people. Protein is important for a variety of functions in the body, including building and repairing tissues, supporting immune function, and regulating hormones. It's also a key nutrient for building and maintaining muscle mass, which can help improve physical performance and prevent age-related muscle loss. Overall, chicken thighs are a great source of high-quality protein that can benefit your health in many ways.

Fat Content in Chicken Thighs

Chicken thighs are higher in fat than some other cuts of chicken, such as chicken breasts. However, much of the fat in chicken thighs is unsaturated, which means it can be beneficial for heart health when consumed in moderation. A 4 oz (112 g) serving of fresh chicken thighs typically contains around 9 grams of total fat, with 2.5 grams being saturated fat. It's important to note that the calorie count and fat content may be higher if the chicken is prepared with added oil or butter. Overall, chicken thighs can be a healthy addition to your diet as long as they're consumed in moderation and prepared in a healthy way.

Vitamin B12 in Chicken Thighs

Vitamin B12 is an essential nutrient that plays a key role in nervous system function, red blood cell production, and DNA synthesis. It's found almost exclusively in animal-derived foods, making chicken thighs a good source for those who consume meat. A 4 oz (112 g) serving of fresh chicken thighs contains around 0.5 micrograms of vitamin B12, which is about 20% of the recommended daily intake for adults. However, it's important to note that vitamin B12 absorption can be reduced in older adults and those with digestive issues, so it may be important to supplement with B12 or consume fortified foods to ensure adequate intake. Overall, chicken thighs can provide a significant amount of vitamin B12 for those who consume meat. However, it's important to ensure adequate intake through a varied and balanced diet or supplementation.

Iron in Chicken Thighs

Iron is an important mineral that's involved in oxygen transport, energy production, and immune function. Chicken thighs are a good source of iron, particularly for those who consume meat. A 4 oz (112 g) serving of fresh chicken thighs typically contains around 1.2 mg of iron, which is about 15% of the recommended daily intake for adults. It's important to note that iron absorption can be increased by consuming vitamin C-rich foods alongside iron-rich foods, such as citrus fruits or bell peppers. Overall, chicken thighs can be a good source of iron for those who consume meat. However, it's important to ensure adequate intake through a varied and balanced diet or supplementation.

Sodium in Chicken Thighs

Sodium is a mineral that's important for fluid balance, nerve function, and muscle contraction. However, most people consume too much sodium in their diets, which can contribute to high blood pressure and other health issues. A 4 oz (112 g) serving of fresh chicken thighs typically contains around 70 mg of sodium, which is a relatively low amount. However, it's important to keep in mind that the sodium content may be higher if the chicken is prepared with added salt or other sodium-containing ingredients. Overall, chicken thighs can be a relatively low-sodium option for those looking to reduce their sodium intake. However, it's important to read labels and prepare the chicken in a healthy way.

Cholesterol in Chicken Thighs

Cholesterol is a type of fat that's important for the production of hormones and cell membranes. However, high levels of cholesterol in the blood can contribute to heart disease and other health issues. A 4 oz (112 g) serving of fresh chicken thighs typically contains around 105 mg of cholesterol, which is about one-third of the recommended daily limit. However, it's important to keep in mind that other factors in the diet, such as saturated and trans fats, can also contribute to high cholesterol levels. Overall, chicken thighs can be a reasonable option for those concerned about cholesterol levels, as long as they're consumed in moderation and prepared in a healthy way.

Zinc in Chicken Thighs

Zinc is a mineral that's important for immune function, wound healing, and DNA synthesis. Chicken thighs are a good source of zinc, particularly for those who consume meat. A 4 oz (112 g) serving of fresh chicken thighs typically contains around 1.4 mg of zinc, which is about 13% of the recommended daily intake for adults. It's important to note that zinc absorption can be reduced by consuming high-fiber or phytate-containing foods alongside zinc-rich foods, so it may be important to ensure adequate intake through a varied and balanced diet or supplementation. Overall, chicken thighs can be a good source of zinc for those who consume meat. However, it's important to ensure adequate intake through a varied and balanced diet or supplementation.

Calcium in Chicken Thighs

Calcium is a mineral that's important for bone health, muscle function, and nerve transmission. However, chicken thighs are not a significant source of calcium, as it's primarily found in dairy products and some plant-based foods. A 4 oz (112 g) serving of fresh chicken thighs typically contains around 10 mg of calcium, which is a very small amount compared to the recommended daily intake for adults. It's important to ensure adequate calcium intake through other dietary sources, such as dairy products, leafy greens, or fortified foods. Overall, chicken thighs are not a good source of calcium, and it's important to ensure adequate intake through other dietary sources.

Selenium in Chicken Thighs

Selenium is a mineral that's important for thyroid function, immune function, and antioxidant defense. Chicken thighs are a good source of selenium, particularly for those who consume meat. A 4 oz (112 g) serving of fresh chicken thighs typically contains around 17.5 mcg of selenium, which is about 32% of the recommended daily intake for adults. However, it's important to note that selenium intake can vary depending on the soil content where crops are grown, so it may be important to ensure adequate intake through a varied and balanced diet or supplementation. Overall, chicken thighs can be a good source of selenium for those who consume meat. However, it's important to ensure adequate intake through a varied and balanced diet or supplementation.