Chicken is a versatile and delicious protein that can be enjoyed in a wide variety of dishes. Whether you’re a fan of crispy chicken wings, succulent chicken thighs, or juicy chicken breasts, there’s a cut of chicken out there for everyone.
But beyond just taste, chicken is also a great source of nutrition, offering a range of vitamins, minerals, and macronutrients that can support a healthy and balanced diet. In this article, we’ll be exploring some of the most popular cuts of chicken, including chicken breast, thighs, wings, and drumsticks, and taking a closer look at their nutritional content.
So whether you’re a seasoned chicken lover or just looking to incorporate more protein into your diet, read on to learn all about the macros in chicken!
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Chicken Breast Macros
When it comes to chicken, there’s no cut quite as ubiquitous as the chicken breast. It’s lean, it’s versatile, and it’s packed with 21g of protein per 100g – making it a go-to choice for fitness enthusiasts and health-conscious eaters alike.
Nutrition Information | |
Per 100g Raw Weight | |
Protein | 21g |
Carbs | 0g |
Fat | 2g |
Total Calories | 102kcal |
That’s a whole lot of protein without a lot of added calories or carbs! But chicken breast isn’t just good for muscle-building – it’s also a great source of essential vitamins and minerals like:
- Vitamin B6
- Vitamin B12
- Zinc
So whether you prefer it grilled, baked, or fried, there’s no denying that chicken breast is a true nutritional powerhouse.
Chicken breast is a versatile meat to cook and lends itself to a variety of recipes.
One of our favorites is our Lazy Crockpot Mozzarella Chicken, which is perfect for batch cooking and meal prep.
Chicken Thigh Macros
When it comes to chicken, the thigh is often overlooked in favor of the breast – but that’s a mistake! Chicken thighs are actually a great source of protein – coming in at 20g per 100g for skinless chicken thighs – and offer a rich, flavorful taste that’s hard to beat.
Nutrition Information | |
Per 100g Raw Weight (Boneless and Skiness) | |
Protein | 20g |
Carbs | 0g |
Fat | 3.9g |
Total Calories | 125kcal |
Nutrition Information | |
Per 100g Raw Weight (With Skin) | |
Protein | 16.6g |
Carbs | 0g |
Fat | 14.6g |
Total Calories | 197kcal |
While chicken thighs do contain more fat than chicken breast, much of that fat is unsaturated – which means it can actually be beneficial for heart health.The meat also tends to be more succulent and flavor full so works well in recipes such as curry. Chicken thighs are also a good source of essential vitamins and minerals like:
- Vitamin B6
- Iron
- Phosphorus
So the next time you’re choosing between chicken breast and thigh, don’t be afraid to give the thigh a chance – it might just surprise you with its delicious taste and nutritional benefits!
Chicken Drumstick Macros
Chicken drumsticks are a favorite of many for their juicy, flavorful meat and fun-to-eat shape. But beyond just taste, chicken drumsticks also offer some serious nutritional benefits.
Nutrition Information | |
Per 100g Raw Weight (Boneless and Skiness) | |
Protein | 17g |
Carbs | 0g |
Fat | 5g |
Total Calories | 113kcal |
Nutrition Information | |
Per 100g Raw Weight (With Bone and Skin) | |
Protein | 17g |
Carbs | 0g |
Fat | 8g |
Total Calories | 140kcal |
While chicken drumsticks do contain a bit more fat than chicken breast, much of that fat is also unsaturated – and the meat itself is a great source of protein offering 17g per 100g. They’re also a really handy grab and go option when paired with a salad. Drumsticks are also rich in essential vitamins and minerals like:
- Vitamin B6
- Iron
- Zinc
So if you’re looking for a tasty and nutritious cut of chicken that’s perfect for snacking or sharing, don’t overlook the humble drumstick!
Chicken Wings Macros
Chicken wings are a beloved snack food that’s perfect for game day, parties, or just a fun dinner at home all the while offering 22g of protein per 100g! And while they may not be the healthiest cut of chicken out there, they’re not all bad – especially if you opt for baked or grilled wings instead of fried.
Nutrition Information | |
Per 100g Raw Weight (Boneless and Skiness) | |
Protein | 22g |
Carbs | 0g |
Fat | 3.5g |
Total Calories | 120kcal |
Nutrition Information | |
Per 100g Raw Weight (With Skin) | |
Protein | 17.5g |
Carbs | 0g |
Fat | 13.2g |
Total Calories | 191kcal |
While chicken wings do contain more fat than other cuts of chicken, much of that fat is also unsaturated – and as with all chicken the meat itself is a decent source of protein. It’s worth remembering you do get less bang for your buck with wings than other types of chicken. Chicken wings are also a good source of essential vitamins and minerals like:
- Vitamin B6
- Iron
- Zinc
So if you’re looking for a delicious and satisfying snack, go ahead and indulge in some chicken wings – just make sure to balance them out with some healthier options, too!
Whole Chicken Macros
If you’re looking to feed a crowd or want to prepare a chicken dish with lots of leftovers, a whole chicken is a great option.
Whole chicken macros vary based on the meat you are eating, using the nutrition information above is the best option for accurate calories.
When cooking a whole chicken, be sure to remove the skin before eating to reduce the fat content. You can also use the leftover bones and carcass to make a delicious and nutritious bone broth, which is a great source of collagen and other beneficial compounds. So if you’re in the mood for some hearty and wholesome chicken, consider picking up a whole bird at your local market or grocery store!
Whole chickens are great for meal prep as you can use the meat in a variety of ways over several days. You could roast the whole bird, then have cold chicken the next day and stirfry the smaller leftover pieces on day 3!
Macro Friendly Chicken Recipes
Looking to spice up your mealtimes with some macro-friendly chicken dishes? Take a look at some of our favourite healthy chicken recipes below!
High-Protein Hot Chicken Sandwich
Macro-Friendly Buffalo Chicken Bites
Tasty and Tender Chicken Stir Fry
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