Ribeye Steak vs Chicken Thigh (skinless)
Side-by-side macro comparison. Ribeye Steak vs Chicken Thigh (skinless) per their standard serving sizes.
Chicken Thigh (skinless)
per 100g cooked
Macro Comparison Table
| Macro | Ribeye Steak | Chicken Thigh (skinless) | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Calories | 291 cal | 209 cal | +39% Ribeye |
| Protein | 24g | 26g | -8% Ribeye |
| Carbs | 0g | 0g | 0% Ribeye |
| Fat | 21g | 11g | +91% Ribeye |
Differences shown relative to Ribeye Steak. Positive = Ribeye Steak has more.
Quick Take
Ribeye Steak delivers 291 calories per serving with 24g protein, 0g carbs, and 21g fat. Chicken Thigh (skinless) delivers 209 calories with 26g protein, 0g carbs, and 11g fat. The most meaningful difference: Chicken Thigh (skinless) saves 82 calories per serving — meaningful over a week of meals. Both deliver similar protein density.
When to Pick Each
For Cutting / Weight Loss
When cutting on a tight calorie budget, Chicken Thigh (skinless) gives you 82 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 (skinless) delivers more grams of protein per calorie consumed.
For Bulking / Muscle Gain
For muscle gain, you want calories AND protein. Ribeye Steak brings 291 calories — useful when you're chasing a surplus and struggling to eat enough. Chicken Thigh (skinless) 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
Both Ribeye Steak and Chicken Thigh (skinless) are keto-friendly with under 10g carbs per serving.
Frequently Asked
Which has more protein, Ribeye Steak or Chicken Thigh (skinless)?
Chicken Thigh (skinless) has more protein: 26g vs 24g per serving. That's a difference of 2g.
Which has fewer calories, Ribeye Steak or Chicken Thigh (skinless)?
Chicken Thigh (skinless) has 209 calories per serving vs 291 calories in Ribeye Steak — a difference of 82 calories.
Is Ribeye Steak or Chicken Thigh (skinless) better for keto?
Chicken Thigh (skinless) is the better keto choice at 0g carbs per serving vs 0g carbs in Ribeye Steak.
Is Ribeye Steak or Chicken Thigh (skinless) better for weight loss?
For weight loss, Chicken Thigh (skinless) gives you more calorie flexibility (82 cal less per serving). For preserving muscle during a deficit, Chicken Thigh (skinless) delivers more protein per calorie. Most people on cuts benefit from Chicken Thigh (skinless).
Which Is Better for Your Goal?
🔥 Weight Loss
Chicken Thigh (skinless)
Higher protein-to-calorie density + lower absolute fat = more satiety per calorie.
💪 Muscle Gain
Chicken Thigh (skinless)
Higher absolute protein per serving better supports muscle protein synthesis.
🥑 Low-Carb / Keto
tie
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 Ribeye Steak and Chicken Thigh (skinless) stack up:
Full Ribeye Steak guide • Full Chicken Thigh (skinless) guide • All comparisons