Cheddar Cheese vs Chicken Thigh (skinless)
Side-by-side macro comparison. Cheddar Cheese vs Chicken Thigh (skinless) per their standard serving sizes.
Chicken Thigh (skinless)
per 100g cooked
Macro Comparison Table
| Macro | Cheddar Cheese | Chicken Thigh (skinless) | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Calories | 113 cal | 209 cal | -46% Cheddar |
| Protein | 7g | 26g | -73% Cheddar |
| Carbs | 0.4g | 0g | 0% Cheddar |
| Fat | 9g | 11g | -18% Cheddar |
Differences shown relative to Cheddar Cheese. Positive = Cheddar Cheese has more.
Quick Take
Cheddar Cheese delivers 113 calories per serving with 7g protein, 0.4g carbs, and 9g fat. Chicken Thigh (skinless) delivers 209 calories with 26g protein, 0g carbs, and 11g fat. The most meaningful difference: Cheddar Cheese saves 96 calories per serving — meaningful over a week of meals. For protein density per calorie, Chicken Thigh (skinless) wins at 50% of calories from protein.
When to Pick Each
For Cutting / Weight Loss
When cutting on a tight calorie budget, Cheddar Cheese gives you 96 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. Chicken Thigh (skinless) brings 209 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 Cheddar Cheese and Chicken Thigh (skinless) are keto-friendly with under 10g carbs per serving.
Frequently Asked
Which has more protein, Cheddar Cheese or Chicken Thigh (skinless)?
Chicken Thigh (skinless) has more protein: 26g vs 7g per serving. That's a difference of 19g.
Which has fewer calories, Cheddar Cheese or Chicken Thigh (skinless)?
Cheddar Cheese has 113 calories per serving vs 209 calories in Chicken Thigh (skinless) — a difference of 96 calories.
Is Cheddar Cheese or Chicken Thigh (skinless) better for keto?
Chicken Thigh (skinless) is the better keto choice at 0g carbs per serving vs 0.4g carbs in Cheddar Cheese.
Is Cheddar Cheese or Chicken Thigh (skinless) better for weight loss?
For weight loss, Cheddar Cheese gives you more calorie flexibility (96 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
Chicken Thigh (skinless)
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
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Other ways Cheddar Cheese and Chicken Thigh (skinless) stack up:
Full Cheddar Cheese guide • Full Chicken Thigh (skinless) guide • All comparisons