Chicken Thigh (skinless) vs Ground Beef
Side-by-side macro comparison. Chicken Thigh (skinless) vs Ground Beef per their standard serving sizes.
Chicken Thigh (skinless)
per 100g cooked
Macro Comparison Table
| Macro | Chicken Thigh (skinless) | Ground Beef | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Calories | 209 cal | 254 cal | -18% Chicken |
| Protein | 26g | 26g | 0% Chicken |
| Carbs | 0g | 0g | 0% Chicken |
| Fat | 11g | 17g | -35% Chicken |
Differences shown relative to Chicken Thigh (skinless). Positive = Chicken Thigh (skinless) has more.
Quick Take
Chicken Thigh (skinless) delivers 209 calories per serving with 26g protein, 0g carbs, and 11g fat. Ground Beef delivers 254 calories with 26g protein, 0g carbs, and 17g fat. The most meaningful difference: Chicken Thigh (skinless) saves 45 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 45 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. Ground Beef brings 254 calories — useful when you're chasing a surplus and struggling to eat enough. Ground Beef 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 Chicken Thigh (skinless) and Ground Beef are keto-friendly with under 10g carbs per serving.
Frequently Asked
Which has more protein, Chicken Thigh (skinless) or Ground Beef?
Ground Beef has more protein: 26g vs 26g per serving. That's a difference of 0g.
Which has fewer calories, Chicken Thigh (skinless) or Ground Beef?
Chicken Thigh (skinless) has 209 calories per serving vs 254 calories in Ground Beef — a difference of 45 calories.
Is Chicken Thigh (skinless) or Ground Beef better for keto?
Ground Beef is the better keto choice at 0g carbs per serving vs 0g carbs in Chicken Thigh (skinless).
Is Chicken Thigh (skinless) or Ground Beef better for weight loss?
For weight loss, Chicken Thigh (skinless) gives you more calorie flexibility (45 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
tie
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:
→ Calculate My Macros (Free)Related Comparisons
Other ways Chicken Thigh (skinless) and Ground Beef stack up:
Full Chicken Thigh (skinless) guide • Full Ground Beef guide • All comparisons