Chicken Thigh (skinless) vs Parmesan Cheese
Side-by-side macro comparison. Chicken Thigh (skinless) vs Parmesan Cheese per their standard serving sizes.
Chicken Thigh (skinless)
per 100g cooked
Macro Comparison Table
| Macro | Chicken Thigh (skinless) | Parmesan Cheese | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Calories | 209 cal | 122 cal | +71% Chicken |
| Protein | 26g | 11g | +136% Chicken |
| Carbs | 0g | 1g | -100% Chicken |
| Fat | 11g | 8g | +38% 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. Parmesan Cheese delivers 122 calories with 11g protein, 1g carbs, and 8g fat. The most meaningful difference: Parmesan Cheese saves 87 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, Parmesan Cheese gives you 87 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 Chicken Thigh (skinless) and Parmesan Cheese are keto-friendly with under 10g carbs per serving.
Frequently Asked
Which has more protein, Chicken Thigh (skinless) or Parmesan Cheese?
Chicken Thigh (skinless) has more protein: 26g vs 11g per serving. That's a difference of 15g.
Which has fewer calories, Chicken Thigh (skinless) or Parmesan Cheese?
Parmesan Cheese has 122 calories per serving vs 209 calories in Chicken Thigh (skinless) — a difference of 87 calories.
Is Chicken Thigh (skinless) or Parmesan Cheese better for keto?
Chicken Thigh (skinless) is the better keto choice at 0g carbs per serving vs 1g carbs in Parmesan Cheese.
Is Chicken Thigh (skinless) or Parmesan Cheese better for weight loss?
For weight loss, Parmesan Cheese gives you more calorie flexibility (87 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
Parmesan Cheese
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 Chicken Thigh (skinless) and Parmesan Cheese stack up:
Full Chicken Thigh (skinless) guide • Full Parmesan Cheese guide • All comparisons