Chicken Thigh (skinless) vs Turkey
Side-by-side macro comparison. Chicken Thigh (skinless) vs Turkey per their standard serving sizes.
Chicken Thigh (skinless)
per 100g cooked
Macro Comparison Table
| Macro | Chicken Thigh (skinless) | Turkey | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Calories | 209 cal | 135 cal | +55% Chicken |
| Protein | 26g | 30g | -13% Chicken |
| Carbs | 0g | 0g | 0% Chicken |
| Fat | 11g | 1g | +1000% 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. Turkey delivers 135 calories with 30g protein, 0g carbs, and 1g fat. The most meaningful difference: Turkey saves 74 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, Turkey gives you 74 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), Turkey 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. Turkey delivers 30g 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 Turkey are keto-friendly with under 10g carbs per serving.
Frequently Asked
Which has more protein, Chicken Thigh (skinless) or Turkey?
Turkey has more protein: 30g vs 26g per serving. That's a difference of 4g.
Which has fewer calories, Chicken Thigh (skinless) or Turkey?
Turkey has 135 calories per serving vs 209 calories in Chicken Thigh (skinless) — a difference of 74 calories.
Is Chicken Thigh (skinless) or Turkey better for keto?
Turkey is the better keto choice at 0g carbs per serving vs 0g carbs in Chicken Thigh (skinless).
Is Chicken Thigh (skinless) or Turkey better for weight loss?
For weight loss, Turkey gives you more calorie flexibility (74 cal less per serving). For preserving muscle during a deficit, Turkey delivers more protein per calorie. Most people on cuts benefit from Turkey.
Which Is Better for Your Goal?
🔥 Weight Loss
Turkey
Higher protein-to-calorie density + lower absolute fat = more satiety per calorie.
💪 Muscle Gain
Turkey
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 Turkey stack up:
Full Chicken Thigh (skinless) guide • Full Turkey guide • All comparisons