Chicken Thigh vs Ham (deli)
Side-by-side macro comparison. Chicken Thigh vs Ham (deli) per their standard serving sizes.
Macro Comparison Table
| Macro | Chicken Thigh | Ham (deli) | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Calories | 209 cal | 60 cal | +248% Chicken |
| Protein | 26g | 10g | +160% Chicken |
| Carbs | 0g | 1.5g | -100% Chicken |
| Fat | 11g | 1.5g | +633% Chicken |
Differences shown relative to Chicken Thigh. Positive = Chicken Thigh has more.
Quick Take
Chicken Thigh delivers 209 calories per serving with 26g protein, 0g carbs, and 11g fat. Ham (deli) delivers 60 calories with 10g protein, 1.5g carbs, and 1.5g fat. The most meaningful difference: Ham (deli) saves 149 calories per serving — meaningful over a week of meals. For protein density per calorie, Ham (deli) wins at 67% of calories from protein.
When to Pick Each
For Cutting / Weight Loss
When cutting on a tight calorie budget, Ham (deli) gives you 149 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), Ham (deli) delivers more grams of protein per calorie consumed.
For Bulking / Muscle Gain
For muscle gain, you want calories AND protein. Chicken Thigh brings 209 calories — useful when you're chasing a surplus and struggling to eat enough. Chicken Thigh 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 and Ham (deli) are keto-friendly with under 10g carbs per serving.
Frequently Asked
Which has more protein, Chicken Thigh or Ham (deli)?
Chicken Thigh has more protein: 26g vs 10g per serving. That's a difference of 16g.
Which has fewer calories, Chicken Thigh or Ham (deli)?
Ham (deli) has 60 calories per serving vs 209 calories in Chicken Thigh — a difference of 149 calories.
Is Chicken Thigh or Ham (deli) better for keto?
Chicken Thigh is the better keto choice at 0g carbs per serving vs 1.5g carbs in Ham (deli).
Is Chicken Thigh or Ham (deli) better for weight loss?
For weight loss, Ham (deli) gives you more calorie flexibility (149 cal less per serving). For preserving muscle during a deficit, Ham (deli) delivers more protein per calorie. Most people on cuts benefit from Ham (deli).
Which Is Better for Your Goal?
🔥 Weight Loss
Ham (deli)
Higher protein-to-calorie density + lower absolute fat = more satiety per calorie.
💪 Muscle Gain
Chicken Thigh
Higher absolute protein per serving better supports muscle protein synthesis.
🥑 Low-Carb / Keto
Chicken Thigh
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 and Ham (deli) stack up:
Full Chicken Thigh guide • Full Ham (deli) guide • All comparisons