How Many Calories Are in a Popeyes Chicken Thigh?

A lot of people love Popeyes because of their spicy, crunchy fried chicken. On their menu, you can find bone-in chicken breasts, legs, thighs, and wings. But if you’re trying to watch your weight, you might be wondering how many calories are in a Popeyes chicken thigh. This article will break down the nutrition facts so you know exactly what you’re eating.

An Overview of Popeyes Chicken Thigh Nutrition

According to Nutritionix, one Popeyes chicken thigh without the skin contains the following

• 260 calories
• 18g of fat
• 8g of carbs
• 1g of fiber
• 14g of protein

This is for a 28-ounce thigh without bones. If you leave the skin on, the calories and fat will go up.

Now let’s compare that to the nutrition facts provided on the Popeyes website

• Chicken Thigh – 280 calories, 21g fat, 7g carbs, 1g fiber, 14g protein

So fairly similar numbers, though slightly higher calories and fat when purchasing an actual bone-in thigh with the skin on.

Calories and Fat in a Spicy Popeyes Thigh

If you opt for spicy instead of original, how does that impact the nutrition?

According to CalorieKing, here are the stats for a Popeyes Bonafide Spicy Chicken Thigh:

• 260 calories
• 18g fat
• 8g carbs
• 1g fiber
• 14g protein

Very similar nutrition facts to the original! The spicy seasoning doesn’t seem to alter the calories, carbs, or protein. You can enjoy the same thigh, just with some extra kick.

How Thigh and Breast Nutrition Compares

You may be wondering – how does the thigh stack up against the Popeyes chicken breast? Here’s a quick nutritional comparison:

Chicken Thigh (skin-on):

• 280 calories
• 21g fat
• 7g carbs

Chicken Breast:

• 380 calories
• 20g fat
• 16g carbs

The breast has 100 more calories and slightly less fat. But the thigh is lower in carbs by about half. Both have a similar amount of protein.

Even though the breast has more calories, the thigh is a great choice if you are watching how many carbs you eat.

Best Ways to Make Your Meal Healthier

While Popeyes chicken thighs are deliciously crispy and flavorful, they are still a fried food high in fat and sodium. Here are some tips to make your Popeyes meal a little healthier:

• Opt for grilled chicken instead of fried
• Choose breast over thigh to reduce calories
• Skip the skin to cut down on fat
• Pair with lower carb side dishes like green beans instead of fries or rice
• Ask for sauces on the side to control portions
• Choose water or unsweetened tea instead of soda

You can also remove some of the breading to instantly cut carbs and calories.

Popeyes Thigh Nutrition Compared to Other Fried Chicken

How does Popeyes compare to other popular fried chicken chains? Here’s a quick look:

Popeyes Chicken Thigh (skin-on):

• 280 calories, 21g fat

KFC Extra Crispy Chicken Thigh:

• 210 calories, 14g fat

Chick-fil-A Chicken Thigh:

• 170 calories, 8g fat

So KFC and especially Chick-fil-A tend to have slightly less fat and calories for their boneless thighs. However, Popeyes thighs are juicier and more flavorful according to many fried chicken fans.

The Bottom Line

A Popeyes chicken thigh contains around 280 calories and 21g of fat when enjoyed bone-in with the skin. Spicy or original flavor has minimal impact on the nutrition. Compared to the breast, the thigh has slightly fewer calories but more fat. It also contains nearly half the carbs.

While not the healthiest menu option, chicken thighs can be part of a balanced diet. Opt for grilled over fried, remove the skin, and pair with lighter sides to cut back on calories. Thighs make a tasty, juicy alternative to breasts when you want to reduce carbs!

Nutrition Facts