Chicken Thigh vs Salmon: Calories and Nutrition Compared (2026)

Chicken thigh, 24.8 g, is higher in protein compared to salmon, 24.6 g. Salmon has fewer calories, 153, than chicken thigh, 179.

Chicken thigh and salmon are popular protein sources, each offering unique nutritional benefits. This comparison highlights their calorie content, protein levels, and fat composition.

What Is the Difference Between Chicken Thigh and Salmon?

Chicken thigh is a cut of meat from the upper part of a chicken's leg, known for its rich flavor and tenderness. It is often used in various culinary dishes. Salmon is a type of fish that is highly valued for its rich taste and high omega-3 fatty acid content. It is commonly consumed grilled, baked, or smoked.

Chicken Thigh vs Salmon: Nutrition Side by Side

The following table provides a side-by-side comparison of chicken thigh and salmon based on their nutritional values.

Nutrient (per 100 g)	Chicken thigh (roasted)	Salmon (cooked)
Calories	179 kcal	153 kcal
Protein	24.8 g	24.6 g
Carbs	0 g	0 g
Sugar	0 g	0 g
Fat	8.2 g	5.3 g
Fiber	0 g	0 g
Sodium	106 mg	90 mg

Which Is Better, Chicken Thigh or Salmon?

For weight loss: Salmon, at 153 calories, is lower in calories than chicken thigh, which has 179 calories.

For muscle and protein: Chicken thigh provides 24.8 g of protein, slightly more than salmon, which offers 24.6 g.

For low-carb or low-sugar: Both chicken thigh and salmon contain 0 g of carbs and sugar, making them suitable for low-carb diets.

How to Track Chicken thigh and Salmon Accurately

Portion sizes and macronutrient content can be easily misjudged, affecting dietary choices. Nutrola is an AI nutrition tracking app that identifies foods from a photo and returns calories and macros from a database of more than 1.8 million foods. It also supports barcode scanning and voice logging. Nutrola is available from EUR 2.50 per month and shows no ads on any tier.

How We Compiled These Numbers

The numbers provided are rounded reference values for educational use and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult a healthcare provider for dietary recommendations. Values are per 100 g from USDA FoodData Central.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Which has more protein, chicken thigh or salmon?

Chicken thigh has 24.8 g of protein, while salmon has 24.6 g.

Which has fewer calories, chicken thigh or salmon?

Salmon has 153 calories, whereas chicken thigh has 179 calories.

What is the fat content in chicken thigh?

Chicken thigh contains 8.2 g of fat per 100 g.

What is the sodium level in salmon?

Salmon has 90 mg of sodium per 100 g.

Do chicken thigh and salmon contain carbs?

Both chicken thigh and salmon contain 0 g of carbs per 100 g.

What is the sugar content in chicken thigh?

Chicken thigh contains 0 g of sugar per 100 g.

Key Takeaways

• Chicken thigh: 179 calories, 24.8 g protein, 8.2 g fat.
• Salmon: 153 calories, 24.6 g protein, 5.3 g fat.
• Both contain 0 g of carbs and sugar.
• Chicken thigh has 106 mg of sodium.
• Salmon has 90 mg of sodium.