Food Guide

Which Is Healthier: Boneless Skinless Chicken Breast or Thigh? Find Out Now!

When it comes to the world of chicken, there are many options.

One can purchase a whole bird or just the breasts and thighs.

But what is better? Boneless skinless chicken breast or boneless skinless chicken thighs? This blog post will discuss the benefits of each in order for you to make an informed decision.

What is boneless skinless chicken breast?

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Chicken breast is a cut from the front upper chest of the bird.

Boneless skinless chicken breast is the breast cut that has the bones and skin removed.

It is also the most popular type of chicken breast that is sold in most grocery stores and supermarkets.

Boneless skinless chicken breast is a lean protein that can be used in many ways, such as grilling, baking, broiling, or deep-frying.

Boneless skinless chicken breast is a healthy option for those who want to keep their weight in line, or even cut down some pounds.

It also helps build muscle and provides us with many essential nutrients like B-vitamins, phosphorus, magnesium, and omega-6 fatty acids.

What is a boneless skinless chicken thigh?

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Chicken thigh is a cut of poultry taken from the upper portion of the leg that separates from the lower leg section that is called drumstick.

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In other words, a whole chicken leg will be divided into two parts, the upper part towards the body is the chicken thigh and the chicken drumstick below.

While chicken drumsticks usually come in bone-in and skin-on, the boneless skinless chicken thigh is more popular.

Chicken thighs have more fat than chicken breast and it is considered the dark meat part of the chicken, therefore, it is more flavorful but has a bit more fat and cholesterol.

Boneless skinless chicken thigh is also a versatile cut that can be cooked in numerous ways, including baking, braising, skewing, or grilling.

What are the differences between boneless skinless chicken breast vs thigh?

Chicken breast and chicken thigh are two different cuts of chicken.

Therefore, they differ in many ways, as mentioned in the comparison table below:

 Boneless skinless chicken breastBoneless skinless chicken thigh
SectionThe upper part of the chicken’s chestThe upper part of the chicken leg
TextureTenderTougher with more connective tissue
FlavorMore flavorfulMilder
Nutritional contentHas less fat and more lean proteinHigher in fat and cholesterol
Cooking timeShorter because it doesn’t have connective tissueLonger because of more connective tissue
PriceMore expensive due to high demandCheaper due to less demand

What are the similarities between boneless skinless chicken breast vs chicken breast?

Boneless skinless chicken breasts and thighs also have a lot in common.

Here are some typical similarities that can be found in both cuts:

1. They both have bones and skin removed

Obviously, these two cuts come in similar appearances, with bones and skin removed before being packaged and reaching our hands.

Therefore, boneless skinless chicken breasts and thighs will be cooked quicker than the skin-on or bone-in versions.

However, you cannot achieve crispy and flavorful skin when cooking these cuts.

Although you have to sacrifice the amazing flavor and texture of the crispy skin, it is actually a healthier option because most fat is found under the skin of the chicken.

2. Boneless skinless chicken breast and thigh are rich sources of protein and many essential nutrients

Another similarity is boneless skinless chicken breasts and boneless skinless chicken thighs contain a lot of meat, so they are rich sources of protein.

Although chicken thighs are a bit fattier, chicken is still generally considered a healthier alternative to red meat like pork and beef.

3. Both cuts can be cooked in numerous ways

There is no limitation when it comes to preparing and cooking these two kinds of chicken cuts.

You can either bake, grill, roast, or slow-cook boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs and serve them as a single dish with any kind of your favorite sauce on the side or drizzled over.

It can also be shredded to add to salads, burgers, or tacos.

Which one is better?

Product ComparisonJust Bare All Natural Fresh Chicken Breast Fillets | No Antibiotics...Whole Foods Market Organic Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs
Product ImageJust Bare All Natural Fresh Chicken Breast Fillets | No Antibiotics...Whole Foods Market Organic Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs
Latest PriceCheck Current PriceCheck Current Price

The decision is actually up to you, but we hope that the information in this blog post has helped you make an informed choice.

With many benefits and few drawbacks for each option, it’s hard to go wrong with either one of these choices.

For example, boneless skinless chicken breast is healthier but is not as flavorful as the chicken thigh.

You should decide which type best suits your needs as well as budget before making a final judgment, and don’t forget to have a proper diet with these cuts.

Good luck with your choice!

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Emily W.

Emily Wong is an Asian-American food writer the founder of Cookindocs.com. With nearly 8 years of experience, she has a passion for making cooking accessible to everyone and sharing her personal experiences with food. Emily's vision for Cookindocs.com is to create a community of food lovers who are passionate about cooking, eating, and sharing their experiences with others. Read my story
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