BBQ chicken is a classic summertime favorite. It’s hard to say no to sweet and sour barbecue sauce on juicy chicken. But is this American classic good for you, or should you stay away from it if you’re watching your weight?
That’s why I looked at the nutrition facts to find out how many calories are in BBQ chicken. Here’s a detailed breakdown of what I learned.
Calorie Range for BBQ Chicken
There are a few main things that can change how many calories are in BBQ chicken.
- Chicken part – breast, thigh, drumstick, wing
- Skin on or off
- Cooking method – grilled, baked, smoked
- Type and amount of BBQ sauce
Taking these variables into account, a serving of BBQ chicken can range from:
- 160 – 250 calories for 3-4 oz of chicken breast without skin
- 170 – 180 calories for a chicken thigh or drumstick without skin
- Over 70 calories for a single chicken wing
An entire BBQ chicken (2-3 pounds) has around:
- 1,600 – 2,400 calories
So as you can see, the calorie count can shift up or down by a couple hundred calories depending on the specifics
Calorie Contribution of Each Component
To get a better idea of how many calories are in a BBQ chicken, let’s look at its main parts.
Chicken
The chicken itself provides the bulk of the calories, mainly in the form of protein with a bit of fat.
- Chicken breast (without skin) – The leanest part of the chicken, with around 165 calories in 4 oz.
- Chicken thighs and legs (without skin) – Dark meat is slightly higher in fat and calories, with around 160-180 calories per 3-4 oz serving.
- Chicken wings – More calories than white breast meat because of the skin, smaller amount of meat, and higher bone ratio. Each wing can have 70+ calories.
Skin
The chicken’s skin can contribute a significant number of calories from fat. Removing the skin reduces the calorie count by roughly 100-200 calories per serving.
BBQ Sauce
Barbecue sauce adds flavor, but also extra calories in the form of sugar and sometimes fat. The calorie count depends on:
- BBQ sauce ingredients – High sugar and oil increase calories
- Amount of sauce used – Brushing on vs. drowning adds less
A tablespoon of BBQ sauce can range from 20 – 70 calories.
Cooking Method
How the chicken is cooked impacts retained fat and moisture.
- Grilling allows fat to drip away, lowering calories slightly
- Baking keeps all the juices and fat in the chicken
But the differences are fairly small.
How to Make BBQ Chicken Lower in Calories
Here are some tips for lighter BBQ chicken:
- Remove the skin before cooking
- Use a tomato-based, low-sugar BBQ sauce
- Apply the sauce sparingly, just brushing it on
- Opt for breast meat over thighs and legs
- Pair it with veggies instead of starchy sides
- Watch your portion sizes – 3-4 oz of meat is one serving
So the bottom line – BBQ chicken can be a tasty, reasonable option when prepared mindfully. Just beware of the extra calories from skin and heavy sauces. A little moderation goes a long way!
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Top nutrition facts for Barbecue chicken
| Calories ⓘ Calories for selected serving | 226 kcal |
| Glycemic index ⓘ Gi values are taken from various scientific sources. GI values less than 55 are considered as low. Values above 70 are considered as high. | 10 (low) |
| Insulin index ⓘ https://www.researchgate.net/publication/26770180 – II for roast chicken -23 | 23 |
| Net Carbs ⓘ Net Carbs = Total Carbohydrates – Fiber – Sugar Alcohols | 0 grams |
| Default serving size ⓘ Serving sizes are mostly taken from FDAs Reference Amounts Customarily Consumed (RACCs) | 1 thigh (95 grams) |
| Acidity (Based on PRAL) ⓘ PRAL (Potential renal acid load) is calculated using a formula. On the PRAL scale the higher the positive value, the more is the acidifying effect on the body. The lower the negative value, the higher the alkalinity of the food. 0 is neutral. | 13 (acidic) |
| Oxalates ⓘ Animal products do not contain oxalate. | 0 mg |
Barbecue chicken calories (kcal)
| Calories for different serving sizes of barbecue chicken | Calories | Weight |
|---|---|---|
| Calories in 100 grams | 226 | |
| Calories in 1 thigh | 215 | 95 g |
High Protein Pulled BBQ Chicken #diet #food #recipe #weightloss #fatloss #protein #muscledummies
FAQ
How many calories are in BBQ chicken?
However, on average, a 3. 5-ounce serving of BBQ chicken contains approximately 165-200 calories, making it a relatively low-calorie option compared to other meats. The total calorie content of BBQ chicken can be influenced by several factors, including the type of cut used, the amount of fat in the meat, and the ingredients in the barbecue sauce.
What is the caloric difference between BBQ chicken breast and thighs?
What is the caloric difference between BBQ chicken breast and BBQ chicken thighs? Chicken breast tends to be lower in calories compared to chicken thighs. On average, a 3. A 5-ounce serving of BBQ chicken breast has about 165 calories, while a 5-ounce serving of BBQ chicken thighs may have between 210 and 240 calories.
How many calories in BBQ chicken leg?
Calories in bbq chicken leg Calories 178. 0 Total Fat 0. 0 g Saturated Fat 0. 0 g Polyunsaturated Fat 0. 0 g Monounsaturated Fat 0. 0 g 7 more rows.
Is BBQ Chicken a good source of protein?
BBQ chicken is a good source of protein, which is essential for supporting muscle growth and repair. A 3. 5-ounce serving of BBQ chicken typically provides around 25-30 grams of protein. 9. Can the choice of sides affect the overall calorie intake of a BBQ chicken meal?.
How long do you cook chicken thighs for BBQ?
Line a baking sheet with foil and spray with cooking spray. Bake the chicken for about 20 minutes, then brush it with BBQ sauce and bake for another 15-20 minutes, or until cooked through. How do you season chicken thighs for a BBQ? Season your chicken thighs after putting mayonnaise or olive oil on them.
How many calories are in a whole barbeque chicken?
| Nutrient | Value |
|---|---|
| Calories | 1320 |
| Fats | 64g |
| Saturated fats | 20g |
| Trans fats | 0g |
How many calories are in one whole grill chicken?
| Calories | 565 | |
|---|---|---|
| % Daily Value* | ||
| Total Fat | 31.9 g | |
| Saturated Fat | 9.5 g | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g |
How many calories in a piece of BBQ Chicken?
One cup of Bbq chicken piece is around 238. 1 grams and contains approximately 392. 9 calories, 47. 6 grams of protein, 16. 7 grams of fat, and 11. 9 grams of carbohydrates.
Is barbecue chicken ok for weight loss?
Yes, you can enjoy barbecue while trying to lose weight, but moderation and mindful choices are key. Here are some tips to make your barbecue healthier: Choose Lean Proteins: Opt for lean meats like chicken breast, turkey, or fish. If you prefer red meat, select cuts like sirloin or tenderloin.