Written by CalorieData Nutrition TeamReviewed by a Registered DietitianLast Updated: March 2026

Oatmeal vs Chicken Thigh: Nutrition Comparison

Which is healthier? Compare calories, protein, carbs, and more

Complete side-by-side nutrition comparison per 100g serving | Updated 2026

Which is Healthier?

Both foods have similar nutritional profiles

Both foods have similar nutritional profiles with each winning in different categories. Your choice should depend on your specific dietary goals and preferences. Oatmeal has 389 calories while Chicken Thigh has 209 calories per 100g.

Quick Summary

Fewer Calories

Chicken Thigh

209 kcal

More Protein

Chicken Thigh

26g

More Fiber

Oatmeal

11g

Less Sugar

Oatmeal

0g

Visual Comparison

Caloriesper 100g
Oatmeal
389
Chicken Thigh
209
Proteinper 100g
Oatmeal
17g
Chicken Thigh
26g
Carbohydratesper 100g
Oatmeal
66g
Chicken Thigh
0g
Fatper 100g
Oatmeal
7g
Chicken Thigh
11g

Side-by-Side Nutrition Table

NutrientOatmealChicken ThighDifference
Calories389kcal209kcal+180.0kcal
Protein17g26g-9.0g
Carbohydrates66g0g+66.0g
Fat7g11g-4.0g
Fiber11g0g+11.0g
Sugar0g0g0.0g
Sodium2mg82mg-80.0mg

Serving Size Comparison

All values above are per 100g. Here's how they compare in common serving sizes:

Oatmeal

Per 100g:389 calories
Per cup (150g):584 calories
Per serving (85g):331 calories

Chicken Thigh

Per 100g:209 calories
Per cup (150g):314 calories
Per serving (85g):178 calories

Diet Compatibility

Oatmeal

High-ProteinVeganVegetarianLow-Sodium

Chicken Thigh

KetoLow-CarbHigh-ProteinPaleoLow-Sodium

When to Choose Oatmeal

  • More fiber (11g vs 0g)
  • Less sugar (0g vs 0g)
  • Lower sodium (2mg vs 82mg)

Common Uses

Side dishesBreakfastMeal baseEnergy food
View full Oatmeal nutrition →

When to Choose Chicken Thigh

  • Lower in calories (209 vs 389)
  • Higher in protein (26g vs 17g)
  • Lower in carbs (0g vs 66g)

Common Uses

Main dishesMeal prepGrillingHigh-protein meals
View full Chicken Thigh nutrition →

Oatmeal vs Chicken Thigh: Nutritional Analysis

Oatmeal is more calorie-dense at 389 calories per 100g compared to 209 for Chicken Thigh, a difference of 180 calories. On the protein front, Chicken Thigh delivers more with 26g per 100g versus 17g, which matters for muscle maintenance, satiety, and overall metabolic health. These differences become meaningful when you consider how each food fits into your daily dietary pattern rather than looking at any single nutrient in isolation.

Macronutrient Breakdown

The macronutrient profiles of Oatmeal and Chicken Thigh tell different nutritional stories. Oatmeal provides 66g of carbohydrates, 7g of fat, and 11g of fiber per 100g, while Chicken Thigh contains 0g carbs, 11g fat, and 0g fiber. The higher fiber content in Oatmeal supports digestive health, helps regulate blood sugar after meals, and contributes to longer-lasting satiety.

Key Takeaways

  • For weight management: Chicken Thigh is the lower-calorie choice at 209 cal/100g, making it more suitable for calorie-controlled diets.
  • For muscle building: Chicken Thigh provides more protein (26g/100g), supporting muscle repair and growth.
  • For sustained energy: Oatmeal offers more fiber (11g/100g), which slows digestion and provides steadier energy release.
  • Overall: Neither food is universally "better" than the other. The right choice depends on your specific nutritional goals, meal context, and dietary preferences. Both can play a role in a balanced diet.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which has more calories, Oatmeal or Chicken Thigh?

Oatmeal has more calories with 389 kcal per 100g, compared to Chicken Thigh with 209 kcal. That's a difference of 180 calories per 100g serving.

Is Oatmeal healthier than Chicken Thigh?

Oatmeal and Chicken Thigh have similar nutritional profiles, with each food winning in different categories. The healthier choice depends on your specific dietary goals and nutritional needs.

What is the protein difference between Oatmeal and Chicken Thigh?

Chicken Thigh has more protein with 26g per 100g, compared to Oatmeal with 17g. Chicken Thigh provides 9.0g more protein per 100g serving.

Which is better for weight loss, Oatmeal or Chicken Thigh?

For weight loss, Chicken Thigh is the better choice with only 209 calories per 100g compared to 389 calories in Oatmeal. Oatmeal also offers 11g of fiber per 100g, which helps you feel fuller longer.

Does Oatmeal or Chicken Thigh have fewer carbs?

Chicken Thigh has fewer carbs with 0g per 100g, compared to Oatmeal with 66g. If you're following a low-carb diet, Chicken Thigh is the better option with 66.0g fewer carbohydrates.

About Our Data

All nutrition data in this comparison is sourced from the USDA FoodData Central, the official food composition database maintained by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Values are based on 100g servings for accurate comparison.

Health Disclaimer: This comparison is for informational purposes only and is not intended as medical or dietary advice. Nutritional needs vary by individual. The best food choice depends on your personal health goals, dietary requirements, and preferences. Consult a healthcare provider or registered dietitian for personalized nutrition guidance.