Last updated on March 13, 2026
The KFC Chicken Thigh is a favorite among fans of juicy, flavorful dark meat. Known for its tenderness and rich taste, it’s available in both Original Recipe and Extra Crispy styles.
In this guide, you’ll find the latest price, calorie range, nutrition facts, allergens, customization tips, and best side pairings – so you can decide if it fits your taste and dietary needs.
KFC Chicken Thigh – Quick Facts
- Price: ~$4.49 per piece (varies by location)
- Calories: ~150-350 (depends on size & recipe)
- Meat type: Dark meat (bone-in, skin-on)
- Styles: Original Recipe, Extra Crispy
- Availability: Daily at most KFC locations
👉 Want more options? Visit the KFC Full Menu for combos and buckets.
Nutrition Information
Original Recipe KFC Chicken Thigh (104 g)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 280 |
| Total Fat | 19 g |
| Saturated Fat | 5 g |
| Cholesterol | 100 mg |
| Sodium | 910 mg |
| Carbohydrates | 8 g |
| Fiber | 1 g |
| Sugar | 0 g |
| Protein | 19 g |
Smaller Portion (3 oz / ~85 g)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 230 |
| Fat | 15.5 g |
| Saturated Fat | 2.5 g |
| Sodium | 744 mg |
| Protein | 15.4 g |
How many Calories in KFC thigh?
- Calories: ~330
- Higher fat and sodium due to thicker breading
💡 Nutrition Tip: Removing the skin can noticeably reduce fat and calories.
What Does a KFC Chicken Thigh Taste Like?
- Original Recipe: Juicy, well-seasoned, softer coating
- Extra Crispy: Crunchier texture with a richer fried flavor
Dark meat thighs stay moist longer than breasts, making them a popular choice in buckets and combos.
👉 Love bold flavors? You might also enjoy the KFC 4-Piece Nashville Hot Tenders Combo.
Is a KFC Chicken Thigh a Good Choice?
Good choice if:
- You prefer juicy dark meat
- You want more flavor than chicken breast
- You’re ordering buckets or dark-meat combos
Less ideal if:
- You’re watching your sodium intake
- You prefer lean or grilled options
Allergen Information
| Allergen | Original Recipe | Extra Crispy |
|---|---|---|
| Egg | ✔️ | ✔️ |
| Milk | ✔️ | ✔️ |
| Wheat | ✔️ | ✔️ |
| Soy | ✔️ (possible) | ✔️ (possible) |
| Gluten | ✔️ | ✔️ |
⚠️ KFC uses shared fryers and prep surfaces, so cross-contact is possible.
Ingredients Overview
- Bone-in, skin-on chicken thigh
- Enriched wheat flour
- Seasonings and spices (includes MSG)
- Milk and egg mixture
- Salt
- Soy-based vegetable oil
How to Customize Your Chicken Thigh
Style Options
- Original Recipe: Classic seasoning, less crunch
- Extra Crispy: Crunchy coating, higher calories
Healthier Pairings
- Green beans
- Corn on the cob
- Side salad (no dressing)
Balanced-Meal Tips
- Stick to one thigh instead of multiple pieces
- Skip biscuits or sugary drinks
- Ask about grilled chicken availability (varies by location)
Best Side Pairings
| Side Item | Calories |
|---|---|
| Green Beans | 25 |
| Side Salad (no dressing) | 15 |
| Mashed Potatoes (no gravy) | 90 |
| Corn on the Cob | 210 |
| Coleslaw | 170 |
| BBQ Baked Beans | 190 |
| Biscuit | 180 |
💡 Tip: Vegetable sides help balance the higher fat and sodium of fried chicken.
Vegetarian & Vegan Options
- Vegetarian: ❌ (contains meat)
- Vegan: ❌ (contains meat, milk, egg)
Vegetarian-friendly sides may include:
- Green beans
- Corn on the cob
Availability & Ordering
- Available daily at most KFC locations
- Order in-store, drive-thru, app, or delivery
- Commonly included in buckets and dark-meat combos
Best Value Combos Featuring Chicken Thighs
| Combo | Includes | Price |
|---|---|---|
| 1-Pc Thigh Combo | Thigh, side, drink | ~$6.99 |
| 2-Pc Dark Meat Combo | Thigh + drumstick, side, drink | ~$7.49 |
| 3-Pc Chicken Combo | 3 pcs chicken, sides, biscuit | ~$9.99 |
| Family Fill-Up | Mixed dark meat & sides | ~$22.99 |
Summary
The KFC Chicken Thigh is a flavorful, juicy option for anyone who prefers dark meat. Available in Original Recipe or Extra Crispy styles, it delivers rich taste and satisfying texture. While higher in fat and sodium than lean cuts, it can still fit into a balanced meal when paired with vegetable sides or enjoyed in moderation.
Whether you’re ordering a combo, bucket, or single piece, the KFC chicken thigh remains a classic, crowd-pleasing choice.
Frequently Asked Questions
The price of a KFC chicken thigh is usually around $4.49 per piece, but it can vary depending on the location and current promotions. Chicken thighs are often cheaper when ordered as part of a combo meal, bucket, or family deal.
A KFC Original Recipe chicken thigh contains about 280 calories for a 104 g serving. The Extra Crispy version may contain around 330 calories because of the thicker breading and additional frying oil.
Yes. The chicken thigh is considered dark meat, which means it contains more fat and connective tissue than white meat like chicken breast. This makes it juicier, more flavorful, and tender, especially when fried.
KFC chicken thighs can be enjoyed in moderation, but they are relatively high in sodium and fat due to the breading and frying process. Pairing a thigh with vegetable sides like green beans or corn can help create a more balanced meal.
Yes. Removing the skin from a KFC chicken thigh can reduce both fat and calorie intake because much of the oil and breading is contained in the skin.
No. KFC chicken thighs are not gluten-free because the breading contains wheat flour. They are also cooked in shared fryers, which increases the risk of cross-contact with gluten.
Yes. KFC uses MSG (monosodium glutamate) in its seasoning blends to enhance flavor. MSG is commonly used in fast-food fried chicken recipes to boost the savory taste.
Yes. Most KFC buckets and family meals include a mix of chicken pieces, such as thighs, drumsticks, wings, and breasts. Some locations also offer dark-meat buckets that contain mostly thighs and drumsticks.