A single roasted chicken thigh (with skin on, because let’s be real) packs about 80 to 90 milligrams of cholesterol. That’s roughly the same as one large egg yolk. So, no, it’s not a cholesterol bomb—but it’s not a free pass to eat a dozen either.
If you ditch the skin (I know, I’m sorry), the number drops to around 65 milligrams. Skinless is the “responsible adult” version, but skin-on is the fun friend who brings the party.
Wait, Is Cholesterol Still the Bad Guy?
Remember when we all feared cholesterol like it was a monster under the bed? Science has evolved (thank you, researchers). Turns out, dietary cholesterol isn’t the villain we thought—saturated fat and sugar are the real troublemakers.
A chicken thigh has about 3.5 grams of saturated fat with skin, which is moderate. So unless you’re deep-frying it in butter and eating it with a side of bacon, you’re probably fine. Your heart won’t send you a breakup text.
