Head-to-head comparison

Chicken Thigh (skinless) vs Edamame (shelled, cooked): Which Has More Protein?

On paper, Chicken Thigh (skinless) and Edamame (shelled, cooked) solve a similar problem — protein intake — but they get there differently enough to be worth a direct look.

Chicken Thigh (skinless)

26.0gprotein / 100g

209 cal · 10.9g fat · $ · Quality 0.92

Edamame (shelled, cooked)

11.2gprotein / 100g

121 cal · 5.2g fat · $$ · Quality 0.85

This isn't close. Chicken Thigh (skinless) packs 26.0g of protein per 100g against Edamame (shelled, cooked)'s 11.2g — a 14.8g gap driven mostly by how concentrated or diluted each food naturally is.

On protein quality specifically, Chicken Thigh (skinless) scores higher — high-DIAAS complete animal protein — compared to Edamame (shelled, cooked), which is DIAAS-adjusted, complete plant protein.

Chicken Thigh (skinless) is also the cheaper option ($ vs $$), which matters if you're eating either one regularly rather than occasionally.

If you're eating plant-based, this comparison is moot — Edamame (shelled, cooked) fits, Chicken Thigh (skinless) doesn't.

Chicken Thigh (skinless)'s typical serving also delivers more leucine (1950mg vs Edamame (shelled, cooked)'s 900mg) — relevant if the goal is maximizing the muscle-protein-synthesis trigger per meal, not just total grams.

Verdict

The real deciding factor is dietary fit, not macros: choose Edamame (shelled, cooked) if you need it to be plant-based, choose Chicken Thigh (skinless) otherwise — the protein numbers are close enough that diet compatibility should lead.

Full nutrition comparison

Per 100gChicken Thigh (skinless)Edamame (shelled, cooked)
Protein26.0g11.2g
Calories209121
Fat10.9g5.2g
Carbs0.0g8.9g
Fiber0.0g5.2g
Quality score0.920.85
Relative cost$$$
Prep time25 min6 min

Frequently asked

Which has more protein, chicken thigh (skinless) or edamame (shelled, cooked)?

Chicken Thigh (skinless) has 26.0g of protein per 100g compared to Edamame (shelled, cooked)'s 11.2g.

Which is lower in calories?

Edamame (shelled, cooked) is lower in calories per 100g, at 121 vs the other's 209.