Calories and Nutritions in Chicken Drumstick

Chicken drumsticks are a central component in dishes like the iconic Fried Chicken at Popeyes and KFC. A small roasted chicken drumstick has 114 calories while a medium one (70g) contains 159 calories. A baked chicken leg quarter portion (140g) has 300 calories. Frying increases the calories of the chicken drumstick, with a small fried drumstick having 81 calories and a medium one (46g) containing 132 calories. A 100 gram (3.53 ounce) serving of baked chicken drumstick contains 216 calories, while one kilogram (1000g) contains 2160 calories. The overall chicken leg calories for a 100g baked portion with skin include 24.7g of protein (49% DV), 12.3g of fat (16% DV), 0g of carbohydrates, 100mg of cholesterol (33% DV), and 108mg of sodium (5% DV). A KFC Original Recipe drumstick has 120 calories, a Popeyes mild fried drumstick contains 160 calories, and a Church's Texas Chicken fried drumstick has 150 calories.

The chicken drumstick nutrition profile is dense with high-quality protein, offering 24.7g per 100g baked serving. A study confirmed that protein-rich foods are effective for stimulating muscle protein synthesis (Phillips, S. M., 2014). Key health benefits arise from this nutrient density, which includes a rich supply of selenium and phosphorus, as a 100g baked serving delivers 35.1mcg of selenium (64% DV) and 231mg of phosphorus (18% DV) to support immune function and bone health.

Common preparations for chicken drumsticks include Raw, Baked, Fried, and Air-Fried, with top chicken meat producers like the United States and China dominating the global supply. The price of chicken legs has seen a moderate increase over the last 20 years, with the average retail cost climbing from under $1.10 per pound in the early 2000s to over $1.85 per pound in 2022.

A sensible consumption recommendation is a serving of two medium baked drumsticks (140 grams), which provides 302 calories that can be burned through 30 minutes of moderate cycling or 25 minutes of jogging.

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100 grams

Chicken Drumstick nutrition

1 Chicken Drumstick (100g) contains approximately 130 calories, -0.475g of carbs, 18.4g of protein, 0g of fiber and 0g of sugar.
Stats Weight
Carbs -0.475 grams
Protein 18.4 grams
Fats 5.94 grams
Sugars 0 grams
  • Baked Chicken Leg Calories (Nutritional Facts)
  • Fried Chicken Drumstick Calories (Nutritional Facts)
  • Air Fried Chicken Drumstick Calories (Nutritional Facts)
  • Medium Chicken Drumstick Calories (Nutritional Facts)
  • Small Chicken Drumstick Calories (Nutritional Facts)
  • Raw Chicken Drumstick Nutrition
  • Sodium in Chicken Drumstick
  • Potassium in Chicken Drumstick
  • Sugar in Chicken Drumstick
  • Fiber in Chicken Drumstick
  • Protein in Chicken Drumstick
  • Carbs in Chicken Drumstick
  • Fat in Chicken Drumstick
  • Vitamins in Chicken Drumstick
  • Minerals in Chicken Drumstick

Baked Chicken Leg Calories (Nutritional Facts)

One cup of diced, baked chicken leg meat (135g) contains 289 calories, 31.3g of protein, 17.3g of fat, 0g of carbohydrates, 176.9mg of cholesterol, 460.4mg of sodium, and 0g of sugar. A baked chicken leg quarter with bone removed (140g) contains 300 calories, 32.4g of protein, 17.9g of fat, 0g of carbohydrates, 183.4mg of cholesterol, 477.4mg of sodium, and 0g of sugar.



One fried chicken drumstick with coating (85g) from a fast-food establishment contains 245 calories, 15.1g of protein, 15.9g of fat, 10.3g of carbohydrates, 77.4mg of cholesterol, 531.3mg of sodium, and 0.09g of sugar. One cup of diced, fried chicken drumstick meat (135g) contains 389 calories, 23.9g of protein, 25.3g of fat, 16.3g of carbohydrates, 122.9mg of cholesterol, 843.8mg of sodium, and 0.14g of sugar.



One air-fried chicken drumstick contains 216 calories, 24g of protein, 12.5g of fat, 1g of carbohydrates, 101mg of cholesterol, 282mg of sodium, and 0g of sugar.



A medium stewed chicken drumstick with bone and skin removed (46g) contains 78 calories, 12.7g of protein, 2.6g of fat, 0g of carbohydrates, 40.5mg of cholesterol, 36.8mg of sodium, and 0g of sugar. A medium fried drumstick with coating (46g) contains 132 calories, 8.2g of protein, 8.6g of fat, 5.6g of carbohydrates, 41.9mg of cholesterol, 287.5mg of sodium, and 0.05g of sugar.



A small stewed chicken drumstick with bone and skin removed (28g) contains 47 calories, 7.7g of protein, 1.6g of fat, 0g of carbohydrates, 24.6mg of cholesterol, 22.4mg of sodium, and 0g of sugar. A small fried drumstick with coating (28g) contains 81 calories, 5g of protein, 5.2g of fat, 3.4g of carbohydrates, 25.5mg of cholesterol, 175mg of sodium, and 0.03g of sugar.



One raw chicken drumstick with skin (133g) contains 214 calories, 24g of protein, 12.2g of fat, 0.15g of carbohydrates, 122.4mg of cholesterol, 141mg of sodium, and 0g of sugar. One raw skinless chicken drumstick (130g) contains 151 calories, 25.2g of protein, 4.8g of fat, 0g of carbohydrates, 115.7mg of cholesterol, 148.2mg of sodium, and 0g of sugar.



One cup of diced, baked chicken leg meat (135g) contains 460.4mg of sodium, and a baked leg quarter (140g) has 477.4mg. One fried drumstick (85g) contains 531.3mg of sodium. One air-fried drumstick contains 282mg of sodium. A medium stewed drumstick (46g) contains 36.8mg of sodium, while a medium fried drumstick (46g) has 287.5mg. A small stewed drumstick (28g) contains 22.4mg of sodium, while a small fried drumstick (28g) has 175mg. One raw drumstick with skin (133g) contains 141mg of sodium, and a raw skinless drumstick (130g) has 148.2mg.



One cup of diced, baked chicken leg meat (135g) contains 336.2mg of potassium, and a baked leg quarter (140g) has 348.6mg. One fried drumstick (85g) contains 180.2mg of potassium. A medium stewed drumstick (46g) contains 91.5mg of potassium, while a medium fried drumstick (46g) has 97.5mg. A small stewed drumstick (28g) contains 55.7mg of potassium, while a small fried drumstick (28g) has 59.4mg. One raw drumstick with skin (133g) contains 280.6mg of potassium, and a raw skinless drumstick (130g) has 292.5mg.



One cup of diced, baked chicken leg meat (135g) contains 0g of sugar. A baked leg quarter (140g) contains 0g of sugar. One fried drumstick (85g) contains 0.09g of sugar. One air-fried drumstick contains 0g of sugar. A medium stewed drumstick (46g) contains 0g of sugar, and a medium fried drumstick (46g) contains 0.05g. A small stewed drumstick (28g) contains 0g of sugar, and a small fried drumstick (28g) contains 0.03g. One raw drumstick with skin (133g) contains 0g of sugar.



One cup of diced, baked chicken leg meat (135g) contains 0g of fiber. A baked leg quarter (140g) contains 0g of fiber. One fried drumstick (85g) contains 0.51g of fiber. One air-fried drumstick contains 0g of fiber. A medium stewed drumstick (46g) contains 0g of fiber, and a medium fried drumstick (46g) contains 0.28g. A small stewed drumstick (28g) contains 0g of fiber, and a small fried drumstick (28g) contains 0.17g. One raw drumstick with skin (133g) contains 0g of fiber.



One cup of diced, baked chicken leg meat (135g) provides 31.3g of protein (63% DV), and a baked leg quarter (140g) provides 32.4g (65% DV). One fried drumstick (85g) provides 15.1g of protein (30% DV). One air-fried drumstick provides 24g of protein (48% DV). A medium stewed drumstick (46g) provides 12.7g of protein (25% DV), while a medium fried drumstick (46g) provides 8.2g (16% DV). A small stewed drumstick (28g) provides 7.7g of protein (15% DV), while a small fried drumstick (28g) provides 5g (10% DV). One raw drumstick with skin (133g) provides 24g of protein (48% DV), and a raw skinless drumstick (130g) provides 25.2g (50% DV).



One cup of diced, baked chicken leg meat (135g) contains 0g of carbohydrates (0% DV). A baked leg quarter (140g) contains 0g of carbohydrates (0% DV). One fried drumstick (85g) contains 10.3g of carbohydrates (4% DV). One air-fried drumstick contains 1g of carbohydrates (0% DV). A medium stewed drumstick (46g) contains 0g of carbohydrates (0% DV), while a medium fried drumstick (46g) contains 5.6g (2% DV). A small stewed drumstick (28g) contains 0g of carbohydrates (0% DV), while a small fried drumstick (28g) contains 3.4g (1% DV). One raw drumstick with skin (133g) contains 0.15g of carbohydrates (0% DV).



One cup of diced, baked chicken leg meat (135g) contains 17.3g of total fat (22% DV), and a baked leg quarter (140g) contains 17.9g (23% DV). One fried drumstick (85g) contains 15.9g of total fat (20% DV). One air-fried drumstick contains 12.5g of total fat (16% DV). A medium stewed drumstick (46g) contains 2.6g of total fat (3% DV), while a medium fried drumstick (46g) contains 8.6g (11% DV). A small stewed drumstick (28g) contains 1.6g of total fat (2% DV), while a small fried drumstick (28g) contains 5.2g (7% DV). One raw drumstick with skin (133g) contains 12.2g of total fat (16% DV), and a raw skinless drumstick (130g) contains 4.8g (6% DV).



One cup of diced, baked chicken leg meat (135g) provides 0.27mcg of Vitamin D (1% DV). A baked leg quarter (140g) provides 0.28mcg of Vitamin D (1% DV). One fried drumstick (85g) provides 0.09mcg of Vitamin D (0% DV). A medium stewed drumstick (46g) provides 0.05mcg of Vitamin D (0% DV), and a medium fried drumstick (46g) provides 0.05mcg (0% DV). A small stewed drumstick (28g) provides 0.03mcg of Vitamin D (0% DV), and a small fried drumstick (28g) provides 0.03mcg (0% DV). One raw drumstick with skin (133g) provides 0.13mcg of Vitamin D (1% DV).



One cup of diced, baked chicken leg meat (135g) contains 1.5mg of iron (8% DV) and 13.5mg of calcium (1% DV). A baked leg quarter (140g) contains 1.5mg of iron (8% DV) and 14mg of calcium (1% DV). One fried drumstick (85g) contains 1mg of iron (6% DV) and 22.1mg of calcium (2% DV). A medium stewed drumstick (46g) contains 0.63mg of iron (4% DV) and 5.1mg of calcium (0% DV), while a medium fried drumstick (46g) contains 0.55mg of iron (3% DV) and 12mg of calcium (1% DV). A small stewed drumstick (28g) contains 0.38mg of iron (2% DV). A small fried drumstick (28g) contains 0.33mg of iron (2% DV) and 7.3mg of calcium (1% DV). One raw drumstick with skin (133g) contains 0.94mg of iron (5% DV) and 10.6mg of calcium (1% DV).



Chicken Drumstick

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What are the Types of Chicken Drumsticks?

Chicken drumstick types are defined by the cooking method, which significantly alters the final texture, flavor, and nutritional values. The main preparations are Raw, Baked, Fried, and Air-Fried. The table below shows the features of these common forms.

Type Description Calories (Approximate per 100g) Calorie Qualifications
Raw Chicken Drumstick
Uncooked drumstick with skin and bone intact. The base for all other preparations. 161 The baseline calorie count before cooking alters the water and fat content.
Baked Chicken Drumstick
Drumstick cooked with dry heat in an oven. The skin becomes crisp as fat renders. 216 Cooking concentrates the protein and fat as water evaporates, increasing the calorie density per gram.
Fried Chicken Drumstick
Drumstick coated in flour or batter and cooked in hot oil. 288 The frying process and the addition of a coating make this the most calorie-dense type due to oil absorption.
Air-Fried Chicken Drumstick
Drumstick cooked in an air fryer, which circulates hot air to create a crisp exterior. 254 This method uses less oil than deep-frying, resulting in a lower calorie count than traditional fried drumsticks.

What are the Main Dishes With Chicken Drumstick?

Chicken drumsticks are a versatile and popular cut used in a wide array of main dishes across the globe. The table below describes main dishes that use chicken drumsticks.

Dish Name Calories (Estimate per serving) Type of Chicken Drumstick Carbs (g) (Estimate) Sugar (g) (Estimate) Protein (g) (Estimate) Fat (g) (Estimate) Cuisine Restaurants
Fried Chicken
550 (2 drumsticks) Fried 20 2 45 32 Southern American Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen (chain)
Roasted Chicken Drumsticks
420 (2 drumsticks) Roasted 5 1 50 22 American Boston Market
Chicken Adobo
480 (2 drumsticks) Braised 15 10 48 25 Filipino Jollibee
Tandoori Chicken Drumsticks
400 (2 drumsticks) Grilled 8 4 52 18 Indian Rasika (Washington, D.C.)
Jerk Chicken Drumsticks
450 (2 drumsticks) Grilled 10 6 50 23 Jamaican Golden Krust
Coq au Vin (with drumsticks)
580 (2 drumsticks) Braised 20 8 55 30 French Balthazar (New York, NY)
Baked BBQ Chicken Drumsticks
460 (2 drumsticks) Baked 30 25 46 20 American BBQ Sonny's BBQ (restaurant chain)
Chicken Cacciatore
520 (2 drumsticks) Braised 25 15 48 26 Italian-American Carmine's (New York, NY)
Smothered Chicken Drumsticks
600 (2 drumsticks) Fried/Braised 35 5 50 35 Southern Soul Food Sylvia's Restaurant (New York, NY)
Green Curry with Chicken
550 (diced meat) Braised 20 10 45 30 Thai Lotus of Siam (Las Vegas, NV)

What Cuisines Prefer Chicken Drumsticks the Most?

Chicken drumsticks are a preferred cut in cuisines that specialize in fried, braised, or grilled preparations, with Southern American, Korean, and Jamaican cooking being notable examples. The table below lists cuisines that make prominent use of chicken drumsticks.

Cuisine Dish Types of Chicken Drumstick Used Calories (Estimate) Restaurant(s)
Southern American
Fried Chicken Fried 500-650 (per serving) KFC
Korean
Yangnyeom Tongdak (Seasoned Fried Chicken) Fried 550-700 (per serving) Pelicana Chicken
Jamaican
Jerk Chicken Grilled, Smoked 400-550 (per serving) Miss Lily's (New York, NY)
Filipino
Chicken Adobo Braised 450-600 (per serving) Red Ribbon Bakeshop
Indian
Tandoori Chicken Grilled (Tandoor) 380-500 (per serving) Junoon (New York, NY)
American BBQ
BBQ Chicken Leg Quarters Smoked, Grilled 450-600 (per serving) Dickey's Barbecue Pit
French
Coq au Vin Braised 550-700 (per serving) Le Diplomate (Washington, D.C.)
Chinese-American
General Tso's Chicken (using leg meat) Fried 600-800 (per serving) P.F. Chang's
Southern Soul Food
Smothered Chicken Fried, Braised 580-750 (per serving) Amy Ruth's (New York, NY)
Mexican
Pollo Asado Grilled 400-550 (per serving) El Pollo Loco

Which Countries Produce the Most Chicken Drumsticks?

The top producers of chicken meat, the source of chicken drumsticks, are the United States, China, and Brazil. Specific global production data for "chicken drumsticks" is not tracked separately from the broader "chicken meat" category. The table below shows the production quantity of chicken meat in key countries.

Country 2003 2008 2013 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022
United States 15,278,000 16,654,000 17,351,000 19,568,000 20,174,000 20,430,000 20,625,000 21,050,000
China 9,150,000 10,950,000 12,680,000 14,150,000 14,600,000 15,100,000 15,400,000 15,700,000
Brazil 7,635,000 10,030,000 12,308,000 13,785,000 13,845,000 14,155,000 14,500,000 14,850,000
Russian Federation 1,060,000 2,180,000 3,090,000 4,280,000 4,520,000 4,730,000 4,780,000 4,850,000
India 1,480,000 2,450,000 3,440,000 3,900,000 4,100,000 4,250,000 4,350,000 4,450,000

Which Countries Consume the Most Chicken Drumsticks?

The top consumers of chicken meat, which includes chicken drumsticks, are the United States and China. Per capita consumption of chicken is highest in countries like the United States, Brazil, and Australia. Consumption data is best represented by domestic disappearance, a measure that accounts for production, imports, and exports.

Country 2013 2015 2017 2019 2020 2021 2022
United States 15,100,000 15,800,000 16,500,000 17,200,000 17,500,000 17,800,000 18,100,000
China 12,500,000 12,800,000 13,200,000 14,400,000 14,900,000 15,200,000 15,500,000
Brazil 9,100,000 9,500,000 9,800,000 10,100,000 10,400,000 10,700,000 11,000,000
India 3,400,000 3,600,000 3,800,000 4,050,000 4,200,000 4,300,000 4,400,000
Russian Federation 3,050,000 3,250,000 3,450,000 4,450,000 4,650,000 4,700,000 4,750,000

How Do Prices of Chicken Drumstick-Including Dishes Change?

Menu prices for dishes featuring chicken drumsticks have risen over the last decade, reflecting higher wholesale poultry prices and greater expenses for labor and restaurant operations. Fast-food and casual dining chains show these price adjustments on menus.

Restaurant Dish Old Price (Year) Current Price (2024/2025)
KFC 2 Pc. Chicken Combo (with drumstick) $5.99 (2015) $8.89 - $10.99
Popeyes 2 Pc. Signature Chicken Combo $6.49 (2016) $9.39 - $13.19
Church's Texas Chicken 2 Pc. Combo $5.79 (2015) $8.99 - $11.29
Boston Market Quarter White or Dark Chicken Meal $8.99 (2017) $11.49 - $15.99

What are the Health Benefits of Chicken Drumstick?

Chicken drumsticks offer a range of health benefits from a rich supply of essential nutrients that support muscle development, energy levels, and bone strength. The main advantages of eating chicken drumsticks are detailed below.

  • Promotes Muscle Growth. Chicken drumsticks provide a high concentration of complete protein, which contains all the essential amino acids necessary for building and repairing muscle tissue. Consistent intake of quality protein is fundamental for maintaining lean body mass and supporting physical function. A study by Phillips, S. M. (2014), "A brief review of higher dietary protein diets in weight loss: a focus on athletes," confirmed that protein-rich foods are effective in stimulating muscle protein synthesis.
  • Supports Bone Health. Chicken drumsticks are a good source of phosphorus, a mineral that works in tandem with calcium to form the primary structural component of bones and teeth. Maintaining adequate phosphorus levels is crucial for bone density and skeletal integrity throughout life. A review by Takeda, E., et al. (2004), "The regulation and function of phosphate in the human body," established the critical role of dietary phosphorus in bone mineralization and overall skeletal health.
  • Aids Neurological Function. Chicken drumsticks contain a significant amount of Vitamin B6, a nutrient vital for brain development and function. Vitamin B6 is a necessary cofactor for the synthesis of key neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine, which regulate mood and cognitive processes. Research by Parra, M., et al. (2018), "Vitamin B₆ and Its Role in Cell Metabolism and Physiology," demonstrated the importance of Vitamin B6 for maintaining healthy neurological function.

What are the Downsides of Chicken Drumstick?

Chicken drumsticks, particularly when fried or consumed with the skin, can be high in saturated fat, sodium, and calories, which may pose health risks if eaten in large quantities. Potential health risks linked to eating chicken drumsticks are listed below.

  • High in Saturated Fat. The skin of a chicken drumstick is a major source of saturated fat, which can raise LDL cholesterol levels and increase the risk of heart disease. A single baked 140g leg quarter contains 5g of saturated fat. A scientific advisory from the American Heart Association by Sacks, F. M., et al. (2017), "Dietary Fats and Cardiovascular Disease," recommended reducing saturated fat intake to lower cardiovascular risk. An alternative with lower fat is a skinless chicken breast. A daily suggested amount is one to two medium drumsticks with the skin removed to manage fat intake.
  • High Sodium in Fried Preparations. Fried chicken drumsticks from fast-food establishments are exceptionally high in sodium due to brining and seasoned coatings. One fried drumstick can contain over 500mg of sodium. High sodium intake is a primary driver of high blood pressure and related cardiovascular problems. A study by Mozaffarian, D., et al. (2014), "Global sodium consumption and death from cardiovascular causes," confirmed the link between excess sodium and increased mortality from cardiovascular disease. A lower-sodium alternative is baking drumsticks at home with herbs. A suggested serving size is one to two drumsticks to control sodium consumption.

Are Chicken Drumsticks Good for You?

Yes, chicken drumsticks are a good food choice when prepared by baking, roasting, or grilling without the skin, because the meat is a dense source of protein and essential minerals. The nutritional composition supports immune health through a high concentration of selenium, a powerful antioxidant that protects cells from damage and is essential for proper immune response. A review by Hoffmann, P. R., & Berry, M. J. (2008), "The influence of selenium on immune responses," details the importance of selenium for immune cell function. The nutrient profile also supports blood health. The dark meat of the drumstick contains more myoglobin and iron than white meat, which is vital for producing hemoglobin and preventing anemia, as outlined in a study by Abbaspour, N., et al. (2014), "Review on iron and its importance for human health." The protein content aids in weight management by increasing satiety and boosting metabolism. Research by Weigle, D. S., et al. (2005), "A high-protein diet induces sustained reductions in appetite, ad libitum caloric intake, and body weight despite compensatory changes in diurnal plasma leptin and ghrelin concentrations," shows that high-protein meals can help reduce overall calorie intake.

How Do Calories Change According to Chicken Drumstick Types?

The caloric value of a chicken drumstick changes substantially based on the cooking method used. The lowest calorie count is found in a Raw Chicken Drumstick, which contains 161 calories per 100 grams. This represents the starting point before heat and added ingredients alter the composition. The highest calorie count belongs to a Fried Chicken Drumstick, which has 288 calories per 100 grams. This significant increase is due to the absorption of oil during the deep-frying process and the addition of a flour or batter coating. A Baked Chicken Drumstick has 216 calories per 100 grams, a higher value than raw because the dry heat reduces water content and concentrates the nutrients. An Air-Fried drumstick falls between baked and fried, with 254 calories per 100 grams.

What are the Desserts With Chicken Drumstick?

Chicken drumsticks are a savory food not used as an ingredient in desserts. The flavor of chicken is unsuitable for sweet dishes. Culinary traditions sometimes pair drumsticks with sweet sauces or glazes in main courses. 

What is the Origin of Chicken Drumstick?

The culinary history of the chicken drumstick as a distinct item is tied to the rise of commercial chicken farming and American food culture in the 20th century. Chickens have been domesticated for thousands of years, but earlier consumption focused on whole birds for roasting or stewing. The industrialization of poultry production after World War II made chicken inexpensive and widely available. This led to the practice of selling pre-portioned cuts, with the drumstick and thigh becoming popular for their affordability and rich flavor. The drumstick's status was cemented with the explosion of the American fast-food industry. Colonel Harland Sanders made the fried chicken drumstick an iconic part of his Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC) buckets starting in the 1950s. The convenient, bone-in shape made the drumstick a perfect handheld food for a mobile society. The subsequent rise of Southern-style and soul food restaurants further popularized dishes like smothered or baked chicken drumsticks, celebrating the tender, juicy qualities of the dark meat.

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