Chicken drumstick, baked, broiled, or roasted, skin eaten, from raw
Common food
Photo: Wikipedia
A single chicken drumstick, skin-on and roasted to a golden crisp, offers a satisfyingly juicy bite with rich, savory flavor and a slightly chewy texture from the skin. It's a powerhouse of protein and healthy fats, with zero carbs, making it a staple for low-carb and high-protein diets. The skin, when cooked properly, adds a delicious, crispy layer that elevates the meat's natural taste.
Calorie split: 51% protein · 0% carbs · 49% fat
↓ Full nutrition💚 Why it's loved
People love chicken drumsticks for their affordability, ease of cooking, and the satisfying contrast between tender meat and crispy skin. They are a cultural staple in many cuisines, from American barbecue to West African stews, offering a comforting, familiar flavor that's both hearty and versatile.
⚠️ Watch-outs & how to enjoy it better
The skin, while flavorful, is high in saturated fat and calories, which may concern those monitoring heart health or weight. To counteract this, consider removing the skin before eating or pairing the drumstick with fiber-rich vegetables like steamed broccoli or a side salad to balance the meal and promote fullness. Additionally, if the drumstick is seasoned with high-sodium rubs or marinades, opt for homemade seasoning with herbs and spices to reduce sodium intake.
Key benefits
- High in protein (23g per 100g) for muscle maintenance and satiety.
- Zero carbohydrates, ideal for keto and low-carb diets.
- Provides healthy fats (10g per 100g) for energy and nutrient absorption.
- Rich in B vitamins, especially niacin and B6, for energy metabolism.
- Source of minerals like selenium and phosphorus for bone and immune health.
🍽️ Popular dishes
🌍 Where it's eaten
💡 Did you know?
Chicken drumsticks are one of the few cuts where the skin can become exceptionally crispy when baked at high temperatures (around 425°F/220°C) due to the high collagen content in the skin and the rendering of fat during cooking.
Full nutrition (USDA data · scales with serving)
| Water | 66.0 g |
| Energy | 190 kcal |
| Protein | 23.2 g |
| Total lipid (fat) | 10.1 g |
| Carbohydrate, by difference | 0.00 g |
| Fiber, total dietary | 0.00 g |
| Total Sugars | 0.00 g |
| Calcium, Ca | 11.0 mg |
| Iron, Fe | 1.1 mg |
| Magnesium, Mg | 22.0 mg |
| Phosphorus, P | 194 mg |
| Potassium, K | 246 mg |
| Sodium, Na | 353 mg |
| Zinc, Zn | 2.4 mg |
| Copper, Cu | 0.07 mg |
| Selenium, Se | 26.7 ug |
| Vitamin C, total ascorbic acid | 0.00 mg |
| Thiamin | 0.09 mg |
| Riboflavin | 0.20 mg |
| Niacin | 5.4 mg |
| Vitamin B-6 | 0.38 mg |
| Folate, total | 4.0 ug |
| Folic acid | 0.00 ug |
| Folate, food | 4.0 ug |
| Folate, DFE | 4.0 ug |
| Choline, total | 67.4 mg |
| Vitamin B-12 | 0.39 ug |
| Vitamin B-12, added | 0.00 ug |
| Vitamin A, RAE | 12.0 ug |
| Retinol | 12.0 ug |
| Carotene, beta | 0.00 ug |
| Carotene, alpha | 0.00 ug |
| Cryptoxanthin, beta | 0.00 ug |
| Lycopene | 0.00 ug |
| Lutein + zeaxanthin | 11.0 ug |
| Vitamin E (alpha-tocopherol) | 0.19 mg |
| Vitamin E, added | 0.00 mg |
| Vitamin D (D2 + D3) | 0.10 ug |
| Vitamin K (phylloquinone) | 3.2 ug |
| Alcohol, ethyl | 0.00 g |
| Caffeine | 0.00 mg |
| Theobromine | 0.00 mg |
Fat & fatty acid profile (per 100g)
| Fatty acids, total saturated | 2.7 g |
| SFA 4:0 | 0.00 g |
| SFA 6:0 | 0.00 g |
| SFA 8:0 | 0.00 g |
| SFA 10:0 | 0.00 g |
| SFA 12:0 | 0.01 g |
| SFA 14:0 | 0.06 g |
| SFA 16:0 | 2.1 g |
| SFA 18:0 | 0.54 g |
| Fatty acids, total monounsaturated | 4.1 g |
| MUFA 16:1 | 0.61 g |
| MUFA 18:1 | 3.4 g |
| MUFA 20:1 | 0.05 g |
| MUFA 22:1 | 0.00 g |
| Fatty acids, total polyunsaturated | 2.1 g |
| PUFA 18:2 | 1.8 g |
| PUFA 18:3 | 0.09 g |
| PUFA 18:4 | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 20:4 | 0.10 g |
| PUFA 20:5 n-3 (EPA) | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 22:5 n-3 (DPA) | 0.01 g |
| PUFA 22:6 n-3 (DHA) | 0.01 g |
| Cholesterol | 129 mg |
Amino acid profile (per 100g)
Estimated from Chicken, broilers or fryers, dark meat, drumstick, meat only, raw — USDA does not publish this profile for Chicken drumstick.
| Tryptophan | 0.22 g |
| Threonine | 0.92 g |
| Isoleucine | 0.93 g |
| Leucine | 1.7 g |
| Lysine | 1.8 g |
| Methionine | 0.56 g |
| Cystine | 0.23 g |
| Phenylalanine | 0.78 g |
| Tyrosine | 0.73 g |
| Valine | 0.94 g |
| Arginine | 1.4 g |
| Histidine | 0.58 g |
| Alanine | 1.2 g |
| Aspartic acid | 1.9 g |
| Glutamic acid | 3.2 g |
| Glycine | 0.89 g |
| Proline | 0.78 g |
| Serine | 0.81 g |
FAQ
Is the skin on a chicken drumstick healthy to eat?
The skin is rich in fat and calories but also contains some nutrients. For a healthier option, you can remove the skin after cooking or bake it until crispy to render out excess fat.
How many calories are in a chicken drumstick?
A medium-sized drumstick (about 118g) contains approximately 224 calories, with 23g of protein and 10g of fat, depending on the cooking method.
Can I eat chicken drumsticks on a keto diet?
Yes, chicken drumsticks are keto-friendly due to their zero-carb content and high protein and fat levels. They are a great choice for maintaining ketosis.
Nutrient density (calculated · NRF9.3)
Nutrient Rich Foods index: beneficial nutrients (protein, fiber, vitamins, minerals) minus saturated fat, added sugar & sodium, per 100 kcal.
NRF9.3 index — Fulgoni, Keast & Drewnowski, 2009. Computed from USDA nutrients.
Weight-loss friendliness (composite index)
Energy density 1.90 kcal/g · 49% calories from protein · 0.0 g fiber · 0.0 g sugar per 100 g.
Composite of energy density (Rolls et al., 1999), protein & fiber satiety, minus sugar. A calculated heuristic — ranks satiety-per-calorie, not a clinical measure.
Dietary load (calculated from USDA values)
Potential renal acid load. Positive = acid-forming, negative = alkaline-forming.
Sodium-to-potassium ratio: 1.43 (lower is better — aim for ≤ 1)
Sodium:potassium per WHO potassium guidance. Computed from USDA nutrients.