Chicken drumstick, fried, coated, skin / coating eaten, from pre-cooked
Common food
Photo: Wikipedia
A pre-cooked chicken drumstick, coated in a crispy batter or breading and deep-fried to a golden brown, offering a satisfying crunch that gives way to tender, juicy meat. Its flavor is savory and rich, with the coating adding a textural contrast that makes it a popular comfort food. Nutritionally, it provides a good source of protein but is also high in fat and calories due to the frying process and coating.
💚 Why it's loved
People love fried chicken drumsticks for their irresistible combination of a crunchy, seasoned coating and juicy, flavorful meat, making them a classic comfort food. They are a staple in many cultures, often associated with family gatherings, picnics, and fast-food indulgence.
⚠️ Watch-outs & how to enjoy it better
The high fat and calorie content from frying and the coating can be a concern for those managing weight or heart health, and the breading may contain gluten or added sugars. To counteract this, pair it with a fiber-rich side like steamed vegetables or a salad to slow digestion, and opt for a smaller portion (e.g., one drumstick) to control intake.
Key benefits
- Good source of protein (18.3g per 100g) for muscle maintenance
- Provides essential nutrients like iron and B vitamins from the chicken
- Convenient and portable as a pre-cooked, ready-to-eat item
- Satisfying texture with a crispy exterior and tender interior
🍽️ Popular dishes
🌍 Where it's eaten
💡 Did you know?
The crispy coating on fried chicken drumsticks often includes a blend of spices like paprika, garlic powder, and black pepper, which not only add flavor but also have antioxidant properties.
Full nutrition (scales with serving)
| Water | 57.7 g |
| Energy | 247 kcal |
| Protein | 18.3 g |
| Total lipid (fat) | 15.7 g |
| Carbohydrate, by difference | 7.2 g |
| Fiber, total dietary | 0.30 g |
| Total Sugars | 0.12 g |
| Calcium, Ca | 17.0 mg |
| Iron, Fe | 1.4 mg |
| Magnesium, Mg | 19.0 mg |
| Phosphorus, P | 157 mg |
| Potassium, K | 196 mg |
| Sodium, Na | 479 mg |
| Zinc, Zn | 1.8 mg |
| Copper, Cu | 0.07 mg |
| Selenium, Se | 21.6 ug |
| Vitamin C, total ascorbic acid | 0.00 mg |
| Thiamin | 0.16 mg |
| Riboflavin | 0.19 mg |
| Niacin | 4.6 mg |
| Vitamin B-6 | 0.29 mg |
| Folate, total | 18.0 ug |
| Folic acid | 12.0 ug |
| Folate, food | 6.0 ug |
| Folate, DFE | 26.0 ug |
| Choline, total | 53.9 mg |
| Vitamin B-12 | 0.30 ug |
| Vitamin B-12, added | 0.00 ug |
| Vitamin A, RAE | 10.0 ug |
| Retinol | 10.0 ug |
| Carotene, beta | 0.00 ug |
| Carotene, alpha | 0.00 ug |
| Cryptoxanthin, beta | 0.00 ug |
| Lycopene | 0.00 ug |
| Lutein + zeaxanthin | 14.0 ug |
| Vitamin E (alpha-tocopherol) | 1.7 mg |
| Vitamin E, added | 0.00 mg |
| Vitamin D (D2 + D3) | 0.10 ug |
| Vitamin K (phylloquinone) | 10.4 ug |
| Fatty acids, total saturated | 3.1 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 | 0.00 g |
| SFA 14:0 | 0.04 g |
| SFA 16:0 | 2.3 g |
| SFA 18:0 | 0.64 g |
| Fatty acids, total monounsaturated | 6.5 g |
| MUFA 16:1 | 0.48 g |
| MUFA 18:1 | 5.9 g |
| MUFA 20:1 | 0.09 g |
| MUFA 22:1 | 0.00 g |
| Fatty acids, total polyunsaturated | 4.7 g |
| PUFA 18:2 | 4.1 g |
| PUFA 18:3 | 0.41 g |
| PUFA 18:4 | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 20:4 | 0.08 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 | 99.0 mg |
| Alcohol, ethyl | 0.00 g |
| Caffeine | 0.00 mg |
| Theobromine | 0.00 mg |
FAQ
Is fried chicken drumstick healthy?
It provides protein and nutrients but is high in fat and calories due to frying. Enjoy in moderation and pair with vegetables for balance.
How can I make fried chicken drumsticks healthier?
Use an air fryer or oven-bake to reduce oil, choose a lighter coating, and serve with a side of vegetables or whole grains.
Can I eat fried chicken drumsticks if I have gluten intolerance?
Standard coatings contain gluten, but you can use gluten-free flour or breadcrumbs for a safe alternative.