Chicken drumstick, rotisserie, skin eaten
Common food
Photo: Wikipedia
A rotisserie chicken drumstick is a succulent, savory piece of dark meat, prized for its rich flavor and juicy, tender texture when the skin is left on. It is a nutrient-dense protein source, offering a substantial 25.65g of protein per 100g with minimal carbohydrates, making it a cornerstone of many satisfying, low-carb meals. The cooking method imparts a deep, roasted taste that is both comforting and deeply flavorful.
Calorie split: 50% protein · 0% carbs · 50% fat
↓ Full nutrition💚 Why it's loved
People love the rotisserie drumstick for its perfect balance of crispy, savory skin and juicy, flavorful meat, which is a hallmark of comfort food across many cultures. Its versatility as a ready-to-eat protein makes it a go-to for quick, hearty meals, from a simple dinner to a picnic staple.
⚠️ Watch-outs & how to enjoy it better
The skin and dark meat can be high in saturated fat and sodium, especially from commercial rotisserie preparations, which may concern those managing heart health or blood pressure. To counteract this, consider removing the skin before eating or choosing a low-sodium version, and pair it with a fiber-rich vegetable like broccoli or a leafy green salad to balance the meal and aid digestion.
Key benefits
- Excellent source of high-quality protein for muscle maintenance and satiety.
- Very low in carbohydrates and sugar, suitable for low-carb and ketogenic diets.
- Rich in B vitamins, particularly niacin and B6, which support energy metabolism.
- Provides essential minerals like selenium and phosphorus.
- The skin contains collagen and adds flavor, making it a more satisfying meal.
🍽️ Popular dishes
🌍 Where it's eaten
💡 Did you know?
The rotisserie cooking method, which involves slow-turning the meat over a heat source, dates back to ancient Greece and was called 'trompe' or 'spit-roasting,' a technique that ensures even cooking and self-basting for incredibly juicy results.
Full nutrition (USDA data · scales with serving)
| Water | 61.4 g |
| Energy | 206 kcal |
| Protein | 25.6 g |
| Total lipid (fat) | 11.5 g |
| Carbohydrate, by difference | 0.12 g |
| Fiber, total dietary | 0.00 g |
| Total Sugars | 0.12 g |
| Calcium, Ca | 22.0 mg |
| Iron, Fe | 1.0 mg |
| Magnesium, Mg | 23.0 mg |
| Phosphorus, P | 245 mg |
| Potassium, K | 279 mg |
| Sodium, Na | 392 mg |
| Zinc, Zn | 2.5 mg |
| Copper, Cu | 0.08 mg |
| Selenium, Se | 25.7 ug |
| Vitamin C, total ascorbic acid | 0.00 mg |
| Thiamin | 0.06 mg |
| Riboflavin | 0.22 mg |
| Niacin | 6.0 mg |
| Vitamin B-6 | 0.20 mg |
| Folate, total | 9.0 ug |
| Folic acid | 0.00 ug |
| Folate, food | 9.0 ug |
| Folate, DFE | 9.0 ug |
| Choline, total | 73.3 mg |
| Vitamin B-12 | 0.49 ug |
| Vitamin B-12, added | 0.00 ug |
| Vitamin A, RAE | 17.0 ug |
| Retinol | 17.0 ug |
| Carotene, beta | 0.00 ug |
| Carotene, alpha | 0.00 ug |
| Cryptoxanthin, beta | 0.00 ug |
| Lycopene | 0.00 ug |
| Lutein + zeaxanthin | 0.00 ug |
| Vitamin E (alpha-tocopherol) | 0.51 mg |
| Vitamin E, added | 0.00 mg |
| Vitamin D (D2 + D3) | 0.00 ug |
| Vitamin K (phylloquinone) | 0.00 ug |
| Alcohol, ethyl | 0.00 g |
| Caffeine | 0.00 mg |
| Theobromine | 0.00 mg |
Fat & fatty acid profile (per 100g)
| Fatty acids, total saturated | 2.9 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 | 0.06 g |
| SFA 16:0 | 2.3 g |
| SFA 18:0 | 0.50 g |
| Fatty acids, total monounsaturated | 4.8 g |
| MUFA 16:1 | 0.80 g |
| MUFA 18:1 | 3.9 g |
| MUFA 20:1 | 0.03 g |
| MUFA 22:1 | 0.00 g |
| Fatty acids, total polyunsaturated | 1.5 g |
| PUFA 18:2 | 1.4 g |
| PUFA 18:3 | 0.08 g |
| PUFA 18:4 | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 20:4 | 0.04 g |
| PUFA 20:5 n-3 (EPA) | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 22:5 n-3 (DPA) | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 22:6 n-3 (DHA) | 0.00 g |
| Cholesterol | 149 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 rotisserie chicken drumstick healthy?
Yes, it's a nutritious source of protein and B vitamins. However, it can be high in sodium and fat, especially from the skin. Choosing a low-sodium option and removing the skin can make it a healthier choice.
How many calories are in a rotisserie chicken drumstick?
A medium rotisserie chicken drumstick with skin weighs about 118g and contains approximately 243 calories, based on the provided nutritional data of 206 kcal per 100g.
Can I eat rotisserie chicken drumstick on a low-carb diet?
Absolutely. With only 0.12g of carbs per 100g, it's an excellent low-carb protein source that fits well into ketogenic or other low-carbohydrate eating plans.
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 2.06 kcal/g · 50% calories from protein · 0.0 g fiber · 0.1 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: 1.41 (lower is better — aim for ≤ 1)
Sodium:potassium per WHO potassium guidance. Computed from USDA nutrients.