Chicken drumstick, stewed, skin not eaten
Common food
Photo: Wikipedia
A stewed chicken drumstick with the skin removed is a lean, protein-packed staple, offering tender, juicy meat that easily absorbs the flavors of its cooking liquid. Its texture is soft and yielding, with a mild, savory taste that serves as a perfect canvas for herbs and spices. Nutritionally, it's a powerhouse of high-quality protein with minimal fat and zero carbohydrates.
Calorie split: 64% protein · 0% carbs · 36% fat
↓ Full nutrition💚 Why it's loved
People love it for its comforting, familiar flavor and satisfying, fall-off-the-bone tenderness when stewed. It's a versatile, budget-friendly protein that can be dressed up with global flavors or kept simple for a wholesome family meal.
⚠️ Watch-outs & how to enjoy it better
The primary downside is the potential for high sodium content depending on the stewing broth or seasonings used. To counteract this, use low-sodium broth, rinse canned ingredients, and flavor generously with herbs, spices, garlic, and citrus juice instead of salt. Those watching purine intake should also be mindful, as organ meats and some seafood are higher, but moderate consumption of chicken is generally fine.
Key benefits
- Excellent source of complete protein for muscle maintenance and repair
- Low in fat, especially saturated fat when skin is removed
- Zero carbohydrates and sugar, suitable for low-carb diets
- Rich in essential minerals like selenium and phosphorus
- Provides B vitamins, particularly niacin and B6, for energy metabolism
🍽️ Popular dishes
🌍 Where it's eaten
💡 Did you know?
The drumstick is anatomically the tarsometatarsus bone of the chicken's leg, which is why it has that distinctive knob at the end.
Full nutrition (USDA data · scales with serving)
| Water | 69.3 g |
| Energy | 148 kcal |
| Protein | 23.7 g |
| Total lipid (fat) | 5.9 g |
| Carbohydrate, by difference | 0.00 g |
| Fiber, total dietary | 0.00 g |
| Total Sugars | 0.00 g |
| Calcium, Ca | 12.0 mg |
| Iron, Fe | 0.93 mg |
| Magnesium, Mg | 22.0 mg |
| Phosphorus, P | 183 mg |
| Potassium, K | 237 mg |
| Sodium, Na | 423 mg |
| Zinc, Zn | 2.5 mg |
| Copper, Cu | 0.06 mg |
| Selenium, Se | 27.7 ug |
| Vitamin C, total ascorbic acid | 0.00 mg |
| Thiamin | 0.09 mg |
| Riboflavin | 0.18 mg |
| Niacin | 5.0 mg |
| Vitamin B-6 | 0.37 mg |
| Folate, total | 5.0 ug |
| Folic acid | 0.00 ug |
| Folate, food | 5.0 ug |
| Folate, DFE | 5.0 ug |
| Choline, total | 71.4 mg |
| Vitamin B-12 | 0.41 ug |
| Vitamin B-12, added | 0.00 ug |
| Vitamin A, RAE | 7.0 ug |
| Retinol | 7.0 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) | 0.17 mg |
| Vitamin E, added | 0.00 mg |
| Vitamin D (D2 + D3) | 0.10 ug |
| Vitamin K (phylloquinone) | 0.20 ug |
| Alcohol, ethyl | 0.00 g |
| Caffeine | 0.00 mg |
| Theobromine | 0.00 mg |
Fat & fatty acid profile (per 100g)
| Fatty acids, total saturated | 1.6 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 | 0.03 g |
| SFA 16:0 | 1.2 g |
| SFA 18:0 | 0.34 g |
| Fatty acids, total monounsaturated | 2.3 g |
| MUFA 16:1 | 0.37 g |
| MUFA 18:1 | 1.9 g |
| MUFA 20:1 | 0.02 g |
| MUFA 22:1 | 0.00 g |
| Fatty acids, total polyunsaturated | 1.2 g |
| PUFA 18:2 | 1.1 g |
| PUFA 18:3 | 0.06 g |
| PUFA 18:4 | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 20:4 | 0.09 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 | 126 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 stewed chicken drumstick with skin removed healthy?
Yes, it's a very healthy choice. It's high in protein, low in fat (especially without skin), and contains no carbs or sugar, making it ideal for muscle building and various dietary plans.
How do I keep stewed chicken drumsticks from getting dry?
Cook them in liquid (like broth, tomatoes, or water) at a gentle simmer, not a rapid boil. The stewing process breaks down connective tissue, making the meat tender. Ensure there's enough liquid to cover the meat partway.
Can I use frozen chicken drumsticks for stewing?
Yes, but it's best to thaw them first for even cooking and food safety. You can thaw in the refrigerator overnight or use the defrost setting on a microwave. Pat them dry before browning for better flavor.
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 1.48 kcal/g · 64% 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: 1.78 (lower is better — aim for ≤ 1)
Sodium:potassium per WHO potassium guidance. Computed from USDA nutrients.