Chicken, skin (drumsticks and thighs), cooked, roasted
Whole food · Poultry Products
This is the crispy, golden-brown skin from roasted chicken drumsticks and thighs, prized for its rich, savory flavor and satisfyingly crisp or chewy texture. Nutritionally, it is a dense source of fat and calories, providing nearly 44 grams of fat per 100g, with a moderate amount of protein and no carbohydrates. It's the ultimate flavor amplifier, concentrating the savory, umami essence of the bird.
Calorie split: 14% protein · 0% carbs · 86% fat
↓ Full nutrition💚 Why it's loved
People love it for the unparalleled savory, umami depth and the delightful textural contrast it provides—whether shatteringly crisp or tenderly gelatinous. It's a beloved, indulgent treat that transforms simple dishes and is central to the comfort of a classic Sunday roast.
⚠️ Watch-outs & how to enjoy it better
Its very high fat and calorie density can be a concern for those managing weight or cardiovascular health. To enjoy it mindfully, practice portion control by using it as a flavorful garnish rather than the main protein, and pair it with fiber-rich vegetables to balance the meal. For a healthier preparation, roast it on a rack to allow excess fat to drip away.
Key benefits
- Excellent source of dietary fat for energy and satiety.
- Provides a significant amount of complete protein.
- Rich in flavor compounds that enhance other foods.
- Contains fat-soluble vitamins like Vitamin D and K2.
- A traditional source of rendered fat for cooking.
🍽️ Popular dishes
🌍 Where it's eaten
💡 Did you know?
The process of rendering chicken skin into liquid fat, known as schmaltz, was a cornerstone of Ashkenazi Jewish cuisine, used as a cooking fat and flavor base in the absence of dairy.
Full nutrition (USDA data · scales with serving)
| Water | 39.5 g |
| Energy | 462 kcal |
| Energy | 1934 kj |
| Protein | 16.6 g |
| Total lipid (fat) | 44.0 g |
| Ash | 0.72 g |
| Carbohydrate, by difference | 0.00 g |
| Fiber, total dietary | 0.00 g |
| Total Sugars | 0.00 g |
| Calcium, Ca | 10.0 mg |
| Iron, Fe | 0.90 mg |
| Magnesium, Mg | 16.0 mg |
| Phosphorus, P | 151 mg |
| Potassium, K | 181 mg |
| Sodium, Na | 85.0 mg |
| Zinc, Zn | 0.86 mg |
| Copper, Cu | 0.04 mg |
| Manganese, Mn | 0.02 mg |
| Selenium, Se | 17.4 ug |
| Vitamin C, total ascorbic acid | 0.00 mg |
| Thiamin | 0.05 mg |
| Riboflavin | 0.06 mg |
| Niacin | 3.9 mg |
| Pantothenic acid | 0.90 mg |
| Vitamin B-6 | 0.20 mg |
| Folate, total | 3.0 ug |
| Folic acid | 0.00 ug |
| Folate, food | 3.0 ug |
| Folate, DFE | 3.0 ug |
| Choline, total | 48.9 mg |
| Betaine | 14.4 mg |
| Vitamin B-12 | 0.50 ug |
| Vitamin B-12, added | 0.00 ug |
| Vitamin A, RAE | 54.0 ug |
| Retinol | 54.0 ug |
| Carotene, beta | 0.00 ug |
| Carotene, alpha | 0.00 ug |
| Cryptoxanthin, beta | 1.0 ug |
| Vitamin A, IU | 181 iu |
| Lycopene | 0.00 ug |
| Lutein + zeaxanthin | 91.0 ug |
| Vitamin E (alpha-tocopherol) | 0.23 mg |
| Vitamin E, added | 0.00 mg |
| Tocopherol, beta | 0.00 mg |
| Tocopherol, gamma | 0.13 mg |
| Tocopherol, delta | 0.00 mg |
| Tocotrienol, alpha | 0.05 mg |
| Tocotrienol, beta | 0.00 mg |
| Tocotrienol, gamma | 0.13 mg |
| Tocotrienol, delta | 0.01 mg |
| Vitamin D (D2 + D3), International Units | 6.0 iu |
| Vitamin D (D2 + D3) | 0.20 ug |
| Vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol) | 0.20 ug |
| Vitamin K (phylloquinone) | 0.50 ug |
| Alcohol, ethyl | 0.00 g |
| Caffeine | 0.00 mg |
| Theobromine | 0.00 mg |
Fat & fatty acid profile (per 100g)
| Fatty acids, total saturated | 12.1 g |
| SFA 4:0 | 0.00 g |
| SFA 6:0 | 0.00 g |
| SFA 8:0 | 0.00 g |
| SFA 10:0 | 0.01 g |
| SFA 12:0 | 0.02 g |
| SFA 14:0 | 0.26 g |
| SFA 15:0 | 0.03 g |
| SFA 16:0 | 9.6 g |
| SFA 17:0 | 0.05 g |
| SFA 18:0 | 2.2 g |
| SFA 20:0 | 0.03 g |
| SFA 22:0 | 0.02 g |
| SFA 24:0 | 0.00 g |
| Fatty acids, total monounsaturated | 19.2 g |
| MUFA 14:1 | 0.09 g |
| MUFA 15:1 | 0.00 g |
| MUFA 16:1 | 2.8 g |
| MUFA 16:1 c | 2.8 g |
| MUFA 17:1 | 0.04 g |
| MUFA 18:1 | 16.0 g |
| MUFA 18:1 c | 15.8 g |
| MUFA 20:1 | 0.25 g |
| MUFA 22:1 | 0.01 g |
| MUFA 22:1 c | 0.01 g |
| MUFA 24:1 c | 0.00 g |
| Fatty acids, total polyunsaturated | 8.8 g |
| PUFA 18:2 | 8.1 g |
| PUFA 18:2 n-6 c,c | 7.9 g |
| PUFA 18:2 CLAs | 0.06 g |
| PUFA 18:3 | 0.39 g |
| PUFA 18:3 n-3 c,c,c (ALA) | 0.39 g |
| PUFA 18:3 n-6 c,c,c | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 18:4 | 0.01 g |
| PUFA 20:2 n-6 c,c | 0.05 g |
| PUFA 20:3 | 0.07 g |
| PUFA 20:3 n-3 | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 20:3 n-6 | 0.07 g |
| PUFA 20:4 | 0.14 g |
| PUFA 20:5 n-3 (EPA) | 0.01 g |
| PUFA 22:4 | 0.03 g |
| PUFA 22:5 n-3 (DPA) | 0.01 g |
| PUFA 22:6 n-3 (DHA) | 0.01 g |
| Fatty acids, total trans | 0.25 g |
| Fatty acids, total trans-monoenoic | 0.17 g |
| TFA 16:1 t | 0.02 g |
| TFA 18:1 t | 0.14 g |
| TFA 22:1 t | 0.00 g |
| TFA 18:2 t not further defined | 0.08 g |
| Fatty acids, total trans-polyenoic | 0.08 g |
| Cholesterol | 132 mg |
Amino acid profile (per 100g)
| Tryptophan | 0.08 g |
| Threonine | 0.53 g |
| Isoleucine | 0.47 g |
| Leucine | 0.91 g |
| Lysine | 0.95 g |
| Methionine | 0.28 g |
| Cystine | 0.14 g |
| Phenylalanine | 0.50 g |
| Tyrosine | 0.39 g |
| Valine | 0.59 g |
| Arginine | 1.2 g |
| Histidine | 0.34 g |
| Alanine | 1.1 g |
| Aspartic acid | 1.2 g |
| Glutamic acid | 2.0 g |
| Glycine | 2.1 g |
| Proline | 1.3 g |
| Serine | 0.60 g |
FAQ
Is chicken skin healthy?
It's a nutrient-dense food high in fat and calories, which can be part of a balanced diet in moderation. It provides protein and fat-soluble vitamins but should be limited by those on low-fat or calorie-restricted diets.
How can I make chicken skin crispy?
Pat the skin completely dry with paper towels, season it, and roast it uncovered at a high temperature (400-425°F/200-220°C) on a rack so air circulates underneath. For extra crispiness, you can lightly dust it with baking powder before roasting.
Can I use the fat from roasted chicken skin?
Yes, the rendered fat is called schmaltz. It can be strained and stored in the refrigerator for weeks, used as a flavorful cooking fat for sautéing vegetables, roasting potatoes, or spreading on bread.
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 4.62 kcal/g · 14% 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: 0.47 (lower is better — aim for ≤ 1)
Sodium:potassium per WHO potassium guidance. Computed from USDA nutrients.