1 piece (medium) of Chicken drumstick (90 g) has 155 calories. That works out to 172 calories per 100 g. It contains 0 g of carbs, 19.8 g of protein, 8.3 g of fat and 0 g of fiber. Its 5.1 mg of B3 covers 32% of the Daily Value. Its glycemic index is 0 (low), so it raises blood sugar slowly.

What is Chicken drumstick?

A chicken drumstick is the lower part of the bird’s leg, with meat wrapped around a single bone. It can be roasted, grilled, braised or fried, and is often cooked whole rather than cut into smaller pieces.

Roasting or grilling gives the skin a browned, sometimes crisp finish, while the meat stays tender when not overcooked. It is a familiar main-course choice in many places, served with potatoes, rice, salad or vegetables; it also works well in a simple weeknight meal. Drumsticks provide substantial protein—22 g per 100 g—and contain iron and zinc. For a lighter plate, remove the skin and pair the chicken with vegetables.

Chicken drumstick Nutrition Facts

Selected: 100 g

172

KCAL / 100G

Carbs

· 0% DV

Protein

22g

· 44% DV

Fat

9.2g

· 12% DV

Fiber

· 0% DV

DV is the share of the daily value covered, on a 2,000 kcal reference diet.

Calories come from: Carbs 0% · Protein 52% · Fat 48%

Chicken drumstick Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamins

5.7mg · 36% DV

0.35mg · 21% DV

0.8mg · 16% DV

B12

0.35µg · 15% DV

Minerals

Selenium

17µg · 31% DV

Phosphorus

180mg · 26% DV

Zinc

2mg · 18% DV

Iron

1mg · 6% DV

How Nutritious Is Chicken drumstick?

Nutrient density

High

65/ 100

How many vitamins, minerals and how much fiber this food carries per calorie. A high score means a lot of nutrition for few calories.

Satiety score

Medium

53/ 100

An EatBetter score computed from fiber, protein and calorie density. A high score means staying full longer on the same calories.

Both scores are calculated per 100 g and do not change with the selected portion. The satiety score is EatBetter's own calculation, not a clinical measure.

Chicken drumstick Glycemic Index

GLYCEMIC INDEX

Low

0 Low5570100

GLYCEMIC LOAD

Low

Accounts for portion size — a more realistic measure than GI alone.

How to Burn Off Chicken drumstick

To burn the 172 calories in 100 g:

🚶

43min

Walking (5 km/h)

🏃

18min

Running (8 km/h)

🚴

23min

Cycling

🏊

20min

Swimming

Times are calculated with the MET equation for a 70 kg adult. Actual burn varies with your weight, age and pace.

Is Chicken drumstick Processed?

NOVA 1

Unprocessed

1. Unprocessed

2. Minimally Processed

3. Processed

4. Ultra-Processed

NOVA classifies foods into 4 groups by industrial processing. NOVA 1 (unprocessed) is the healthiest.

Does Chicken drumstick Contain Allergens?

No known major allergens

Gluten free

Dairy free

Eggs free

Peanuts free

Tree nuts free

Fish free

Soy free

Sesame free

Which Diets Is Chicken drumstick Good For?

Vegan

— Not suitable

Vegetarian

— Not suitable

Gluten-Free

✓ Suitable

Dairy-Free

— Not suitable

Mediterranean

✓ Suitable

Paleo

✓ Suitable

Whole30

— Not suitable

DASH

— Not suitable

Keto

✓ Suitable

Low FODMAP

— Not suitable

Chicken drumstick Fat Profile

SATURATED

2.6g

MONOUNSATURATED

3.7g

POLYUNSATURATED

⚖️

Omega 6:3 ratio 17.1:1

Above the ideal 4:1 (17.1:1).

Compare Chicken drumstick

🍗vs🥩

Chicken drumstick vs Ground Beef78 kcal fewer per 100 g

→🍗vs🍢

Chicken drumstick vs Chicken Skewer32 kcal more per 100 g

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Chicken drumstick vs Sauteed Lamb58 kcal fewer per 100 g

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Chicken drumstick vs Smoked Turkey62 kcal more per 100 g

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Foods Similar to Chicken drumstick

🥩

Ground Beef

250 kcal

🍢

Chicken Skewer

140 kcal

🥩

Sauteed Lamb

230 kcal

🍗

Smoked Turkey

110 kcal

🥩

Beef Kavurma

230 kcal

🍆🍖

Meatballs with Eggplant Purée

155 kcal

🥩

Beef Cubed

250 kcal

🍗

Chicken (Sauteed)

165 kcal

Frequently Asked Questions About Chicken drumstick

What part of the chicken is a chicken drumstick?

A chicken drumstick is the lower part of the leg, below the thigh. It has one long bone and a meaty end, which is why it is easy to hold and popular for roasting, grilling, and frying.

How do you bake chicken drumsticks in the oven?

Bake chicken drumsticks in a preheated 400°F (200°C) oven for about 35–45 minutes, turning once if you want even browning. They are safely cooked when the thickest part reaches 165°F (74°C), without touching the bone with the thermometer.

What is the difference between a chicken drumstick and a chicken thigh?

A chicken drumstick is the lower leg, while the thigh is the upper leg. They are often sold together as a leg quarter, but the drumstick is narrower and has a different shape; both are dark meat.

How do you get crispy skin on chicken drumsticks?

For crispier chicken drumstick skin, pat the pieces dry, season them, and leave space between them while roasting. A hot oven helps render and brown the skin; crowding the pan traps steam and can leave it soft.

How long do chicken drumsticks take in an air fryer?

Chicken drumsticks usually take about 20–25 minutes in an air fryer at 380°F (about 193°C), with a turn halfway through. Check the thickest part with a food thermometer and cook until it reaches 165°F (74°C).

Can you cook chicken drumsticks from frozen?

Yes, chicken drumsticks can be cooked from frozen, but they take longer and may brown less evenly. Keep them separated as they cook, and verify that the center of each piece reaches 165°F (74°C) before serving.

Why is there red or pink near the bone in a chicken drumstick?

A pink or reddish area near a chicken drumstick bone can come from pigment in the bone marrow, especially in younger birds; color alone does not show whether it is undercooked. Use a thermometer and confirm the thickest part reaches 165°F (74°C).

Should you wash chicken drumsticks before cooking them?

No, do not wash chicken drumsticks. Water can splash bacteria from raw poultry onto the sink, utensils, and nearby surfaces. Pat them dry with a paper towel if needed, then wash your hands and clean anything that touched the raw chicken.

How long can cooked chicken drumsticks stay in the fridge?

Cooked chicken drumsticks keep in the refrigerator for 3–4 days when stored in a covered container and chilled within two hours of cooking. Reheat them thoroughly before eating, and discard pieces that have been left at room temperature too long.

Can you eat the skin on a chicken drumstick?

Yes, chicken drumstick skin is edible once the meat is fully cooked. Roasting or grilling can make it crisp, while removing it after cooking reduces the amount of fat in the portion.

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Nutrition data compiled from USDA FoodData Central and scientific sources.

· Last updated: September 24, 2026