Internet Asks: "Drumstick Calories"

Chicken drumsticks are a tasty, protein-rich part of the bird that many people enjoy baked, grilled, or fried. Whether you're meal prepping or just curious, knowing how many calories are in a chicken drumstick can help you make informed dietary choices.

Here’s a breakdown of the calories in chicken drumsticks, depending on size, cooking method, and whether or not you eat the skin.

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🍗 Calories in a Chicken Drumstick (Cooked, Skin-On)

A medium-sized drumstick (about 75g, cooked, skin-on) contains approximately:

✅ Calories: ~160
✅ Protein: ~22g
✅ Fat: ~8g
✅ Carbohydrates: 0g
✅ Iron & B Vitamins: Good source

Most of the calories come from fat in the skin and protein in the meat.

 

🥩 Calories by Cooking Method

The way you prepare your chicken has a big impact on its calorie content:

🧠 Tip: Removing the skin can reduce total calories by 20–30 per drumstick.

 

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🍗 Health Benefits of Chicken Drumsticks

While chicken drumsticks contain calories, they also offer several nutritional benefits:

✅ High in Protein: A great source of lean protein, supporting muscle health.
✅ Rich in Iron: Drumsticks are a good source of iron, which is essential for oxygen transport in the body.
✅ No Carbs: If you're following a low-carb or keto diet, chicken drumsticks are an excellent choice.
✅ Essential B-Vitamins: Chicken is rich in B-vitamins like niacin, which help with energy production.

 

🍗 How to Reduce Calories in Chicken Drumsticks

Want to enjoy chicken drumsticks while reducing calories? Here are some helpful tips:

✅ Grill or bake instead of frying: Grilling or baking drumsticks can lower their calorie count, especially when you avoid added fats.
✅ Remove the skin: As mentioned, removing the skin cuts down on calories and fat.
✅ Use healthier seasonings: Opt for herbs, spices, and marinades that add flavor without excess sugar or calories.

 

📝 Final Thoughts

A chicken drumstick offers around 160 calories when roasted with the skin on, and less if grilled or skinless. It’s a tasty, protein-packed option that fits into most meal plans—especially when cooked with healthy methods. Whether you're meal prepping or planning dinner, drumsticks are a delicious, budget-friendly choice.

 

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References

1. U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). (2024). FoodData Central: Chicken, drumstick, meat and skin, cooked, roasted.

2. CalorieKing. (2024). Chicken Drumstick, Roasted with Skin.

3. Healthline. (2023). Is Chicken Healthy? Nutrition, Benefits, and Tips.

4. Mayo Clinic. (2023). Healthy cooking.