Decoding Your Dinner: How many calories are in a single drumstick?

October 25, 2025 •

4 min read

The calorie count in a chicken drumstick can vary by as much as 25% or more depending on how it's prepared and whether the skin is removed. This guide will explain how many calories are in a single drumstick? and how to incorporate this flavorful cut of meat into a healthy diet plan.

Quick Summary

A chicken drumstick's calorie count changes significantly based on the cooking method, size, and whether the skin is included. This comprehensive overview details the nutritional differences and offers tips for preparing drumsticks as a healthy, protein-rich addition to your diet.

Key Points

Skin Matters: A drumstick with skin has more calories and fat compared to a skinless version, with differences of 15–25% depending on size.
Cooking Method is Key: Frying significantly increases calories, while baking, grilling, and air frying keep the calorie count much lower.
Lean Protein Source: Skinless drumsticks are an excellent source of high-quality protein, supporting muscle repair and overall health.
Rich in Micronutrients: The dark meat provides more iron and zinc than chicken breast, along with essential B vitamins.
Diet-Friendly with Care: Drumsticks can be part of a weight-loss diet, especially when prepared without skin or excessive oil and served in controlled portions.

The Calorie Breakdown: Skin-On vs. Skin-Off

For those managing their calorie intake, understanding the fundamental difference between skin-on and skin-off drumsticks is crucial. The skin contains a significant amount of fat, which contributes to a higher overall calorie count.

Skin-On Drumstick: A medium-sized, baked or pan-fried drumstick with the skin on contains approximately 175–220 calories, with one 100g serving clocking in at around 216 calories. This is because the skin adds extra fat and, consequently, more calories.
Skin-Off Drumstick: By simply removing the skin, you can significantly lower the calorie and fat content. A medium-sized, skinless drumstick typically has closer to 160–200 calories, while a 100g serving provides about 175 calories. This is a leaner option that still offers a substantial amount of protein.

Impact of Cooking Method on Calories

The way you cook your drumstick also plays a critical role in its final nutritional value. The addition of oil or batter during cooking can quickly increase the calorie count, even if the skin is removed.

Here’s how common cooking methods compare:

Baking or Grilling: These methods use minimal added fat, making them excellent choices for keeping calories in check. The dry heat helps render some of the fat away, especially when cooking skinless drumsticks.
Air Frying: An air fryer circulates hot air to give food a crispy texture with only a fraction of the oil needed for deep-frying. This results in a much lower-calorie meal compared to traditional frying.
Deep Frying: This method significantly increases the calorie count. A fried drumstick (75g) can have around 200 calories, and that's before considering any breading or batter, which adds even more.

Beyond Calories: A Look at the Drumstick's Nutritional Profile

While calories are a key consideration for weight management, a drumstick offers more than just energy. The dark meat in a drumstick is packed with beneficial nutrients.

Protein: Drumsticks are an excellent source of high-quality protein, which is essential for muscle repair, growth, and overall body function. A skinless drumstick provides about 23-27g of protein per 100g serving.
Essential Minerals: The darker meat of the drumstick is richer in certain minerals than the breast meat. It contains higher levels of iron, which is vital for oxygen transport, as well as zinc, which supports immune function and wound healing.
B Vitamins: Drumsticks are a good source of B vitamins, including niacin and B6, which play important roles in metabolism and brain health.

Drumstick vs. Chicken Breast: A Nutritional Comparison

When choosing between different cuts of chicken, it's helpful to compare their nutritional profiles. This table outlines the approximate nutritional values per 100g serving for a cooked drumstick and chicken breast without skin:


Nutrient (per 100g cooked)	Chicken Drumstick (skinless)	Chicken Breast (skinless)
Calories	~155 kcal	~165 kcal
Protein	~24.2 g	~32 g
Fat	~5.7 g	~3.6 g
Iron	Higher content	Lower content
Zinc	Higher content	Lower content
Flavor	Richer, more succulent	Leaner, milder flavor

As the table shows, chicken breast is leaner with a higher protein-to-calorie ratio, while drumsticks offer more iron and a richer flavor profile due to their slightly higher fat content. The better choice depends on your specific dietary goals.

Making Drumsticks a Part of a Healthy Diet

Chicken drumsticks can be a healthy and budget-friendly addition to your meal plan with the right approach. The key is to be mindful of your preparation and portion sizes.

Remove the skin: For the lowest calorie and fat option, simply remove the skin before cooking or eating.
Healthy cooking methods: As mentioned, opt for baking, grilling, or air frying to avoid adding unnecessary fat and calories from oil.
Mindful marinades: Avoid high-sugar or creamy marinades. Instead, use herbs, spices, lemon juice, or a small amount of olive oil to add flavor without a calorie overload.
Portion control: While delicious, it’s still important to keep an eye on your portion size, especially if you're managing weight. Stick to one or two drumsticks per meal.
Balanced meals: Pair drumsticks with a generous serving of vegetables and a complex carbohydrate source like brown rice or quinoa for a complete, balanced meal.

By following these simple guidelines, you can enjoy the delicious, juicy flavor of chicken drumsticks without compromising your health goals. For more in-depth nutritional information on chicken, you can visit a reliable resource such as the Healthline website.

Conclusion: Mindful Preparation for a Healthy Meal

Ultimately, the number of calories in a single drumstick is not a fixed number but a variable influenced by preparation. By choosing to remove the skin and opting for healthier cooking methods like baking or grilling, you can make this flavorful cut of poultry a lean, protein-packed addition to your diet. Incorporating drumsticks into a balanced meal with plenty of vegetables is a delicious and nutritious way to support your health and weight management goals.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, chicken drumsticks can be healthy for weight loss, particularly when prepared without the skin and with low-fat cooking methods like baking or grilling. They are rich in protein, which helps with satiety.

The skin on a drumstick adds flavor and fat, which increases the calorie count. While the fat is mostly unsaturated, removing the skin is the best choice for those strictly managing their fat and calorie intake.

Frying a drumstick significantly increases its calorie count due to the absorption of cooking oil and the addition of any breading or batter. This makes baking or grilling a much lower-calorie alternative.

Yes, drumsticks (dark meat) generally have a slightly higher fat content than chicken breast (white meat), especially when the skin is left on.

A 100g serving of a cooked, skinless chicken drumstick provides a significant amount of protein, with various sources citing around 24-27 grams.

Yes, the dark meat of chicken drumsticks is a better source of iron and zinc compared to the leaner breast meat.

While drumsticks can be a regular part of your diet, variety is key for balanced nutrition. It's recommended to rotate your protein sources with other options like fish or legumes and focus on healthy cooking methods.

Raw drumsticks have a different nutritional breakdown. The calorie counts discussed in this article refer to cooked drumsticks, as cooking changes the composition and often removes some fat.

To reduce calories, remove the skin before cooking, use low-fat cooking methods like baking or air frying, and choose herbs and spices over high-calorie sauces for flavoring.