How Many Calories Are in a Rotisserie Chicken Leg and Thigh Without Skin?

December 6, 2025 •

3 min read

One skinless rotisserie chicken leg and thigh combination contains approximately 267 calories, offering a high-protein, moderate-fat meal. This lower-calorie preparation method makes it an ideal option for those monitoring their intake, without sacrificing flavor or nutritional value.

Quick Summary

This nutritional breakdown provides an accurate calorie count and macronutrient data for skinless rotisserie chicken legs and thighs. Learn how removing the skin impacts overall calorie density, fat content, and protein levels.

Key Points

Calorie Count: A single skinless rotisserie chicken leg (drumstick) and thigh combo has approximately 267 calories.
Protein Source: This dark meat combo provides about 36 grams of protein, supporting muscle health and satiety.
Lower Fat: Removing the skin is the key to significantly lowering the fat content of the meal.
Rich in Nutrients: Skinless dark meat is a great source of essential minerals like iron and zinc, and various B vitamins.
Healthy Cooking Method: The rotisserie process naturally drains fat, making it a healthier alternative to frying.
Versatile Meal Option: Skinless rotisserie chicken can be easily incorporated into many different healthy meal plans, from salads to wraps.

A Detailed Look at Rotisserie Chicken Dark Meat

Rotisserie chicken is a convenient and flavorful meal choice for many households. While the delicious, crispy skin is often tempting, removing it significantly reduces the calorie and fat content, especially in the dark meat portions like the leg and thigh. The cooking method itself, which allows fat to drip away during roasting, contributes to a leaner final product compared to frying.

Calorie and Macronutrient Breakdown

To understand the full nutritional picture, it's helpful to look at the individual components. A typical rotisserie chicken leg consists of a drumstick and thigh. Based on data from nutritional tracking websites, a single skinless drumstick contains about 93 calories, with approximately 15 grams of protein and 3.6 grams of fat. A single skinless thigh, being a larger cut, contains around 174 calories, with 21 grams of protein and 9.9 grams of fat. This means a combined leg and thigh piece totals roughly 267 calories.

Nutrients in a skinless rotisserie chicken leg and thigh combined:

Total Calories: ~267 kcal
Protein: ~36.6 grams
Fat: ~13.5 grams
Carbohydrates: 0 grams

Health Benefits of Skinless Rotisserie Chicken

Choosing skinless dark meat offers several nutritional advantages beyond the reduced calorie count. While white meat is often praised for its leanness, dark meat contains higher levels of certain vitamins and minerals that are essential for good health.

Rich in Iron and Zinc: Dark meat is a good source of iron, which is crucial for oxygen transport in the blood, and zinc, which supports immune function and cell growth.
Excellent Source of Protein: The high protein content supports muscle repair, growth, and satiety, helping you feel fuller for longer.
Packed with B Vitamins: Chicken legs and thighs contain essential B vitamins, including niacin (B3), riboflavin (B2), and B12, which are vital for energy metabolism.
Flavorful and Juicy: Even without the skin, dark meat retains more moisture during cooking, resulting in a more flavorful and tender texture than some white meat cuts.

The Calorie Comparison: Skin-On vs. Skinless

To illustrate the impact of removing the skin, consider the following comparison. The numbers represent approximate values and can vary based on the chicken's size and preparation method. The data below shows why the skinless option is the better choice for calorie-conscious diners.


Chicken Part	Preparation	Approximate Calories	Approximate Protein	Approximate Fat
Thigh	Skinless, Rotisserie	174 kcal	21 g	9.9 g
Thigh	Skin-On, Rotisserie	192 kcal	18 g	12 g
Leg (Drumstick)	Skinless, Rotisserie	93 kcal	15 g	3.6 g
Leg and Thigh	Skinless, Rotisserie	~267 kcal	~36 g	~13.5 g

Making Rotisserie Chicken Part of a Healthy Diet

Incorporating skinless rotisserie chicken into your meal plan is simple and effective. It can be paired with a variety of healthy sides to create a complete and balanced plate. For a satisfying and nutritious dinner, serve your skinless leg and thigh alongside steamed green vegetables, a fresh salad, or a portion of brown rice. The versatility of rotisserie chicken also allows you to shred the meat and use it in salads, sandwiches, or wraps.

A Final Word on Preparation

While many grocery store rotisserie chickens are pre-seasoned, the sodium levels can sometimes be high. If you are concerned about sodium intake, consider buying a plain, unseasoned rotisserie chicken or preparing your own at home where you can control the ingredients. Making your own rotisserie chicken is easier than it sounds and allows for complete control over fat and sodium content. For more information on chicken nutrition, visit Healthline's comprehensive guide.

Conclusion

For those seeking a nutritious, protein-rich, and lower-fat meal option, a skinless rotisserie chicken leg and thigh is an excellent choice. By simply removing the skin, you can significantly reduce the calorie and fat content without sacrificing the delicious, savory flavor of the dark meat. This makes rotisserie chicken a versatile and healthy staple for a variety of meals, providing a good source of iron, zinc, and B vitamins. The next time you're at the grocery store, consider picking up a rotisserie chicken and enjoy the health benefits of its skinless dark meat.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, skinless rotisserie chicken dark meat is a very healthy option. It's a great source of lean protein and contains essential nutrients like iron, zinc, and B vitamins, while being lower in calories and fat without the skin.

Skinless white meat (like the breast) is generally lower in both fat and calories than skinless dark meat (leg and thigh). For example, a 3 oz serving of skinless breast has about 116 calories, while a similar serving of skinless thigh has roughly 144 calories.

A skinless drumstick (leg) contains fewer calories than a skinless thigh. A single skinless drumstick has around 93 calories, whereas a single skinless thigh has approximately 174 calories.

Yes, removing the skin significantly reduces the calorie and fat content. The skin is high in fat, and eliminating it can save you a substantial number of calories, especially in the thigh, which has higher fat content than the breast.

Grocery store rotisserie chicken can often be high in sodium due to the brining and seasoning process. If you're managing your sodium intake, check the nutrition label or consider preparing your own at home to control the seasoning.

You can serve skinless rotisserie chicken with a variety of healthy side dishes, such as steamed vegetables, a fresh green salad, quinoa, or roasted sweet potatoes. This helps create a balanced meal with fiber, vitamins, and other nutrients.

Absolutely. Rotisserie chicken is a fantastic ingredient for meal prep. You can shred the meat and use it throughout the week in salads, sandwiches, soups, or quesadillas for quick and easy meals.