How many calories are in one large drumstick?

November 5, 2025 •

3 min read

A 100-gram serving of baked chicken drumstick with skin contains approximately 216 calories, while a skinless one has around 175 calories. This significant difference highlights how preparation is key when considering how many calories are in one large drumstick.

Quick Summary

The calorie count of a large chicken drumstick is influenced by its preparation method and whether the skin is included. Skin-on versions have more calories and fat than skinless ones, with frying further increasing the total calorie count. Baking or air-frying offers a healthier option for a high-protein meal.

Key Points

Variable Calorie Count: The number of calories in a large drumstick varies significantly based on preparation and skin inclusion.
Skin Matters: A skinless, baked drumstick has around 175 calories per 100g, while a skin-on version has approximately 216 calories for the same serving size.
Frying Increases Calories: Deep-frying, especially with batter, adds substantial calories and fat compared to healthier methods like baking or air-frying.
Protein Rich: Drumsticks are an excellent source of high-quality protein, essential for muscle repair and satiety.
Micronutrient Benefits: This cut of chicken provides important nutrients like iron, zinc, and B vitamins.
Healthy Preparation: Opt for baking, grilling, or air-frying and use low-sugar marinades to keep calorie counts in check.
Portion Control: For weight management, be mindful of portion size, especially with multiple drumsticks or calorie-heavy preparations.

Calorie Breakdown of a Large Drumstick

The calorie content of a large chicken drumstick is not a single, fixed number; it varies based on several key factors, most notably the preparation method and whether the skin is left on or removed. The average weight of a large drumstick (cooked, bone removed) is around 52g, but for standard nutritional comparisons, a 100-gram (3.5oz) serving size is often used.

Skin-On vs. Skinless

The most significant factor affecting the calorie count is the skin. Chicken skin contains a large amount of fat, which contributes a high number of calories. For a 100-gram cooked serving:

With Skin: A baked or pan-fried drumstick with the skin on contains approximately 216 calories.
Without Skin: A skinless baked or pan-fried drumstick contains about 175 calories.

Removing the skin can reduce the calorie intake by over 20%, making it a popular choice for those watching their weight.

Cooking Method Matters

Beyond the skin, how the drumstick is cooked plays a crucial role. Adding oil, batter, or heavy sauces can drastically increase the calorie count.

Baked/Roasted: This is one of the healthiest methods, and the calorie counts mentioned above apply here.
Air-Fried: This modern method offers a crispy texture with significantly less oil, keeping the calories closer to that of a baked drumstick.
Deep-Fried: Frying a drumstick in oil and batter significantly increases its calories and fat content. For example, a 75g fried drumstick can have around 200 calories, but a larger, heavily breaded one will have more.

A Detailed Nutritional Comparison

To make informed dietary choices, it's helpful to see a direct comparison of a 100g (3.5oz) cooked chicken drumstick prepared in different ways.


Nutrient Breakdown (per 100g)	Skinless & Baked	Skin-on & Baked	Deep-Fried (Battered)
Calories	~175	~216	~267*
Protein	~27g	~27g	~21g
Fat	~5.7g	~11.2g	~17g
Carbohydrates	0g	0g	~8g

*Note: The calorie and fat count for deep-fried chicken can vary widely based on the amount of oil absorbed and the type of batter used. A typical 75g fried drumstick has around 200 calories, but a larger 100g serving would be higher.

Additional Nutrients

Regardless of preparation, chicken drumsticks offer valuable micronutrients, including:

Iron: Essential for carrying oxygen in the blood.
Zinc: Supports the immune system and wound healing.
B Vitamins (Niacin, B6): Crucial for energy production and brain health.

Tips for Reducing Calories

For those looking to enjoy a chicken drumstick while minimizing calories, here are some actionable tips:

Remove the skin: This is the easiest and most effective way to cut fat and calories. You can also try crisping the skin separately and eating a small piece for flavor.
Use healthy cooking methods: Baking, grilling, and air-frying are excellent alternatives to deep-frying.
Choose your marinades wisely: Opt for low-sugar, low-fat marinades made with herbs, spices, lemon juice, and a little olive oil. Avoid sugary barbecue sauces.
Control your portions: A large drumstick can sometimes be two servings. Be mindful of your portion size, especially if you're eating multiple drumsticks.
Pair with nutrient-dense sides: Serve your drumsticks with steamed vegetables, a fresh salad, or a baked sweet potato to create a balanced, filling meal.

Conclusion

In summary, the number of calories in one large drumstick is not a simple figure but rather depends heavily on preparation. While a skinless, baked drumstick offers a lean, high-protein option around 175 calories per 100 grams, adding the skin increases it to around 216 calories. For those monitoring their intake, removing the skin and avoiding deep-frying are the most impactful choices. Ultimately, chicken drumsticks can be a healthy and satisfying part of a balanced diet when prepared mindfully. You can explore more about cooking and nutrition on reputable health websites like Healthline to better understand how different cooking methods impact your favorite foods.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, chicken drumsticks are a healthy food choice when prepared minimally, without excessive oils or batter. They are an excellent source of protein, vitamins, and minerals.

The easiest way to reduce calories is to remove the skin before cooking or eating. Using low-fat cooking methods like baking or grilling instead of frying also helps.

Chicken breast is generally leaner and lower in fat and calories than drumsticks, especially if the skin is removed. However, both are nutritious; the best choice depends on your dietary goals and how you prepare them.

Removing the skin does reduce the fat content, which contributes to flavor. However, you can use herbs, spices, and low-sugar marinades to add plenty of flavor without the extra calories from the skin.

A deep-fried drumstick can have significantly more calories than a baked one due to the oil and batter. A 75g fried drumstick is listed around 200 calories, but a larger one with heavy breading will be higher.

Yes, skinless and baked drumsticks can be part of a weight-loss diet. Their high protein content helps promote satiety and preserve muscle mass during a calorie deficit.

A standard serving is often considered to be one medium drumstick, which, when cooked and boneless, is around 52 grams. However, nutritional information is often presented per 100 grams for easier comparison.