How much protein is in rotisserie chicken leg and thigh?

December 29, 2025 •

2 min read

According to Healthline, a skinless, cooked chicken thigh (111 grams) contains 27 grams of protein, while a drumstick (95 grams) has 23 grams. This article breaks down exactly how much protein is in rotisserie chicken leg and thigh, providing a clear nutritional picture for these popular dark meat portions.

Quick Summary

This guide outlines the protein content found in the leg and thigh of a rotisserie chicken, comparing figures for meat with and without the skin. It also covers other key nutritional facts, including calorie and fat content, to help you make informed decisions about your diet.

Key Points

Thigh Protein: A skinless rotisserie chicken thigh (approx. 100g) contains around 25 grams of protein.
Leg Protein: A skinless rotisserie chicken drumstick (approx. 100g) offers about 24 grams of protein.
With Skin vs. Without Skin: Eating the skin adds significant fat and calories but not much additional protein.
Complete Protein Source: Rotisserie chicken provides a complete amino acid profile, essential for muscle building and repair.
Sodium Content: Store-bought rotisserie chicken is often high in sodium due to brining and seasoning; check the label if monitoring sodium intake.
Versatility: This dark meat is a convenient and flavorful protein source for salads, sandwiches, and other quick meals.

Understanding the Nutritional Breakdown of Dark Meat

Rotisserie chicken is a convenient and versatile protein source. Dark meat from the leg and thigh has more flavor and fat than white meat. This difference in fat impacts the protein-to-calorie ratio, which is important for managing macronutrients.

Protein in Rotisserie Chicken Thigh

A rotisserie chicken thigh offers a good amount of protein, typically around 19–21 grams per 3.5-ounce (100-gram) serving when skinless. A skinless, cooked thigh weighing 111g can have about 27 grams of protein. With the skin on, a 100-gram serving may contain around 22 grams of protein. Some sources estimate a half rotisserie chicken thigh provides about 31 grams of protein.

Protein in Rotisserie Chicken Leg (Drumstick)

The chicken leg includes the drumstick and thigh. The drumstick is also dark meat, known for its juicy texture. A single, skinless rotisserie drumstick (95g) has approximately 23 grams of protein. Per 100 grams, the protein content is about 24 grams. A leg quarter (leg and thigh combined) can contain up to 44 grams of protein.

Nutritional Comparison: Thigh vs. Leg

Both the thigh and leg are excellent protein sources, but they differ in fat and calories. The following table compares boneless, skinless portions:


Nutritional Aspect	Rotisserie Chicken Thigh (100g, skinless)	Rotisserie Chicken Leg/Drumstick (100g, skinless)
Protein	~25g	~24g
Calories	~176 kcal	~149 kcal
Fat	~9g	~5.8g
Saturated Fat	~2.6g	~1.6g

This shows similar protein but higher calories and fat in the thigh. The drumstick is slightly lower in fat if you prioritize lean dark meat.

The Impact of the Skin on Protein Content

Eating the skin adds flavor but significantly increases calories and fat. Protein is in the meat, not the skin. Skin-on thighs have more fat and calories than skinless ones, with similar protein per 100g. Removing the skin helps reduce saturated fat and calorie intake.

Sourcing and Preparation Considerations

Store-bought rotisserie chickens are convenient but can be high in sodium and may contain preservatives. Cooking your own allows control over ingredients. Rotisserie chicken's high-quality amino acids support muscle growth and repair.

Conclusion

Both rotisserie chicken leg (drumstick) and thigh are great protein sources, providing about 24–25 grams per 100-gram skinless serving. Thighs have slightly more calories and fat. Removing the skin helps reduce fat intake while keeping the protein. This dark meat is a convenient, versatile, complete protein for various meals. The USDA food database is a good resource for detailed nutritional information.

Frequently Asked Questions

Per 100 grams, white meat (breast) is slightly higher in protein than dark meat (leg and thigh). However, both are excellent sources of high-quality protein.

No, removing the skin primarily reduces the fat and calorie content. The protein is concentrated in the muscle meat itself, so a skinless cut is leaner but still rich in protein.

Yes, rotisserie chicken is a complete protein, meaning it contains all essential amino acids necessary for muscle repair and growth, making it a great food for active individuals.

It can be part of a healthy diet, but many store-bought options are high in sodium and may contain additives. Checking the nutritional information and ingredients is recommended, especially for those with specific dietary concerns.

Per 100 grams, a skinless rotisserie thigh typically has more calories than a skinless rotisserie drumstick due to the thigh's naturally higher fat content.

One way is to remove the skin before eating, as much of the sodium from seasoning and brining is concentrated there. You can also opt to cook your own rotisserie-style chicken at home to control the salt content.

Absolutely. Because it's pre-cooked, rotisserie chicken is ideal for meal prep. The meat can be shredded and added to salads, sandwiches, tacos, or soups for a quick and easy protein boost.