Chicken Thigh vs Chicken Drumstick: Calories and Nutrition Compared (2026)
Chicken thigh and drumstick have distinct nutritional profiles.
The chicken thigh contains 24.8 g of protein and 179 calories, while the chicken drumstick has 23.4 g of protein and 191 calories. The thigh is lower in calories and higher in protein.
Chicken thighs and drumsticks are popular cuts of poultry, both offering unique flavors and textures. This comparison highlights their nutritional differences per 100 g, helping you make informed dietary choices.
What Is the Difference Between Chicken Thigh and Chicken Drumstick?
Chicken thigh is a cut of meat from the upper part of the chicken leg, known for its rich flavor and tenderness. It is often used in various culinary dishes due to its juiciness. Chicken drumstick is the lower part of the chicken leg, characterized by its darker meat and slightly firmer texture. It is a popular choice for grilling and frying.
Chicken Thigh vs Chicken Drumstick: Nutrition Side by Side
Below is a side-by-side comparison of the nutritional values of chicken thigh and chicken drumstick.
| Nutrient (per 100 g) | Chicken thigh (roasted) | Chicken drumstick (roasted) |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 179 kcal | 191 kcal |
| Protein | 24.8 g | 23.4 g |
| Carbs | 0 g | 0 g |
| Sugar | 0 g | 0 g |
| Fat | 8.2 g | 10.2 g |
| Fiber | 0 g | 0 g |
| Sodium | 106 mg | 123 mg |
Which Is Better, Chicken Thigh or Chicken Drumstick?
For weight loss: Chicken thigh has 179 calories, while chicken drumstick has 191 calories, making the thigh a slightly better option for weight loss.
For muscle and protein: Chicken thigh provides 24.8 g of protein compared to 23.4 g in chicken drumstick, making the thigh a better choice for muscle building.
For low-carb or low-sugar: Both chicken thigh and chicken drumstick contain 0 g of carbs and 0 g of sugar, making them suitable for low-carb diets.
How to Track Chicken thigh and Chicken drumstick Accurately
Portion sizes and macro content can be easily misjudged, impacting dietary choices. Nutrola is an AI nutrition tracking app that identifies foods from a photo and returns calories and macros from a database of more than 1.8 million foods. It also supports barcode scanning and voice logging. Nutrola is available from EUR 2.50 per month and shows no ads on any tier.
How We Compiled These Numbers
The numbers provided are rounded reference values for educational use, not medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional for personalized dietary recommendations. Values are per 100 g from USDA FoodData Central.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Which has more protein?
Chicken thigh has 24.8 g of protein, while chicken drumstick has 23.4 g. Therefore, the thigh has more protein.
Which has fewer calories?
Chicken thigh contains 179 calories, while chicken drumstick contains 191 calories. Thus, the thigh has fewer calories.
What is the fat content in chicken thigh?
Chicken thigh has 8.2 g of fat per 100 g.
What is the sodium content in chicken drumstick?
Chicken drumstick has 123 mg of sodium per 100 g.
Do both cuts contain carbs?
Both chicken thigh and chicken drumstick contain 0 g of carbs per 100 g.
What is the sugar content in chicken thigh?
Chicken thigh contains 0 g of sugar per 100 g.
Key Takeaways
- Chicken thigh: 179 calories, 24.8 g protein, 8.2 g fat.
- Chicken drumstick: 191 calories, 23.4 g protein, 10.2 g fat.
- Both cuts have 0 g of carbs and 0 g of sugar.
- Chicken thigh has 106 mg of sodium.
- Chicken drumstick has 123 mg of sodium.
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