Chicken Thigh vs Drumstick
Thigh vs drumstick nutrition comparison. Both are dark meat — see which offers better value for calories and protein.
Quick Verdict
Thigh is leaner when skinless; Drumstick has more fat from skin.
Skinless boneless thigh has 119 cal and 3.9g fat per 100g vs drumstick (with skin) at 161 cal and 9.2g fat. The key difference is skin — drumsticks are usually sold skin-on. Both are dark meat rich in iron and zinc. Thighs are more versatile for cooking; drumsticks are budget-friendly and kid-friendly.
Nutrition Comparison (per 100g raw)
| Nutrient | Chicken Thigh (Skinless) | Chicken Drumstick (Skin-on) | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Calories | 119kcal | 161kcal | Thigh |
| Protein | 19.7g | 18.9g | Thigh |
| Total Fat | 3.9g | 9.2g | Thigh |
| Saturated Fat | 1g | 2.5g | Thigh |
| Cholesterol | 75mg | 75mg | Tie |
| Sodium | 70mg | 77mg | Thigh |
| Potassium | 200mg | 195mg | Thigh |
| Iron | 1.1mg | 1mg | Thigh |
| Zinc | 1.8mg | 1.7mg | Thigh |
| Selenium | 17mcg | 16mcg | Thigh |
| Niacin (B3) | 5.2mg | 4.4mg | Thigh |
| Vitamin B6 | 0.32mg | 0.29mg | Thigh |
| Vitamin B12 | 0.48mcg | 0.43mcg | Thigh |
| Phosphorus | 150mg | 143mg | Thigh |
Chicken Thigh (Skinless, Boneless)
Dark meat with more flavor and fat than breast. Juicier, more forgiving to cook, and rich in iron and zinc.
View full nutritionChicken Drumstick (With Skin)
The lower portion of the chicken leg. Inexpensive, flavorful, and kid-friendly. Great for grilling and baking.
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More Comparisons
Chicken Breast vs Thigh
Breast wins for lean protein; Thigh wins for flavor and iron.
Chicken Breast vs Wings
Breast is far leaner; Wings are higher in fat due to skin.
Grilled vs Fried Chicken
Grilled has 44% fewer calories and 78% less fat than fried.
Chicken Breast vs Ground Chicken
Breast is leaner; Ground chicken is more versatile but higher in fat.