Chicken drumsticks are a popular part of the chicken that is often enjoyed as an entree or snack. But drumsticks can vary in size, so how big is a drumstick considered large?
What is the average weight of a chicken drumstick?
On average, a single chicken drumstick weighs between 4-7 ounces (113-198 grams). This can vary some based on the size and breed of the chicken. Smaller chickens like Cornish hens may have drumsticks closer to 3-4 ounces, while larger breeds like Jersey Giants may have drumsticks over 8 ounces.
What is considered a jumbo or large drumstick size?
There is no standardized sizing for chicken drumsticks, but generally a jumbo or large drumstick is over 7 ounces. Some specifics:
- Jumbo: approximately 8 ounces or 1/2 pound
- Extra large: approximately 10 ounces
- Super jumbo: over 12 ounces or 3/4 pound
So if you see chicken drumsticks labeled as jumbo, extra large, or super jumbo in the store, expect them to be noticeably larger than average.
What affects the size of chicken drumsticks?
There are a few factors that affect the ultimate size of chicken drumsticks:
Breed of chicken
Some chicken breeds naturally produce larger birds and drumsticks. Breeds known for large size include:
- Jersey Giant
- Brahma
- Cochin
Age of chicken
Older chickens that are allowed to grow for longer before processing will have larger drumsticks. Broiler chickens harvested at 8-12 weeks will have smaller drumsticks than a stewing hen harvested closer to 6 months.
Diet
Chickens fed a high quality, high protein diet with plenty of room to exercise will grow larger overall than chickens raised in crowded conditions on a poor diet.
Sex
Since male chickens (roosters) grow larger than females (hens), they will also tend to have slightly larger drumsticks given the same breed, diet and age.
How does chicken drumstick size compare to other chicken pieces?
Chicken drumsticks are on the smaller end of the spectrum when compared to breast and thigh pieces. Here’s how average chicken piece sizes compare:
| Chicken Piece | Average Weight |
|---|---|
| Breast | 8-10 oz |
| Thigh | 5-8 oz |
| Drumstick | 4-7 oz |
| Wing | 2-3 oz |
So while a large drumstick may be 8 ounces, that’s still smaller than an average sized chicken breast. The drumstick contains less overall meat than breast or thigh pieces.
Typical length and circumference of large drumsticks
While weight gives a good sense of drumstick size, the physical dimensions also vary. Here are typical length and circumference measurements for large drumsticks:
- Length: 5-7 inches
- Circumference (width) around thickest part: 3-4 inches
A jumbo or extra large drumstick may be towards the upper ends of those ranges. Super jumbo drumsticks can potentially extend even longer in length.
How to tell if a raw drumstick is large
When buying raw chicken drumsticks from the grocery store or butcher, there are a few signs that indicate larger than average size:
- Labeling such as “jumbo,” “large,” or “extra large”
- A weight over 7 ounces if individually weighed
- Noticeably longer length and wider circumference
- Price per pound – larger drumsticks may have a higher price per pound
How many ounces or pounds are in a package of large drumsticks?
Packages of large or jumbo chicken drumsticks at the grocery store are often sold in the following sizes:
- 2 pound bag – contains 3-4 drumsticks
- 3 pound bag – contains 5-6 drumsticks
- 5 pound bag – contains 8-10 drumsticks
So expect approximately 1/2 pound or 8 ounces per large drumstick. Packages with fewer drumsticks likely have drumsticks on the heavier end of the jumbo size range.
What to expect when cooking large drumsticks
The extra size and meat of large drumsticks means you’ll need to adjust cooking times and methods. Here’s what to expect:
Longer cooking times
The thicker meat and bone of a jumbo drumstick means it will take longer to cook through to the safe minimum internal temperature of 165F. Increase oven roasting or grilling times by 5-15 minutes compared to average sized drumsticks.
Moist heat methods work best
The additional time required to cook large drumsticks means moist heat methods like stewing, braising and simmering are ideal. The moist environment prevents overdrying. Meat will be fall-off-the-bone tender.
May need to butterfly first
If pan frying or deep frying extra large drumsticks, you may want to butterfly them first by cutting along the bone to open the meat up into a flat presentation that cooks more evenly.
High heat for crispy skin
Get crispy skin on those big drumsticks by using high heat. Grill, broil or air fry at temperatures between 400-450F after starting cooking low and slow to fully cook the interior. The hot blast at the end crisps and browns.
Are large drumsticks better for certain recipes?
The large size and meatiness of jumbo drumsticks makes them ideal for certain recipes like:
- Drumstick lollipops – the extra meat works well for this fun party presentation.
- Drumstick sandwiches – more meat to stack on a bun or wrap.
- Drumstick entrees – can be a heartier standalone meal vs. a side.
- Drumstick salads – the higher meat-to-bone ratio gives you ample chicken for your salad after cooking and removing meat from the bone.
Go big with your chicken recipes by using jumbo sized drumsticks. Just be sure to adjust cook times accordingly.
Nutrition comparison to average drumsticks
With their larger size and higher meat content, jumbo drumsticks provide more protein and calories compared to average sized drumsticks:
| Drumstick Size | Calories (for approx 8oz) | Protein |
|---|---|---|
| Average | 230 | 43g |
| Jumbo | 330 | 62g |
So if you’re looking to up your protein intake, going for the big boys can help. But the increased calories means portion control is also important.
Price differences for large drumsticks
Larger sized chicken drumsticks do come at a premium price over average sized drumsticks. Here are some typical price differences you can expect to see:
| Drumstick Size | Typical Price (per pound) |
|---|---|
| Average | $1.99 – $2.99 |
| Jumbo | $3.49 – $4.49 |
| Extra Large | $3.99 – $4.99 |
| Free Range/Organic Jumbo | $4.99 – $6.99 |
As you go up in size and factors like organic raising, expect to pay $1-3 more per pound. Watch for sales and bulk options like family packs to get the best deals on big drumsticks.
Appearance when cooked
When cooked, jumbo drumsticks will be noticeably meatier and more substantial than average sized drumsticks. Characteristics include:
- Thicker meat that stays juicier
- Very large drumstick ends
- Potentially more loose skin if overcooked
- Takes up a larger portion of the plate
Keep in mind that the drumstick meat will shrink some during cooking. But the end result will still be an impressively sized piece of chicken!
Conclusion
When you want chicken drumsticks with some real meat on their bones, going for jumbo sized drumsticks is the way to go. Expect weights over 8 ounces, lengths over 6 inches, and thicker circumference. Be sure to allow for extra cooking time for these chicken leg quarter giants. While the price per pound will be higher, the end result is deliciously satisfying drumsticks that can more easily anchor a meal. Just be cautious of overcooking the ample meat. With a few tweaks to your cooking methods, jumbo drumsticks can make a big impact on your dinner table.