Chicken legs and drumsticks refer to the lower portion of the chicken leg, but there are some differences between them:
What is a chicken leg?
A chicken leg includes both the thigh and drumstick portions still attached together. The thigh is the upper part of the leg, while the drumstick is the lower part of the leg below the knee joint.
Chicken legs contain more meat than just drumsticks alone. They include the thigh meat in addition to drumstick meat. The thigh contains larger muscles than the drumstick, so there is more meat on a chicken leg.
What is a chicken drumstick?
A chicken drumstick is the lower part of the chicken leg below the knee joint. It consists of the drumstick bone surrounded by meat. The drumstick bone is long and narrow.
Drumsticks contain less total meat than intact chicken legs. However, they contain a higher ratio of skin to meat compared to thighs. The skin helps keep the drumstick meat moist during cooking.
Differences between chicken legs and drumsticks
Here are the key differences between chicken legs and drumsticks:
- Chicken legs contain both the thigh and drumstick portions still attached. Drumsticks are just the lower portion of the leg.
- Legs have more total edible meat than drumsticks alone since they also contain the thigh meat.
- Drumsticks have a higher ratio of skin to meat compared to thighs and help keep the meat moist.
- Legs are better for recipes where you want more meat, like chicken curry. Drumsticks work well for recipes highlighting skin, like barbecue chicken.
- Legs can be more expensive per pound than drumsticks since you’re getting more meat.
Cooking considerations
Chicken legs and drumsticks can generally be used interchangeably in recipes, but there are some cooking considerations:
- Chicken legs may need slightly longer cooking times than drumsticks alone since there is more meat.
- Drumsticks cook faster with crisper skin due to their higher skin to meat ratio.
- Legs are juicier and less prone to drying out during cooking compared to drumsticks.
- Drumsticks are easier for kids or those with smaller appetites to eat.
In most recipes, you can simply adjust cooking times slightly to accommodate using legs versus drumsticks. Extend cooking a few minutes for legs or reduce it slightly for drumsticks.
Nutrition
Chicken legs and drumsticks have the following general nutrition profiles:
| Nutrient | Chicken leg (with skin) | Chicken drumstick (with skin) |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 209 | 185 |
| Fat | 13g | 12g |
| Protein | 26g | 17g |
Legs contain more calories and protein than drumsticks. Drumsticks contain slightly less fat since they have a higher ratio of skin to meat.
Removing the skin significantly reduces the fat and calorie content while retaining the protein in both cuts of chicken.
Cost comparison
Chicken legs typically cost slightly more per pound than drumsticks. For example:
- Chicken legs: $2.49/lb
- Chicken drumsticks: $1.99/lb
The price difference reflects the fact you are getting more edible meat in a pack of chicken legs compared to drumsticks. However, prices can vary based on sales, promotions, and poultry market conditions.
Availability
Chicken legs and drumsticks are both widely available at grocery stores and supermarkets. Legs may come packaged together or separated into thighs and drumsticks.
Drumsticks are popular for fast food chains and restaurants. They are often used in fried chicken dishes or chicken wings.
You may find more variety and sizes of drumsticks over legs. Legs usually come in standard large sizes.
Taste and texture
Chicken legs and drumsticks have some flavor and texture differences:
- Legs are juicier, more tender and less prone to drying out.
- Drumsticks have crisper skin and meat due to the higher skin ratio.
- Legs have a richer flavor from the thigh meat’s natural fattiness.
- Drumsticks are easier to eat entirely since they are smaller with less meat.
In the end, it comes down to personal eating preferences in choosing between chicken legs versus drumsticks.
Conclusion
Chicken legs and drumsticks come from the same part of the chicken, but have some distinct differences. Legs contain both the thigh and drumstick meat still attached, while drumsticks are just the lower portion alone. Legs have more total meat, but drumsticks have crispier skin. Both can be used in recipes calling for chicken legs or drumsticks, with just slight adjustments to cook times. The choice comes down to your desired taste, texture, meat quantity needs, and budget.