Whether chicken leg is the same cut of meat as chicken thigh is a common question for home cooks. While they may look similar, chicken legs and thighs actually come from different parts of the chicken and have some distinct differences.
What is a chicken leg?
A chicken leg is made up of two parts – the drumstick and the thigh. The drumstick is the lower part of the leg with the bone in. The thigh is the upper part of the leg. Chicken legs contain both white and dark meat. The drumstick contains mostly dark meat while the thigh has more white meat.
What is a chicken thigh?
A chicken thigh is the upper part of the leg. It contains both white and dark meat, but has a higher ratio of white meat compared to the drumstick. Chicken thighs are thicker pieces of meat and are juicier than chicken breasts. Skinless chicken thighs have around 209 calories and 13 grams of fat per 3 ounce serving.
Key Differences Between Chicken Legs and Thighs
While chicken thighs are part of chicken legs, there are some key differences between thighs and full legs:
- Chicken legs contain both the thigh and drumstick, while chicken thighs are just the upper portion of the leg.
- Chicken drumsticks contain mostly dark meat, while thighs have a bit more white meat.
- Chicken legs often have the skin on, while thighs can be purchased bone-in or skinless.
- Chicken thighs are slightly larger, thicker cuts of meat compared to drumsticks.
- Chicken thighs are juicier and more tender than chicken breasts.
Nutrition Comparison
Here is a nutritional comparison between 3 ounce servings of chicken legs and thighs (with skin):
| Nutrient | Chicken Leg | Chicken Thigh |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 184 | 209 |
| Fat | 13g | 15g |
| Protein | 18g | 15g |
As you can see, chicken thighs have a bit more fat and calories compared to chicken legs. However, both are excellent sources of protein and nutrients like niacin, vitamin B6, selenium, and phosphorus.
Cooking Considerations
Chicken thighs and drumsticks may require slightly different cooking methods and times due to their differing thicknesses. Here are some tips:
- Chicken thighs can be cooked a bit longer and endure higher temperatures since they contain more fat and connective tissue.
- Chicken drumsticks may cook faster since they are smaller. Watch closely so they don’t dry out.
- Chicken thighs are great for braising, grilling, baking, or pan frying.
- Chicken drumsticks excel when baked, grilled, or added to soups and stews.
Cost Comparison
Chicken thighs are typically a bit more expensive per pound than chicken drumsticks. However, you can often find great deals on leg quarters, which contain both the thigh and drumstick.
Here are some average costs for chicken thighs vs. drumsticks:
- Bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs: $3-4 per pound
- Boneless, skinless chicken thighs: $4-5 per pound
- Chicken drumsticks: $1.50 – 2.50 per pound
Convenience and Availability
Both chicken thighs and drumsticks are widely available at most grocery stores. Chicken thighs often come boneless and skinless, which makes them convenient for quick cooking. Drumsticks usually have the bone in and skin on.
You may be able to find thigh meat only in the deli section, but chicken legs are usually sold attached. Buying leg quarters can provide cost savings compared to individual thighs and drumsticks.
Taste and Texture
Chicken thighs are juicier, more tender and flavorful compared to breast meat. The dark meat has a richer taste and the fat keeps it moist during cooking. Drumsticks have a similar taste but can dry out faster if overcooked.
The thigh meat has a soft, smooth texture when cooked properly. Drumsticks have a dense, meaty texture that pairs well with the crispy skin.
Conclusion
While chicken thighs and drumsticks come from the same leg portion, they are slightly different cuts of meat. Thighs contain more white meat while drumsticks are dark meat. Thighs tend to be larger, thicker, and juicier.
Both thighs and drumsticks make budget-friendly meal options. Their rich flavor stands up well to bold seasonings and sauces. While chicken thighs are often more convenient to cook, chicken legs offer great value and can be used interchangeably in many recipes.