Whether you call it a leg or a drumstick, we can all agree that chicken thighs are a versatile, flavorful, and budget-friendly cut of meat. But what’s the difference between a chicken leg and a drumstick, and does it really matter what you call it? Let’s take a closer look at chicken anatomy to solve this poultry puzzle once and for all.
What is a chicken leg?
A chicken leg refers to the entire lower portion of a chicken. This includes:
- The drumstick – the lower part of the leg below the knee joint
- The thigh – the upper part of the leg above the knee joint
Chicken legs contain both white and dark meat. The drumstick is mostly dark meat while the thigh is a mix of dark and white meat. Many people find dark meat more flavorful and juicy compared to white breast meat.
What is a chicken drumstick?
The drumstick is the lower section of a chicken leg. It contains only the dark meat below the knee joint. A drumstick is essentially the lower leg portion only, without the thigh attached. Drumsticks are often prepared and served on their own as a single piece.
Are chicken legs and drumsticks different cuts?
Chicken legs and drumsticks come from the same part of the chicken, but refer to different portions:
- A chicken leg includes both the thigh and drumstick.
- A chicken drumstick is just the lower portion on its own.
So while they may share some meat in common, a drumstick is technically a more specific cut compared to a whole leg.
Why are chicken legs called drumsticks?
There are a few theories as to why the lower chicken leg came to be known as a “drumstick”:
- Shape – The bulbous end and narrow shaft resemble a drumstick used to play drums.
- Size – Drumsticks are similar in size to turkey drumsticks, which were named earlier.
- Sound – When tapped against a hard surface, a drumstick makes a hollow drum-like sound.
The drumstick nickname emerged in the mid-19th century and became common terminology in the poultry industry and kitchens alike.
Nutritional content
Chicken legs and drumsticks have very similar nutritional profiles since they come from the same part of the bird. However, drumsticks contain slightly more fat and calories compared to a thigh. Here is a nutritional comparison of chicken legs versus drumsticks (3.5 oz serving):
| Nutrient | Chicken leg (with thigh) | Chicken drumstick |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 184 | 209 |
| Fat | 8.7g | 12.6g |
| Protein | 27g | 18g |
| Iron | 1mg | 1.1mg |
Both cuts provide plenty of protein, iron, and B vitamins. The slightly higher fat and calorie content makes drumsticks well-suited for those looking to add more healthy fats to their diet or athletes seeking calories to fuel their workouts.
Price differences
Chicken legs tend to cost slightly less per pound compared to drumsticks alone. Here are some average prices for each (per pound):
| Cut | Average Price (per lb) |
|---|---|
| Chicken legs | $2-3 |
| Chicken drumsticks | $3-4 |
The lower price of legs makes them a budget-friendly buy for meals that require a lot of chicken. Buying drumsticks alone costs more but can make sense for recipes calling for just that specific cut.
Cooking differences
Chicken legs and drumsticks can generally be used interchangeably in recipes. However, there are a few minor differences in how they are prepared and cooked:
- Chicken legs take slightly longer to cook since the thigh bone is thicker.
- Drumsticks cook faster on their own without the thigh attached.
- The thin end of a drumstick may cook faster than the meatier end.
- Legs are better for roasting or braising since the thigh stays moist when cooked slow and low.
- Drumsticks work well for frying, grilling or sautéing since they cook evenly.
Knowing these subtle differences allows you to pick the best cut for your desired cooking method.
Popular uses
Both chicken legs and drumsticks are extremely versatile cuts that work in many dishes:
- Slow roasted or braised chicken legs – Braise seasoned legs in a flavorful liquid like wine or broth until fall-off-the-bone tender.
- Baked chicken drumsticks – Coat drumsticks with spices, breadcrumbs or sauce and bake until crispy and cooked through.
- Fried chicken – For extra crispy fried chicken, coat legs or drumsticks in an egg wash and seasoned flour or batter.
- Chicken curries or stews – Simmer legs or drumsticks in a delicious curry, stew or soup.
- Grilled chicken – Grill seasoned drumsticks or legs over medium-high heat for juicy, char-grilled chicken.
Chicken legs and drumsticks both pair well with bold seasonings and lend themselves to a variety of global flavors.
Which is better?
Chicken legs and drumsticks each have their perks, so it’s hard to declare one strictly “better” than the other:
- Legs offer more meat for your money and contain a mix of white and dark meat.
- Drumsticks give you just the juicy, flavorful dark meat if that’s your preference.
For those who enjoy dark meat, drumsticks may have a slight advantage over legs due to their higher concentration. But for recipes calling for bone-in chicken pieces, budget-minded shoppers may prefer buying legs to maximize their quantity.
The verdict
While subtle differences exist between them, chicken legs and drumsticks can generally be used interchangeably. Both provide lots of flavor and nutrition at an affordable price point. Whether you call it a leg or a drumstick, you really can’t go wrong with this tasty, protein-packed poultry pick.
Conclusion
The debate between legs versus drumsticks comes down to a simple case of anatomy. While they originate from the same part of the chicken, drumsticks are technically a more specific cut. Legs offer more meat for your money, but drumsticks give you just the juicy dark meat if that’s your preference. Both provide plenty of protein and nutrition and shine in recipes that benefit from slow cooking. The next time you’re deciding between these two budget-friendly cuts at the store or prepping either one for dinner, remember that whether you call it a leg or a drumstick, you have a flavorful, versatile chicken piece ready to cook up something delicious.