Fried Chicken > How many calories in a small fried chicken leg?

How Many Calories in a Small Fried Chicken Leg?

Fried chicken is a delicious and popular food, but it does come with a high calorie count. If you’re watching your calories or macros, you may be wondering just how many calories are in a small fried chicken leg. Here’s a breakdown of the calorie count and some tips for enjoying fried chicken without overdoing it on calories.

How Many Calories in a Small Fried Chicken Leg?

A small fried chicken leg with the skin on contains approximately 150-180 calories. This is referring to a drumstick or thigh that weighs around 2-3 ounces when cooked. The exact number of calories can vary somewhat depending on a few factors:

• • Size of the leg – A larger thigh or drumstick will have more calories than a smaller one.
  • Type of coating – A heavy batter coating adds extra calories compared to a lighter breading like panko crumbs.
  • Frying method – Deep frying adds more oil and calories vs. air frying or baking.

–

Chicken legs have a higher natural fat content than chicken breasts. The skin also contributes significant calories, adding roughly 40 extra calories per small leg. Removing the skin first would bring the calorie count down to 110-130 calories for a fried chicken leg.

Related post: Can you make fried chicken in the oven?

When enjoyed in moderation as part of an overall balanced diet, fried chicken can still be incorporated without sabotaging health goals. Some tips to lighten up fried chicken include using reduced-calorie cooking methods like air frying or baking, watching portion sizes, and balancing it out with lower calorie side dishes.

Limiting deep frying and heavy batter coatings can also help control the calories while still enjoying the signature crunch.

So for a straight answer on calories in a small fried leg – go with an average of 150-180 calories for a drumstick or thigh with the skin on. Monitor your portion sizes and enjoy as an occasional treat within your daily calorie budget.

Calories in One Small Fried Chicken Leg

A small fried chicken leg with the skin on contains about: 150-180 calories. This is for a drumstick or thigh that weighs around 2-3 ounces cooked. The exact calorie count can vary depending on the size of the leg, type of coating, and how it’s fried.

Chicken legs have a higher fat content than chicken breasts. The skin also adds additional calories from fat. A small leg without the skin would have around 110-130 calories.

Calories in 2 Small Fried Chicken Legs

Since most people eat more than one chicken leg as a meal or snack, here are the calories for 2 small fried drumsticks or thighs: 300-360 calories

So if you’re having a couple of legs, you’re looking at 300+ calories. Keep this in mind if you’re tracking your daily calorie intake.

Tips for Enjoying Fried Chicken Without Excess Calories

Here are some tips to keep fried chicken a guilt-free treat:

• • Remove the skin before eating to reduce the calories significantly. The skin adds about 40 calories.
  • Opt for a lighter breading like panko instead of heavy batter coatings.
  • Air fry or bake the chicken instead of deep frying to cut down on oil.
  • Balance it out with lower calorie side dishes like a green salad instead of fries or mac and cheese.
  • Watch your portion sizes. Stick to 1 small leg if trying to limit calories.
  • Use hot sauce or spices instead of dipping in creamy, high-calorie sauces.

–

So go ahead and enjoy some fried chicken! Just be mindful of portions and preparation methods to keep the calorie count reasonable.

FAQs
How many calories is a fried chicken leg?

A small fried chicken leg with the skin on contains about 150-180 calories. This is for a drumstick or thigh weighing 2-3 ounces cooked. A larger leg may have up to 200 calories. Removing the skin would reduce the calories by around 40 per leg.

How many calories are in 2 small fried chicken legs?

Since most people eat more than one chicken leg, two small fried drumsticks or thighs would contain approximately 300-360 calories total. This factors in the higher calorie count of fried chicken compared to grilled or baked. Keep this calorie count in mind if monitoring your overall calorie intake.

How many calories in a small chicken leg with skin?

A small fried chicken leg with the skin on has around 150-180 calories. The skin contributes significant fat and calories, adding about 40 calories more than a leg without skin. So a small fried chicken leg with the skin has 150-180 calories, while removing the skin brings it down to 110-130 calories.

What’s the calorie difference between fried and baked chicken legs?

Baked chicken legs have about 30-50 fewer calories than fried. Baking avoids the extra calories from oil or heavy batter coatings used in frying.

What’s the lowest calorie part of a fried chicken leg?

The meat itself without skin is the lowest calorie part at around 90-110 calories for a small leg. Removing the skin saves you about 40 calories per small leg.

How many calories are in 2 fried drumsticks?

For two small fried chicken drumsticks, the total calorie count would be 300-360 calories. This is based on an average calorie range of 150-180 calories per small drumstick. As a higher fat and calorie preparation, fried chicken has a greater count than baked or grilled. Limiting portion size to 1 drumstick can help reduce calorie intake.

In summary, a single small fried chicken leg with skin contains 150-180 calories, and 300-360 for two legs. Factors like size, coating and frying method can influence the counts. Enjoy fried chicken in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

 

 

[hfe_template id=’18649′]

[hfe_template id=’18656′]