One cup of Grilled chicken leg with skin is around 238. 1 grams and contains approximately 511. 9 calories, 43. 0 grams of protein, 35. 9 grams of fat, and 0 grams of carbohydrates. Grilled Chicken Leg With Skin is a mouthwatering dish that brings together juicy, tender chicken and deliciously crispy skin. Originating from classic barbecue traditions, this dish is popular in many cuisines around the world. Each leg is marinated to perfection, enhancing its natural flavors while delivering the smoky essence from the grill. While the skin adds a satisfying crunch and flavor, it does contain extra fat, so enjoy it in moderation. For a healthy meal, eat grilled chicken legs with fresh vegetables. They are full of protein and give you a lot of energy. Indulge in this deliciously satisfying treat that combines taste and tradition!.
As a health-conscious foodie who loves grilling, I often get asked how many calories are in a grilled chicken leg. This juicy and flavorful poultry choice seems like a nutritious option, but how many calories does it really contain? In this detailed article, I’ll provide a comprehensive calorie breakdown and nutrition facts to help you make informed choices.
Counting Calories in Chicken Legs
The calorie content of a grilled chicken leg can vary depending on a few key factors
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Skin on or skinless – The skin contributes a significant amount of fat and calories. A skin-on chicken leg contains around 213 calories, while a skinless one has only 140 calories.
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Method of cooking: Grilling is one of the better ways to cook. Frying chicken legs adds a lot more calories from oil.
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Size of the leg—Chicken legs that are bigger naturally have more calories and nutrients. Portion size influences calorie intake.
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Added ingredients – Marinades, rubs, and sauces introduce more variables into the equation. Some add minimal calories, while others can pack on the sugar and fat.
You can see that the number of calories changes a lot depending on how it is made. Let’s explore further.
Macronutrients – Protein, Fat, and Carbs
Chicken legs are an excellent source of protein and fat, with minimal carbohydrates:
- Protein: Skinless – 28g, Skin-on – 30g
- Fat: Skinless – 5g, Skin-on – 12g
- Carbs: 0-3g
Protein is essential for building and repairing muscles. Chicken legs are a good choice for active people because they are high in protein.
The fat content varies significantly based on skin. For calorie-conscious eaters, skinless is ideal. For those focused on flavor or satiety, skin-on offers ample monounsaturated and saturated fat.
With virtually zero carbs, chicken legs fit nicely into low-carb diets like keto. The minerals and vitamins offer additional valuable nutrition.
Micronutrient Perks – Vitamins and Minerals
Beyond macronutrients, chicken legs provide substantial amounts of key micronutrients:
- Niacin – Supports energy metabolism.
- Selenium – Boosts immune health with antioxidant powers.
- Phosphorus – Benefits bone health.
- Zinc – Enhances immune function.
- Iron – Essential for blood health.
- Choline – Impacts memory, mood, and muscle control.
These vitamins and minerals offer health perks that processed foods simply can’t replicate. It’s nutrition you can feel good about.
Grilling Methods Impact Calories
While grilling chicken is healthier than frying, the specific technique still influences calorie content:
- Direct heat – Allows fat to drip away, lowering calories slightly.
- Indirect heat – Retains more fat and moisture, resulting in slightly higher calories.
- Flip frequency – Less flipping keeps more juices and fat intact.
- Temperature – Higher heat renders out more fat.
I recommend grilling over direct heat, flipping occasionally, and removing the skin before eating to minimize calories without sacrificing too much flavor and texture.
Marinades and Sauces
With calorie counts ranging from 140-213 for a plain chicken leg, marinades and sauces can really tip the scales. Some additions pack over 100 calories per serving. To keep calories in check:
- Use calorie-conscious marinades – Opt for low-sugar, low-oil options with simple herbs, spices, vinegar, etc.
- Limit high-calorie sauces – Skip cream-based sauces and enjoy salsa, mustard, or hot sauce instead.
- Watch portions – Even lower-calorie sauces add up when poured liberally. Stick to a couple tablespoons.
Satisfying and Nutritious
Grilled chicken legs offer a truly satisfying meatiness and texture, especially with the skin providing added juiciness and crunch. Yet they remain relatively low in calories for a hearty protein source. Plus, the generous amounts of protein, vitamins, and minerals will nourish your body.
So go ahead and enjoy a grilled chicken leg or two guilt-free…just keep portions in check! Aim for a 150 calorie skinless leg with a sensible marinade or sauce to keep calories around the 200 mark. Your tastebuds and health will thank you.
Log this food in SnapCalorie
Quantity: 511.9 calories 43.0 protein 0 carbohydrates 35.9 fat
| Calories | 511.9 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| % Daily Value* | |||
| Total Fat | 35.9 g | 46% | |
| Saturated Fat | 10.1 g | 50% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 200 mg | 66% | |
| Sodium | 195.2 mg | 8% | |
| Total Carbohydrates | 0 g | 0% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 0 g | 0% | |
| Sugars | 0 g | ||
| protein | 43.0 g | 86% | |
| Vitamin D | 0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 26.2 mg | 2% | |
| Iron | 2.1 mg | 11% | |
| Potassium | 531.0 mg | 11% | |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
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FAQ
How many calories are in one grilled chicken leg?
One cup of Grilled chicken leg with skin is around 238. 1 grams and contains approximately 511. 9 calories, 43. 0 grams of protein, 35. 9 grams of fat, and 0 grams of carbohydrates.
How many calories are in a grilled chicken drumstick with skin?
A grilled chicken drumstick with skin typically contains between 175 and 220 calories.
How many calories in a whole chicken leg with skin?
1 medium (140 g) of Chicken Leg (with Skin) contains 305 calories (kcal), 19. 1 g fat, 0. 2 g carbs and 33. 3 g protein. prot.
How many calories are in one full chicken leg?
| Calories (Cal) | 427 |
|---|---|
| Saturated (g) | 11.1 |
| Trans (g) | 0.12 |
| Cholesterol (mg) | 185 |
| Sodium (mg) | 168 |
How many calories are in grilled chicken legs?
Each grilled chicken leg with skin has about 344 to 458 calories, while each boneless, skinless leg has about 165 calories. The exact count can vary based on cooking methods and additives. What nutritional benefits do grilled chicken legs offer?.
Are grilled chicken legs healthy?
Grilled chicken legs provide essential nutrients, including: Protein: Promotes muscle growth and repair. Vitamins: Contains B vitamins, which support energy metabolism. Minerals: Offers minerals like phosphorus and selenium, vital for bone health and immune function. Several factors can influence the calorie content of grilled chicken legs:
How many calories in BBQ chicken leg?
Calories in bbq chicken leg Calories 178. 0 Total Fat 0. 0 g Saturated Fat 0. 0 g Polyunsaturated Fat 0. 0 g Monounsaturated Fat 0. 0 g 7 more rows.
How many calories are in a cooked chicken leg?
There are 331 calories in 1 leg quarter of Roasted Broiled or Baked Chicken Leg (Skin Eaten). Calorie breakdown: 54% fat, 0% carbs, 46% protein.
How many calories are in grilled chicken thighs?
Ingredient Specific Calorie Information From Our Recipes: Calories In Grilled Chicken Thigh Boneless, Skinless – Sand-RA Calories: 403, Fat: 19g, Carbs: 26g, Protein: 31g, Fiber: 3g Calories In Spaghetti with sand (sauce only) Calories: 198, Fat: 20g, Carbs: 5g, Protein: 1g, Fiber: 0g.
Are skinless chicken legs healthy?
To maximize the health benefits, you can opt for skinless chicken legs. You can get a lean source of protein from a boneless, skinless leg, which has about 165 calories. When grilling, consider using marinades with herbs and spices to limit calorie intake while boosting flavor.