Drumette vs Drumstick: Wingering and Legging

January 23, 2023
Written by Kristy J. Norton

The drumstick (dark meat) and drumette (white meat) are two delicious cuts of chicken when properly prepared. However, as you may have suspected, they both differ in the sense that the drumstick is taken from the lower part of the leg, while the chicken drumette is taken from the meatier part of the chicken wing.

Using my knowledge as an experienced chef, I will explain more about these differences in this short guide. We’ll also analyze each of these chicken cuts to find out which one you’ll like better. 

drumette vs drumstick

Drumette Vs Drumstick: What’s the Difference?

Drumette Vs Drumstick: a Summary

Attribute

Drumettes

Drumsticks

Location

Near the chicken shoulder

Lower part of chicken leg

Shape

Round, curve shape

Long, thin shape

Flavor

Milder flavor

Stronger flavor

Costs

More expensive

Less expensive

Cooking Methods

Any of your favorite methods

Any of your favorite methods

Fat Content 

Higher fat content

Lower fat content

Location

Chicken drumettes are generally located near the chicken shoulder, while chicken drumsticks are located on the lower part of the chicken’s leg

Chicken drumettes, also known as a mini drumstick, are small, wing-shaped meat cuts taken from the meatier part of the wing, close to the bird’s shoulder. 

Drumsticks, also known as dark meat, are the lower portion of the chicken’s leg. I prefer to use this part as the main protein in a dish, as they have a large amount of chicken meat, and are easy to handle.

Appearance

Chicken drumettes are small, wing-shaped cuts of meat that have a round, curved shape. They are typically about 5-6 inches long and have a meaty texture. This part is surrounded by white meat, known for its delicious tenderness.

On the other hand, drumsticks are the lower portion of the chicken legs, and they have a long, fleshy shape. They are typically about 5-8 inches long and are primarily composed of dark meat, which is the tastiest and most nutritious part of the chicken. 

Moreover, the outer part of the drumstick is covered in a layer of skin, which can be removed before cooking if desired. Both the drumette and chicken drumstick have bones running through the center of the meat, which you can remove before cooking or leave in for added flavor.

Flavor

Drumsticks tend to have a stronger flavor than drumettes. The flavor of drumettes and chicken drumsticks can vary slightly depending on how they are cooked and seasoned. 

In general, drumettes tend to have a slightly milder flavor compared to drumsticks because they come from the meatier part of the wing, near the shoulder. Drumsticks, on the other hand, come from the lower part of the chicken’s leg and may have a slightly stronger flavor due to the muscles being used more frequently.

The flavor of both chicken drumettes and drumsticks can be enhanced by marinating them or seasoning them before cooking. They can be cooked in a variety of ways, including grilling, frying, or roasting, which can also impact their flavor.

Costs

Drumettes are more expensive than drumsticks. The cost of drumettes and drumsticks can vary depending on a few factors such as the breed of the bird, location, and so on. 

In general, drumettes tend to be more expensive than drumsticks, because they are taken from a more premium part of the chicken and are generally considered to be more desirable as a food item.

However, the actual cost difference between the two chicken cuts can vary widely, so I suggest checking the price of both cuts before making a purchase.

Chicken Drumsticks Wings

Cooking Methods

You can use any cooking method to prepare both according to your taste. The cooking methods for drumettes and drumsticks can vary depending on the specific recipe and desired outcome. 

Since drumettes are smaller in size, they cook more evenly. Moreover, this piece of white meat is surrounded by fat and tender flesh, so it gets the job done quickly.

On the other hand, chicken drumsticks take a longer time to cook. Drumsticks require more attention when barbecuing because you can easily overcook them, causing a dry, grainy texture which reduces the tastiness.

In addition, drumettes are generally more tender than drumsticks. For this reason, they are better-suited to cooking methods that involve shorter cooking times or lower heat levels. 

Drumsticks, on the other hand, may require longer cooking times or higher heat levels to become juicy and tender.

Overall, the best cooking method for drumettes and drumsticks will depend on the specific recipe and desired results. 

I recommend that you carefully follow the recipe and pay attention to the cooking time and temperature to ensure that the poultry is cooked to the desired level of doneness.

Fat Content

The difference in fat between drumettes and drumsticks can vary. In general, drumettes tend to have a higher fat content than drumsticks, because they are taken from a fattier part of the bird. 

Drumettes are taken from the breast meat of the chicken, which is a barely exercised area. For this reason, drumettes tend to have higher fat deposits than drumsticks, which are majorly comprised of frequently exercised muscles. 

It is worth noting that the fat content of drumettes and drumsticks can vary widely depending on the specific type of poultry and the specific location of the bird from which they are taken. 

What’s a Drumette?

A chicken drumette, also called drummies, is the upper region of a chicken wing. This region connects the chicken’s wing to the body.

In my experience, the drumette is the tastiest and most tender part of the wing. These bite-sized chunks have a wide, comfortable core bone that makes them perfect for snacking.

Raw Chicken Wings

What’s a Drumstick?

A chicken leg consists of a thigh and a drumstick. The drumstick is the smaller, lower portion of the leg. The term “drumstick” is commonly used for this piece of meat because the shape resembles that of drumsticks used for drumming centuries ago.

Drumsticks are easy to cook and are always a hit at barbecues. Chicken drumsticks are usually sold with the skin still on. Of course, you can choose to remove the skin before cooking. However, many BBQers claim that the skin adds more flavor and moisture to the meat.

Raw Chicken Drumsticks

What are The Three Parts of Chicken Wings?

Chicken wings are made of three main parts: the chicken drumette, the wingette, and the tip.

1. The Drumette

This is a small, chicken-wing-shaped cut of meat that is taken from the upper part of the bird’s wing, close to the shoulder region. It is usually quite meaty and has a mild flavor.

2. The Wingette

This is the flat, bone-in section of the wing that is located between the drumette and the tip. Composed of two bones, it is often coated in a variety of sauces or seasonings and is often served as a snack or appetizer.

3. The Tip

This is the thin, pointed end of the wing that is located at the opposite end of the drumette. It is usually discarded or used in stock or broth, as it is often too small and bony to be eaten.

Together, these three parts make up chicken wings. They are typically cooked and served as a whole, although it is possible to separate them and cook them individually if desired.

Three Parts of Chicken Wings

Wingette vs Drumette

Wingettes are flat, boneless parts of a chicken wing. On the other hand, drumettes are typically bigger chunks of meat, with one piece of bone in the middle. 

A wingette is a flat, meatier portion of the wing that is cut from the upper portion of the wing, close to the body

Wingettes are often breaded and fried, and are typically larger and wider than a chicken drumette.

A drumette is a smaller, drumstick-shaped piece of white meat cut from the upper portion of the wing, near the shoulder joint. 

Drumettes have a round, curved shape and are usually smaller and more tender than wingettes. They are also often breaded and fried, but they can also be grilled or roasted.

Both wingettes and drumettes can be seasoned and served as a snack or appetizer or used as an ingredient in various dishes. I like to serve them with dips or hot sauce, such as buffalo sauce, ranch dressing, or barbecue sauce.

What’s the Difference Between a Chicken Drumstick and a Chicken Wing?

A drumstick is the lower portion of the chicken leg, below the chicken thighs. In comparison, a chicken wing is a part of the chicken’s upper body. 

Drumsticks are long, fleshy pieces of meat with one bone running through the center. As I mentioned earlier, I love using drumsticks as the main protein in a dish, as they have a large amount of meat and look tantalizing.

Chicken wings are made up of the chicken drumette, the wingette, and the tip. The chicken drumette is the chicken wing-shaped cut of meat we’ve discussed above. 

The wingette is the flat, boneless part of the wing. The tip is a small, bony part at the end of the wing that is often discarded by butchers. I like how easy it is to cook chicken wings and they’re always a tasty addition at BBQs. 

My Drumstick and Drumette Recipe

There are many delicious recipes that use drumsticks and drumettes as the main ingredient. 

Here is my simple recipe for oven-baked drumsticks and drumettes that is easy to make and full of flavor:

Ingredients

  • 8 drumsticks
  • 8 drumettes
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 teaspoons paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Direction

Step 1

First, preheat your oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit. Then, mix the paprika, onion powder, oregano, garlic powder, basil, salt, and black pepper in a bowl.

Step 2

Place the drumsticks and drumettes in a baking dish and drizzle with olive oil.

Step 3

Sprinkle the spice mixture over the drumsticks and drumettes, making sure to coat them evenly.

Step 4

Bake the drumsticks and drumettes in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until they are cooked through, and the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.

Step 5

Serve the drumsticks and drumettes hot, with your choice of dipping sauce or side dishes. Enjoy!

Pro Tip: This recipe can be easily modified to suit your taste by adding or substituting different spices or herbs. You can also grill or deep fry the drumsticks and drumettes instead of baking them. Your choice!

Roasted Chicken Drumstick

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I Use Drumettes in Broths?

You can use drumettes in broths. In fact, you can use the entire chicken wing in broths. Drumettes also taste great in soups, and you can even shred the tender meat into the soup and experiment with different recipes.

2. Does Eating Drumette Have Any Drawbacks?

It’s vital to eat drumettes in moderation because they contain a lot of cholesterol. This white meat is covered by fat and muscle. Remember, chicken skin contains plenty of calories. So, if you’re trying to lose weight, it’s preferable to eat the drumette without the skin. On the other hand, drumettes are a great source of protein and nutrients, including iron, and potassium.

Conclusion 

The main difference between the drumstick and drumette is their location on the chicken and the proportion of white and dark meat they contain. The drumstick is a long, thin piece of dark meat from the lower leg of the chicken, while the drumette is a small, wing-like piece of meat with a mix of white and dark meat from the upper part of the chicken’s wing.

By Kristy J. Norton
I'm Kristy – a chef and connoisseur of all things BBQ! You can find me either in my kitchen (or someone else's) or at a big outdoor barbecue surrounded by friends and family. In both my professional and personal life I’ve picked up more than a few tips and tricks for turning out delicious food. I consider it a privilege to share it with others!
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