How Many Calories Are in Walmart Fried Chicken?

Fried chicken is a staple comfort food for many Americans. The crispy juicy chicken coated in seasoned batter and deep fried to golden perfection is hard to resist. While this Southern favorite is delicious, it is also high in calories and fat especially fast food versions like those sold at Walmart. If you are watching your calorie intake, you may be wondering just how many calories are in Walmart’s fried chicken. In this article, we will break down the calorie count, ingredients, and health impact of America’s favorite fried food.

Calorie Count in Walmart Fried Chicken

There is a wide range in the number of calories in Walmart fried chicken depending on the cut and size of the serving. What’s more, one piece of breaded, boneless fried chicken from Walmart usually has about

• Drumstick: 230 calories
• Breast: 280 calories
• Thigh: 370 calories
• Wing: 150 calories

Bone-in cuts will be slightly higher in calories. Plus, breading and batter make fried chicken more caloric than just fried chicken. Three breaded chicken tenders from Walmart, for instance, have around 420 calories.

Overall, a typical 3-piece mixed fried chicken meal with two sides at Walmart will contain around 750-1,000 calories. This is quite high, considering the recommended daily calorie intake for most adults is around 2,000 calories.

What’s in Walmart’s Fried Chicken?

To understand the high calorie count, we have to look at what goes into that crispy golden fried chicken from Walmart:

Chicken – Walmart uses fresh, never frozen chicken. The type of cut whether breast, thigh, drumstick, etc. impacts the calorie count.

Foods that are breaded are made with enriched wheat flour, baking powder, salt, spices, and seasonings. This adds carbohydrates and sodium.

Batter – Typically made from eggs, milk, flour, spices and seasonings. Eggs and milk add extra fat and calories.

Oil for Frying – Walmart likely uses vegetable or canola oil, which are high in inflammatory omega-6 fatty acids when heated to high temperatures.

Condiments – Fried chicken is often served with condiments like honey mustard or barbecue sauce which can have added sugars.

As you can see, the combination of protein-rich chicken, starchy batter and breading, and frying in hot oil all contribute to the high calorie content.

How Does Fried Chicken Impact Your Health?

While tasty, regularly eating deep fried foods like Walmart fried chicken can have negative health impacts over time:

• Weight gain – fried chicken is high in calories and fat which can quickly add extra pounds if consumed frequently. Just one 3-piece fried chicken meal can contain over 1,000 calories, half of your daily recommended intake.

• High cholesterol – the saturated fat in fried chicken can raise LDL (bad) cholesterol levels which increases your risk for heart disease.

• High blood pressure – excess sodium intake from the batter, breading and seasoning can cause high blood pressure.

• Inflammation – frying at high temperatures produces inflammatory compounds in oils which may increase cancer and disease risk.

• Nutrient deficiency – frying strips away healthy nutrients like vitamins and minerals while adding empty calories and fat.

Moderation is key when enjoying indulgent foods like fried chicken. Stick to a single piece a couple times a month rather than a whole meal multiple times a week. Remove the skin before eating to cut about 50% of the fat and calories. Pair it with healthier side dishes like a green salad to balance the meal.

Healthier Alternatives to Walmart Fried Chicken

If you love the flavor of fried chicken but want to keep your calorie count and fat intake lower, consider these healthier alternatives next time you shop at Walmart:

• Grilled chicken – ditch the breading and fryer and simply grill up seasoned chicken breast or thighs. Far lower in fat and calories.

• Baked chicken – coat chicken pieces in breadcrumbs and bake until crisp. Use healthier whole grain breadcrumbs to add fiber.

• Air fried chicken – many swear this latest gadget makes chicken with a crispy outside and juicy inside without all the oil.

• Chicken salad – toss shredded grilled or roasted chicken with fresh veggies, cottage cheese, or greek yogurt for a lighter meal.

• Rotisserie chicken – grab a hot ready-to-eat rotisserie chicken from the deli section and pair it with a side salad for an easy lower calorie option.

The Bottom Line

Walmart’s fried chicken can contain between 150-370 calories per piece depending on the cut and preparation method. A full fried chicken meal often adds up to over 1,000 calories, which is very high for a single meal. While tasty, frequent fried chicken consumption can lead to weight gain and increase risk for chronic illness over time. Balance out this indulgent food by eating it only occasionally, pairing it with vegetables, and opting for healthier cooking methods like grilling or baking when possible. Moderation and variety are key when incorporating fried chicken into an overall healthy diet.