Arby’s Buffalo Chicken Slider: How Many Calories Are You Really Eating?

Want something quick and tasty but worried about how many calories it has? I know how you feel. I love fast food but try to watch what I eat, so I totally get how hard it is. Today, we’re going to talk in depth about the Buffalo Chicken Slider, which is one of Arby’s most popular menu items. Let’s look at how many calories you’ll be getting when you order this spicy little sandwich.

The Quick Answer: Buffalo Chicken Slider Calories

For those in a hurry, here’s the straightforward answer:

Arby’s Buffalo Chicken Slider contains 290 calories per serving.

But that’s just the beginning of the story! There’s so much more to know about this menu item if you’re tracking your diet or just curious about what you’re eating.

Complete Nutritional Breakdown

According to Carb Manager’s detailed analysis, here’s what you’re getting in each Buffalo Chicken Slider:

This nutritional profile gives us a pretty clear picture of what we’re dealing with. The slider is relatively moderate in calories compared to many fast food items, but it does pack a significant amount of sodium and carbs.

Is the Buffalo Chicken Slider Good for Your Diet?

It depends on the type of diet you’re on! Let’s break it down by type of diet:

For Low-Carb or Keto Dieters

If you’re on a strict keto diet (which usually limits carbs to 20–50g per day), this slider might use up most or all of your daily carb allowance (with 29g of net carbs). Probably not the best choice if you’re trying to stay in ketosis.

For Calorie Counters

At 299 calories, the Buffalo Chicken Slider could be part of a calorie-controlled diet as a smaller meal or a substantial snack. For example, if you’re on a 2,000-calorie diet (which is what nutrition labels usually say), this slider makes up about 145% of your daily calorie intake.

For Sodium Watchers

The 860mg of sodium is pretty significant – that’s about 37% of the recommended daily limit of 2,300mg. If you’re watching your salt intake due to blood pressure concerns or other health issues, you might wanna think twice.

For Protein Seekers

With 12g of protein, this slider provides a decent protein boost, though not as much as some other fast food options. It could be a good post-workout snack in a pinch.

What’s Actually IN a Buffalo Chicken Slider?

Arby’s doesn’t provide the full ingredient list on their website, but based on similar products, we can make some educated guesses about what’s in this slider:

• A mini bun (providing most of the carbohydrates)
• Crispy chicken (breaded and fried, contributing to both protein and fat content)
• Buffalo sauce (giving it that signature spicy flavor)
• Possibly ranch or blue cheese dressing (adding to the fat content)

The combination of fried chicken and buffalo sauce creates that craveable spicy kick that makes this slider so popular despite its small size.

How Does It Compare to Other Arby’s Menu Items?

The Buffalo Chicken Slider is part of Arby’s Value Menu, which typically features smaller portions at lower prices. Here’s how it stacks up against some other Arby’s offerings:

• Buffalo Chicken Slider: 290 calories, 31g carbs, 12g protein
• Roast Beef Classic: Usually around 360-400 calories, higher protein content
• Curly Fries (small): Approximately 400 calories, higher in carbs and fat
• Jamocha Shake (small): Usually over 500 calories, much higher in sugar

As you can see, the Buffalo Chicken Slider is actually one of the more calorie-conscious choices on the Arby’s menu, especially if you’re looking for something with some protein that won’t completely derail your diet.

Practical Tips for Ordering

If you’re watching your calorie intake but still want to enjoy this Arby’s treat, here are some tips:

• Skip the combo – Adding fries and a drink can easily triple your calorie intake
• Consider a side salad instead of fries to keep calories lower
• Watch your sauce – Extra sauce means extra calories
• Drink water instead of soda to save hundreds of calories
• Balance your day – If you know you’ll be having this slider, plan your other meals accordingly

The Value Menu Perspective

Being on Arby’s Value Menu, the Buffalo Chicken Slider is designed to be an affordable option. This means you’re getting a decent amount of food satisfaction for the calorie count and price point.

For many busy people (like me!), this makes it a tempting option when you need something quick and don’t want to completely blow your diet. I’ve definitely grabbed one of these when I’m in a hurry and need something to tide me over!

Real Talk: Is It Worth It?

Here’s my honest opinion: if you’re occasionally grabbing fast food and want something relatively controlled in terms of portion size and calories, the Buffalo Chicken Slider isn’t a terrible choice. It delivers that buffalo chicken flavor experience for fewer calories than many alternatives.

However, if you’re seriously tracking macros or following a specific diet plan, there are probably better options out there. The relatively high sodium and carb content might not align with your specific goals.

I personally think of it as an “sometimes food” – not something to base your diet around, but not something you need to feel terribly guilty about enjoying occasionally either.

Healthier Alternatives

If you’re craving that buffalo chicken flavor but want to keep things lighter, here are some alternatives:

• Make your own at home using grilled chicken and light buffalo sauce
• Try a buffalo chicken salad (skip the ranch dressing or use it sparingly)
• Look for buffalo chicken wraps that use less bread than a sandwich
• Consider buffalo cauliflower bites for a vegetarian alternative with fewer calories

The Bottom Line on Buffalo Chicken Slider Calories

At 290 calories, Arby’s Buffalo Chicken Slider sits in a middle ground of fast food options. It’s not the lightest item you could choose, but it’s far from the heaviest. The 31g of carbs, 13g of fat, and 12g of protein give it a somewhat balanced macronutrient profile, though the 860mg of sodium is definitely on the high side.

Whether this fits into your diet depends entirely on your personal nutrition goals and the rest of your day’s eating. As with most fast food, moderation is key!

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Buffalo Chicken Slider the lowest calorie option at Arby’s?

Not quite. Some of their side salads (without dressing) would be lower in calories, but among their sandwich options, it’s one of the lower-calorie choices.

Can I eat this on a keto diet?

With 29g of net carbs, it would be challenging to fit this into a strict keto diet that typically limits carbs to 20-50g per day. You’d have to eat virtually no other carbs that day.

How does the Buffalo Chicken Slider compare to similar items at other fast food chains?

It’s generally comparable to or slightly lower in calories than similar “slider” or “mini sandwich” options at competitors like White Castle or Burger King.

Is there a way to make this order healthier?

You could ask for the buffalo sauce on the side and use it sparingly, or see if they’ll make it without certain components, though fast food restaurants aren’t always accommodating of special requests.

What’s the best time to eat this if I’m watching my weight?

If you’re going to indulge, lunchtime is often better than late evening, as you’ll have more time to burn off those calories throughout the day.

My Personal Take

As someone who enjoys fast food but also tries to keep an eye on nutrition, I think the Buffalo Chicken Slider hits a decent balance. When I’m craving something spicy and satisfying but don’t want to completely throw my eating plan out the window, it’s an option I consider.

The key, as with most things in nutrition, is awareness and moderation. Now that you know exactly what you’re getting calorie-wise with Arby’s Buffalo Chicken Slider, you can make an informed decision about whether and when to include it in your diet.

Remember, no single food is “good” or “bad” – it’s your overall dietary pattern that matters most. So whether you decide to enjoy this spicy little sandwich occasionally or skip it altogether, you’re making that choice armed with the facts.

And sometimes, that buffalo chicken craving just won’t be denied – and that’s OK too! We’re all human after all.