How Many Calories Are in BBQ Chicken Wings?

BBQ chicken wings are a popular appetizer or snack that can be found at many restaurants and bars. But with their tantalizing sauce and crispy skin, it’s easy to lose track of just how many calories you’re consuming when indulging in these finger-licking treats. So how many calories are actually in bbq chicken wings? Let’s break it down.

Calorie Count Depends on Serving Size

BBQ wings have a lot of different amounts of calories that depend on how many you eat. A standard order of 6 to 12 wings is what most restaurants and takeout places offer. Nutritionix says that six medium-sized chicken wings with skin have about:

• 564 calories
• 40g fat
• 42g protein

So a typical single serving of 6 wings has around 564 calories But some restaurants serve larger orders, so you could be taking in more like 800-900 calories if you get an order of 12 wings The exact calorie count also depends on if you get drums, flats, or a mix of both. Drums tend to have a bit more meat and fat compared to flats.

Sauce Adds Lots of Calories

A major contributor to the high calorie count in bbq wings is the sauce. Traditional bbq sauce is loaded with sugar, which quickly drives up the calories. Just 2-3 tablespoons of thick, sweet bbq sauce can add 150 calories or more to your wings. The recipe that the restaurant uses and how liberally they coat the wings will impact the calories. More sauce equals more calories.

Some lighter BBQ sauces only have about 40 calories per 2 tablespoon serving. If you choose one of these low-calorie sauces or ask for your wings without sauce, you can cut at least 100 calories per serving.

Other Factors That Increase Calories

Besides the sauce, there are a few other things that can make barbecue chicken wings higher in calories:

• Breading/battering – Wings that are breaded or battered before frying pile on extra calories from the coating, Naked or traditional non-breaded wings are a better choice

• Fried food oil—wings are often deep-fried, which adds a lot of calories. Grilled wings are a healthier option.

• Dips and dressings – Ranch, blue cheese, honey mustard, and other dips add extra fat and calories. Ask for wings naked without a dip.

• Size of wings – Larger wings mean you’re getting more meat and fat per wing. Opt for medium wings if you have a choice.

• Extras – Toppings like cheese, bacon, etc. further increase the calories. Stick to plain wings.

Tips for Lower Calorie Wings

To lighten up your hot wings order, keep these tips in mind:

• Stick to a 6 wing serving or less
• Choose grilled instead of fried
• Get them without breading or batter
• Ask for light sauce on the side and dip carefully
• Skip creamy, fatty dips and dressings
• Remove skin if you don’t mind getting messy

Watching your portions and using these tweaks can save you several hundred calories. Bbq wings don’t have to ruin your healthy eating goals if you indulge wisely. Moderation and smart choices when ordering are key.

So in general, a typical serving of 6 bbq chicken wings will cost you around 500-600 calories. It adds up fast, so stop at one serving! Being mindful of all the calorie-boosting add-ons and choosing healthier preparation methods can also help keep your wings relatively diet-friendly. Now go enjoy those finger-lickin’ wings without the extra guilt!