How Many Calories Does Popeyes Chicken Have? A Detailed Look

Popeyes is a popular fast food chain known for its delicious Louisiana-style fried chicken. But with all that crisp juicy chicken comes a lot of calories. So how many calories does Popeyes chicken really have? In this article we’ll take a close look at the calorie counts for all of Popeyes’ menu items.

An Overview of Popeyes’ Calorie Counts

In general, Popeyes chicken tends to be high in calories. Depending on how it’s made, a boneless, breaded piece of white meat chicken can have anywhere from 230 to 700 calories. Fried chicken with the bones in has between 160 and 380 calories for a leg and a breast.

Popeyes is also known for its fried chicken tenders, which have between 340 and 450 calories for three pieces. The boneless wings are especially high in calories, with an order of six wings having between 500 and 1,020 calories.

Along with the chicken, Popeyes’ signature sides like Cajun fries, mac and cheese, biscuits, and coleslaw are all very high in calories. A regular order of fries has 270 calories, and a large order has 800 calories.

Even though Popeyes chicken is tasty, it’s important to watch the portion sizes and sides to keep from eating too many calories.

Calorie Counts for Popeyes Chicken Pieces

Here’s a breakdown of the calorie counts for Popeyes’ bone-in chicken pieces:

• Wing (each): 210 calories
• Leg (each): 160 calories
• Thigh (each): 280 calories
• Breast (each): 380 calories

Popeyes chicken wings have the lowest calorie count per piece at 210 calories each. However, wings are small so it’s easy to eat more than one.

Chicken legs have 160 calories each, making them a lighter option compared to thighs and breasts.

For the leanest piece of bone-in chicken, opt for a leg over a thigh or breast whenever possible.

Calorie Counts for Popeyes Chicken Tenders

Popeyes chicken tenders are another popular menu item. Here are the calorie counts:

• Classic or Spicy Tenders (3 pieces): 450 calories
• Classic or Spicy Tenders (5 pieces): 740 calories
• Blackened Tenders (3 pieces): 170 calories
• Blackened Tenders (5 pieces): 280 calories

The blackened chicken tenders are a lighter option with just 170 calories for 3 pieces. The classic fried tenders have over double the calories.

To save calories with tenders, stick to a 3-piece order or try the grilled blackened style. And be mindful of any dipping sauce, which can add 70-150 calories per container.

Calorie Counts for Popeyes Boneless Wings

While delicious, Popeyes boneless wings pack a major calorie punch:

• Classic Boneless Wings (6 pieces): 500 calories
• Honey BBQ Boneless Wings (6 pieces): 700 calories
• Honey Lemon Pepper Boneless Wings (6 pieces): 750 calories
• Roasted Garlic Parmesan Boneless Wings (6 pieces): 860 calories
• Signature Hot Boneless Wings (6 pieces): 1,020 calories
• Sweet n Spicy Boneless Wings (6 pieces): 730 calories

Just 6 boneless wings contain 500-1,020 calories depending on the preparation. The signature hot wings are the highest at over 1,000 calories for a 6-piece order.

To lighten up these boneless wings, stick to a 3-piece serving or share an order. And avoid heavy sauces like honey BBQ or signature hot.

Calorie Counts for Popeyes Bone-In Wings

Popeyes also serves up juicy bone-in wings with the following calorie counts:

• Spicy Wings (6 pieces): 680 calories
• Honey BBQ Wings (6 pieces): 880 calories
• Honey Lemon Pepper Wings (6 pieces): 920 calories
• Roasted Garlic Parmesan Wings (6 pieces): 1,040 calories
• Signature Hot Wings (6 pieces): 1,190 calories
• Sweet n Spicy Wings (6 pieces): 950 calories

The signature hot bone-in wings are highest in calories, with almost 1,200 calories for 6 wings. The spicy wings are the lightest at 680 calories.

For lower calorie wings, stick to 3 pieces instead of 6. And avoid heavy sauces which can pile on the calories.

Calorie Counts for Popeyes Chicken Sandwiches

Popeyes chicken sandwiches became a viral sensation for their crispy fried chicken and soft brioche buns. But the calories add up fast:

• Chicken Sandwich – Classic: 700 calories
• Chicken Sandwich – Spicy: 700 calories

Each Popeyes chicken sandwich packs 700 calories! While delicious, try splitting one or opting for a lighter side item to balance out the meal.

Calorie Counts for Popeyes Popcorn Shrimp

For a lighter seafood option, Popeyes popcorn shrimp has:

• Popcorn Shrimp (1/4 lb): 390 calories

While still fried, the popcorn shrimp has fewer calories than most of Popeyes’ chicken selections. Stick to the 1/4 lb portion to keep calories in check.

Calorie Counts for Popeyes Side Dishes

Popeyes is known for its seriously indulgent Cajun-style side dishes. Here are the calorie counts:

Signature Sides

• Biscuit: 210 calories
• Cajun Fries (regular): 270 calories
• Cajun Fries (large): 800 calories
• Mac and Cheese (regular): 280 calories
• Mac and Cheese (large): 850 calories
• Mashed Potatoes with Cajun Gravy (regular): 110 calories
• Mashed Potatoes with Cajun Gravy (large): 330 calories
• Red Beans and Rice (regular): 250 calories
• Red Beans and Rice (large): 610 calories
• Cole Slaw (regular): 140 calories
• Cole Slaw (large): 420 calories

The Cajun fries, mac and cheese, mashed potatoes, and red beans and rice all see major calorie spikes when going from a regular to large size. Stick to regular portions or split a large size to keep calories in check.

Breakfast Sides

• Biscuit: 210 calories
• Cajun Fries: 360 calories
• Grits: 370 calories
• Hash Browns: 360 calories

Popeyes’ breakfast biscuits, grits, and hash browns all weigh in between 210-370 calories. The grits and hash browns are your best bet for a lighter breakfast side.

Beverages

• Sweet Tea (small): 180 calories
• Lemonade (small): 270 calories
• Soda (small): 230-280 calories

Watch out for calories in Popeyes’ sweet tea, lemonade, and soda, which all contain over 200 calories per small serving. Opt for water or unsweetened tea to avoid extra calories.

Calorie Counts for Popeyes Breakfast Items

Popeyes serves up fried chicken and southern classics for breakfast. Here are the calorie counts:

• Chicken Biscuit: 490 calories
• Sausage Biscuit: 540 calories
• Egg Biscuit: 510 calories
• Egg and Sausage Biscuit: 690 calories
• Bacon Biscuit: 400 calories
• Sausage and Gravy Biscuit: 510 calories

All of Popeyes breakfast biscuit sandwiches weigh in between 400-690 calories. The egg biscuit or bacon biscuit are your best bets for a lighter option under 510 calories.

Calorie Counts for Popeyes Dip and Sauces

Popeyes’ signature dipping sauces can pile on the calories:

• Bayou Buffalo Sauce: 70 calories
• BoldBQ Sauce: 45 calories
• Buttermilk Ranch Sauce: 150 calories
• Blackened Ranch Sauce: 120 calories
• Mardi Gras Mustard Sauce: 100 calories
• Sweet Heat Sauce: 70 calories
• Tartar Sauce: 140 calories

Go easy on sauces or dip your chicken in a lighter option like Bayou Buffalo, BoldBQ, or Sweet Heat to keep calories down.

Calorie Counts for Popeyes Desserts

To satisfy your sweet tooth, Popeyes offers several fried desserts including:

• Cinnamon Apple Pie: 240 calories
• Sweet Potato Pie: 350 calories

The cinnamon apple pie is lower in calories than the sweet potato pie. Or better yet, skip the fried desserts altogether.

Calorie Counts for Popeyes Kid’s Meals

Popeyes’ kid’s meals feature the following options and calories:

• Kid’s Chicken Leg – Classic: 160 calories
• Kid’s Chicken Tenders – Classic (3 pieces): 150 calories

The kid’s leg and tenders clock in around 150-160 calories, making them lighter options than the regular servings.

Tips for Eating Low Calorie at Popeyes

Here are some tips to enjoy Popeyes without going overboard on calories:

• Stick to chicken legs, wings, or blackened tenders which are lower in calories than breasts, thighs or fried tenders.

• Choose 3-piece portions over 5-piece. Share larger orders or take half home.

• Skip heavy sauces and dipping options.

• Choose lighter sides like corn, green beans, slaw, or jalapeños instead of fries or mac and cheese.

• Opt for grilled chicken sandwiches over crispy fried whenever possible.

• Split desserts or avoid them altogether.

• Choose water, unsweetened tea, or diet soda instead of sugary drinks.

While Popeyes chicken does come with a good dose of calories, you can enjoy your food there without overdoing it. Focus on lighter menu options, control portions, and balance out your meal. Then you can fulfill your fried chicken cravings while still sticking to your healthy eating goals!

Yes, Popeyes chicken, particularly their fried options, is generally considered unhealthy due to high levels of calories, fat, and sodium.