How Many Calories Are in a Boneless Chicken Wing?

Boneless chicken wings have become a popular appetizer and snack in recent years Their popularity is owed to their great taste and convenience – all the flavor of a traditional bone-in wing without the mess, But many people wonder just how healthy these boneless wings really are The main question is how many calories are in a boneless chicken wing?

What Exactly is a Boneless Chicken Wing?

To understand the calorie count, it helps to know what a boneless chicken wing really is. Essentially, boneless wings are made from chicken tenderloins or breast meat that has been breaded or battered and deep fried. They are called “boneless wings” because they are meant to mimic the look and taste of a traditional chicken wing, but without the bone.

The chicken meat is cut into wing-like shapes, breaded or battered, fried until crispy, and then tossed in Buffalo, barbecue, or other signature sauces. So while they may sound healthier than bony wings, boneless wings are still deep fried and slathered in sauce, meaning they come with plenty of calories.

Calorie Count of Popular Boneless Wing Styles

The specific calorie count can vary a bit depending on the restaurant or recipe, but here are some average counts for popular boneless wing styles:

• 6 boneless wings (about 84g) without sauce – 360 calories
• 10 boneless wings (about 140g) without sauce – 610 calories
• 15 boneless wings (about 210g) without sauce – 910 calories
• 20 boneless wings (about 280g) without sauce – 1210 calories

These counts are for plain boneless wings without any sauce. Once sauces are added, the calories go up further

• Buffalo style sauce adds around 60 calories per wing
• BBQ sauce adds around 50 calories per wing
• Asian zing sauce adds around 70 calories per wing
• Other specialty sauces add 50-90 calories per wing

So a single Buffalo wing without the bone and sauce would have between 110 and 130 calories. About 540 to 660 calories are in a full order of six sauced wings. Also, the sauces add a lot of extra fat, carbs, and salt.

How Boneless Wings Compare to Bone-In Wings

Traditional chicken wings with bones have a slightly different calorie profile. Here’s how they compare:

• 6 bone-in wings have about 430 calories
• 10 bone-in wings have about 720 calories
• 15 bone-in wings have about 1080 calories

So the boneless and bone-in wing counts are fairly similar. The boneless versions tend to be a little higher in calories because the coating adds more fat and carbs. For example, 6 boneless wings with sauce would be about 540-660 calories, while 6 bone-in wings with sauce would be around 480-550 calories.

Tips for Making Healthier Wing Choices

Many people can’t say no to chicken wings, but is there a way to eat them without gaining weight?

• Opt for dry rubs instead of heavy sauces. Dry seasoning has just 5-15 calories per wing.
• Choose lighter sauces like lemon pepper rather than creamy, buttery sauces.
• Get the snack size or lunch portions instead of large orders.
• Share an order with friends instead of eating a full serving yourself.
• Balance wings with lower cal veggies and dip options.
• Remove the skin after cooking to eliminate some fat.

While boneless chicken wings are delicious, it’s clear they aren’t exactly a diet food. But with smart choices and moderation, you can still enjoy these tasty appetizers while keeping calories in check.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many calories are in one boneless chicken wing?

One boneless chicken wing without sauce contains about 60 calories. Single boneless wing with sauce has 110 to 130 calories, based on the sauce.

What sauce adds the most calories to wings?

Lemon pepper and other creamy, buttery sauces add about 90 extra calories per wing. Buffalo sauce and thinner sauces add 50-70 calories per wing.

Are boneless wings fried?

Yes, boneless chicken wings are breaded or battered then deep fried until crispy, adding to their high calorie count.

Are boneless wings healthier than bone-in wings?

Not really. Boneless wings tend to be slightly higher in calories than bone-in wings since the coating adds more fat and carbs. But both are deep fried.

What’s the lowest calorie way to eat wings?

Opting for dry seasoning instead of heavy sauce saves the most calories. You can also remove the skin after cooking to further reduce fat and calories.