Traditional Wings Are Breadless
For those wondering if Buffalo Wild Wings offers breadless options, the answer is yes, in the form of their traditional wings. Unlike the boneless wings, which are made from breaded chicken breast meat, the traditional wings are fried without any breading. This preparation method is true to the original Buffalo-style wing, which is typically deep-fried naked before being tossed in sauce. This makes them a naturally breadless choice for customers who prefer the classic, unbattered texture.
The Anatomy of Buffalo Wild Wings' Offerings
To understand the breading options, it's essential to know the fundamental difference between the two main types of wings served at Buffalo Wild Wings.
What Are Traditional Wings?
Traditional wings are the bone-in variety, featuring both drumettes and flats from the chicken wing itself. These wings are fried with their skin on and no breading, which allows for a juicy interior and a perfectly crispy exterior when cooked correctly. They are the go-to for wing purists and anyone looking to avoid a flour-based coating. After frying, they are tossed in a signature sauce or dry rub of your choice.
What Are Boneless Wings?
Despite the name, boneless wings are not deboned wings but are instead made from white-meat chicken breast. These chunks are marinated and coated in a savory breading before being fried. The breading is a key part of their preparation, giving them a consistent texture similar to a chicken nugget, but it also means they are not a breadless option. If you have a gluten sensitivity or simply prefer no breading, boneless wings should be avoided.
How to Order Breadless Wings at Buffalo Wild Wings
Ordering breadless wings is a simple process, but requires attention to detail, especially for dietary reasons. Here is a step-by-step guide:
- Choose Traditional Wings: When placing your order, specify that you want the "Traditional Wings." This is the automatic breadless option. Some customers may prefer to specifically ask for their wings "naked" to ensure no batter or dusting is used, though it is the standard for traditional wings.
- Select Your Topping: Most sauces and all dry rubs are applied after the wings are cooked. This means your breadless wings will not have breading, but you still need to be cautious about your topping choice.
- Consider Gluten-Free Options: For those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity, the journey doesn't end with ordering traditional wings. It's crucial to select a gluten-free sauce or dry rub and communicate your allergy to the staff. Due to shared cooking and preparation areas, cross-contamination is a significant risk.
Navigating Gluten-Free Options
For diners needing to avoid gluten, the breadless traditional wings are the starting point, but not the complete solution. A number of sauces and dry rubs at Buffalo Wild Wings are gluten-free by ingredient, but the risk of cross-contact exists.
Gluten-Free by Ingredient Sauces and Dry Rubs (Subject to Cross-Contamination Risk):
- Classic Buffalo Sauces: Mild, Medium, Hot, Wild, Blazin' Carolina Reaper
- Other Sauces: Honey BBQ, Mango Habanero, Spicy Garlic, Sweet BBQ
- Dry Rubs: Lemon Pepper, Salt & Vinegar, Buffalo, Desert Heat, Chipotle BBQ
Sauces Containing Gluten (Avoid These):
- Asian Zing
- Teriyaki
- Orange Chicken
- Thai Curry
Always inform your server about any allergies to ensure they take extra precautions, such as preparing your wings in a dedicated fryer if possible.
Comparison: Traditional vs. Boneless Wings
| Feature | Traditional (Bone-In) Wings | Boneless Wings |
|---|---|---|
| Breading | No, served breadless ('naked'). | Yes, coated in a flour-based breading. |
| Meat Type | Dark meat from the chicken's wing. | White meat from chicken breast. |
| Cooking Method | Fried without batter or breading. | Fried after being breaded. |
| Texture | Crispy skin with juicy, bone-adjacent meat. | Uniform, crispy breading on tender meat chunks. |
| Authenticity | Considered the classic, authentic Buffalo wing. | A modern convenience food, resembling a chicken nugget. |
| Cost | Typically more expensive per wing. | Often offered at a lower price point or in deals. |
Sauce and Dry Rub Considerations
Once you've chosen your breadless traditional wings, the next step is selecting a flavor. Here’s a closer look at the options:
- Dry Rubs: These seasonings are applied after the wings are cooked and do not contain wet, sticky components that can sometimes contain hidden gluten. This is often the safest bet for a gluten-free breadless wing. The Lemon Pepper, Desert Heat, and Chipotle BBQ dry rubs are popular choices.
- Wet Sauces: While many sauces are gluten-free by ingredients, they pose a higher risk of cross-contamination due to shared equipment and handling. Requesting the sauce on the side can further minimize this risk.
Can you request traditional wings to be fried in a different fryer?
For those with severe gluten allergies, requesting that traditional wings be prepared in a clean, dedicated fryer might be an option. Some locations may have this capability, but it's important to ask a manager directly to confirm. This extra step helps prevent cross-contact with other fried items like boneless wings or mozzarella sticks.
Conclusion: Your Breadless BWW Options
In conclusion, yes, Buffalo Wild Wings does have breadless wings, specifically their Traditional Wings. These bone-in wings are fried naked, offering a classic experience for those who prefer unbreaded chicken. However, their boneless wings are always breaded. For those with gluten concerns, selecting traditional wings with a gluten-free dry rub is the safest option. Communicating clearly with your server and referencing the official allergen guide, available on their website, is essential for a safe and enjoyable dining experience.(https://www.buffalowildwings.sa/nutrition_allergens)
Beyond Wings: Other Breadless Options
If you are at Buffalo Wild Wings and looking for other breadless alternatives, consider the Naked Chicken Tenders. These are made from grilled chicken breast and, as their name suggests, are not breaded. You can pair them with a side of carrots and celery sticks and a gluten-free dip for a complete, breading-free meal.
