The Real Chicken at Buffalo Wild Wings: Traditional vs. Boneless
For many patrons, the phrase "chicken wings" conjures an image of a bone-in piece of poultry, deep-fried and slathered in sauce. At Buffalo Wild Wings (BWW), this image holds true for their traditional wings. These are indeed the authentic drumettes and flats from a chicken, and they retain their skin and bone during the cooking process. The story is different for their boneless wings, a distinction that has caused some public confusion and even a lawsuit.
In 2023, a lawsuit regarding false advertising drew public attention to the reality that boneless wings are not, in fact, wings at all. Instead, they are chunks of real, all-white meat chicken breast. These breast meat pieces are breaded, fried, and then sauced, mimicking the traditional wing experience without the bone. This distinction is crucial for consumers, both in understanding what they are eating and in assessing the nutritional profile. Unlike chicken nuggets, which are often made from ground chicken, the boneless wings at BWW are made from a whole-muscle cut of breast meat.
A Deeper Look at Ingredients and Sourcing
Buffalo Wild Wings sources its chicken from commercial food distributors, a standard practice for large restaurant chains. While the company has stated a preference for fresh chicken in the past, the quality can be inconsistent, according to some customer reviews. A notable ingredient in the preparation process is the frying medium: beef tallow. Reports from 2016 and 2025 confirm that BWW fries its wings in beef tallow, a detail that impacts the fat content and flavor profile of the final product. Other key ingredients, particularly for the sauces, include cayenne pepper, vinegar, and various spices, contributing significantly to the sodium content.
Potential Health Concerns and Food Safety
Like many fast-casual dining establishments, BWW has faced scrutiny regarding its food safety and health standards. Historical reports, such as a 2016 norovirus outbreak and a more recent 2024 hepatitis A exposure, highlight the importance of proper food handling. In response, the company has implemented various measures and provides allergen information, though they cannot guarantee against cross-contact due to shared kitchen spaces. Consumers with food allergies or sensitivities are advised to speak with a manager before ordering.
Making Healthier Choices: A Nutritional Comparison
Regardless of whether you choose boneless or traditional wings, the cooking method and sauce selection are the primary drivers of the final nutritional impact. Frying in beef tallow and slathering on sauces increases calorie, fat, and sodium counts significantly. For example, a small order of plain boneless wings (6 pieces) has substantially fewer calories and fat than the hand-breaded version, especially before adding sauce.
Here is a comparison of plain, unsauced wings to illustrate the baseline nutritional differences:
| Wing Type | Calories (per 6 wings) | Fat (g) | Saturated Fat (g) | Protein (g) | Sodium (mg) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Plain Boneless | 360 | 19 | 7 | 29 | 1,260 |
| Plain Traditional | 430 | 24 | 8 | 53 | 160 |
It's important to note that adding sauce and breading drastically alters these numbers. For instance, a small order of hand-breaded tenders provides 490 calories and 1,490mg of sodium before adding fries, while a combo meal can exceed 1,290 calories and 2,200mg of sodium with sauce. For those monitoring sodium intake, opting for a dry seasoning like lemon pepper or desert heat adds minimal calories and can still be a flavorful alternative. The best option for a healthier diet is the Naked Tenders, which are grilled and have a much lower calorie and fat count.
Tips for a Healthier BWW Experience
- Choose Grilled: Opt for the Naked Tenders instead of wings to reduce fat and calories.
- Go Plain or Dry: Order wings plain with sauce on the side, or choose a dry seasoning with lower sodium content.
- Watch Your Portion Size: Portion control is key. Consider sharing a portion or ordering a smaller size to manage caloric intake.
- Balance Your Meal: Pair your wings with healthier sides like carrots and celery, and use dipping sauce sparingly.
Conclusion: Real Chicken, But Know What You're Eating
So, does Buffalo Wild Wings use real chicken? The definitive answer is yes, but the type of chicken depends on your order. Traditional wings are true wing sections, while boneless wings are cuts of chicken breast. Both are real chicken, but their nutritional profiles are significantly different due to their preparation. For those following a particular nutrition diet, understanding this distinction is the first step toward making a healthier choice. Ultimately, the health impact of a BWW meal depends on your choices regarding preparation, sauce, and portion size. By being mindful of these factors, you can still enjoy your meal while staying aligned with your dietary goals. For more detailed information on ingredients and sourcing, consult reliable food analysis resources.
Keypoints
- Boneless wings are chicken breast: They are made from all-white meat chicken breast, not actual wings.
- Traditional wings are real wings: These consist of bone-in drumettes and flats, as expected.
- Preparation impacts nutrition: Frying method (beef tallow) and sauces significantly increase calories, fat, and sodium.
- Grilled options are healthier: The Naked Tenders offer a lower calorie and fat alternative.
- Sauce and portion control are crucial: Opting for dry rubs and smaller portions is key to a healthier diet.
- Menu items vary widely: From boneless to traditional wings, tenders, and sandwiches, nutritional values differ drastically.
- Food safety is a consideration: While policies exist, historical incidents highlight the need for consumer awareness regarding food safety at BWW.
FAQs
Q: What is the difference between boneless and traditional wings at Buffalo Wild Wings? A: Traditional wings are actual bone-in chicken wing sections (drumettes and flats), whereas boneless wings are pieces of all-white meat chicken breast that have been breaded and fried to resemble traditional wings.
Q: Are boneless wings from Buffalo Wild Wings just chicken nuggets? A: No, they are not chicken nuggets. Boneless wings at BWW are made from a whole-muscle cut of chicken breast, while nuggets are typically made from ground or processed chicken parts.
Q: What kind of oil does Buffalo Wild Wings use to fry their wings? A: Buffalo Wild Wings has been confirmed to use beef tallow for frying their wings, which affects the flavor and fat content of the final product.
Q: What is the healthiest chicken option on the Buffalo Wild Wings menu? A: The healthiest option is the Naked Tenders, which are grilled rather than breaded and fried, resulting in significantly fewer calories and less fat.
Q: Can I get Buffalo Wild Wings with less sodium? A: Yes, you can. The best way is to order plain wings or tenders and choose a lower-sodium dry seasoning instead of a high-sodium sauce.
Q: How does the sauce affect the nutrition of the wings? A: Sauces, especially those with high sugar and fat content, can dramatically increase the calorie, carbohydrate, and sodium counts of the wings. Ordering sauce on the side or choosing dry rubs can mitigate this.
Q: Does Buffalo Wild Wings have options for people with food allergies? A: BWW provides allergen information, but because of shared cooking and preparation areas, they cannot eliminate the risk of cross-contact. It is best to inform your server and speak with a manager if you have allergies.
Q: How does the nutritional value of plain boneless wings compare to plain traditional wings? A: As shown in the comparison table, plain boneless wings (per 6 pieces) have a higher sodium count but slightly lower calories and fat compared to plain traditional wings. However, traditional wings have a significantly higher protein content.
