BWW's Wing Offerings: The Naked Truth
Many diners are surprised to learn that not all wings are created equal at Buffalo Wild Wings (BWW). For guests seeking an unbreaded option, it is crucial to understand the distinction between the two main types of wings on the menu: traditional and boneless. The core difference lies in their preparation, with only one of these being truly naked.
The Authentic Unbreaded Option: Traditional Wings
Buffalo Wild Wings' Traditional Wings are the classic, unbreaded, New York-style chicken wings. These are genuine chicken wings, consisting of both drumettes and flats, fried with only their natural skin. This lack of a flour or batter coating is what makes them a popular choice for those on low-carb or keto diets. You can order these wings plain, without any sauce, and add a dry seasoning or a specific sauce that is low in sugar and carbohydrates.
The Deceptive Breaded Option: Boneless Wings
In contrast, BWW's Boneless Wings are made from all-white chicken breast meat that is cut into chunks, lightly breaded, and then fried. Despite their name, they are essentially chicken nuggets coated in wing sauce. For those trying to avoid breading, these are not the right choice. A 2019 menu update even highlighted the change, with a new breading and larger chicken pieces, but they remain a breaded product.
Making a Smarter, Unbreaded Choice
For patrons who require a truly unbreaded chicken option, BWW offers another, often overlooked item: Naked Tenders. These are grilled chicken breast tenders and are the most nutritious, completely unbreaded option available. While not wings, they serve a similar purpose and can be tossed in a choice of sauces or dry seasonings.
Potential for Cross-Contamination
While traditional wings are inherently unbreaded, those with severe gluten sensitivities or Celiac disease should exercise caution. BWW uses a shared fryer system, and there is a risk of cross-contamination from other breaded items cooked in the same oil. Always inform your server of your dietary needs. For the safest, most allergen-free meal, opting for grilled Naked Tenders is the best bet.
Sauce and Seasoning Considerations
Just because the wings are unbreaded does not mean they are free of carbs or sugar. Many of BWW's signature sauces contain sugar, which can add carbohydrates and calories. If you are watching your intake, your best options are the dry seasonings. For example, the Lemon Pepper or Desert Heat dry rubs add very few carbs. When it comes to sauces, traditional buffalo sauce is often a safe bet as it is typically a simple mixture of hot sauce and butter. However, always check the nutritional information or ask your server to be certain.
Side Dishes for an Unbreaded Meal
To round out your meal, several side dishes can be paired with your unbreaded wings. Stick to options like celery and carrots with a side of ranch or blue cheese dressing, which are classic and carb-conscious choices. Other safe options might include a side salad without croutons.
Comparing BWW Wing Options: Breaded vs. Unbreaded
| Feature | Traditional Wings (Unbreaded) | Boneless Wings (Breaded) | Naked Tenders (Unbreaded) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Preparation | Deep-fried, with natural skin | Deep-fried, with breading | Grilled, no breading |
| Meat Type | Bone-in, dark meat | White meat chicken breast | White meat chicken breast |
| Texture | Crispy skin, juicy meat | Crispy breading, uniform meat | Tender, grilled |
| Dietary | Keto/Low-Carb friendly (without sugary sauce) | Not Keto/Low-Carb friendly | Keto/Low-Carb friendly |
| Allergens | Potential for gluten cross-contamination | Contains gluten | Minimal risk of gluten cross-contamination |
Conclusion
Yes, Buffalo Wild Wings does have unbreaded wings, but it is important to order correctly. The traditional, bone-in wings are the unbreaded option, while the boneless wings are always breaded. For those with strict dietary restrictions or allergen concerns, the grilled Naked Tenders represent the safest, most reliably unbreaded choice. By understanding the distinction between these menu items and selecting appropriate sauces or dry seasonings, you can enjoy a delicious unbreaded meal at BWW.
