Base Calorie Count: Traditional vs. Boneless Wings
When determining how many calories are in 6 wings from Buffalo Wild Wings, the first distinction to make is between traditional and boneless options. The restaurant's own nutrition data reveals a notable difference in the base calorie count before any sauce is applied. This is primarily due to the different composition and preparation of each type of wing.
Traditional Wings
A 6-count serving of traditional, plain wings has a base of 430 calories. These are bone-in wings and contain 24g of fat and a substantial 53g of protein, with zero carbohydrates. The preparation is designed to deliver a classic, savory taste, and the natural fat and protein content of the chicken makes up the bulk of the calories.
Boneless Wings
In contrast, a 6-count of plain boneless wings starts at 360 calories. Boneless wings are essentially breaded and fried chicken breast pieces, and their composition is different from bone-in wings. The breading adds carbohydrates, which is why the plain boneless wings have 20g of carbs compared to the traditional wings' 0g. They also contain less protein, at 29g.
The Impact of Sauces and Dry Seasonings
The biggest variable in calculating your total calorie intake is the sauce or seasoning you choose. While the wings themselves have a baseline calorie count, many of Buffalo Wild Wings' signature sauces and dry seasonings can significantly increase the final total. Sauces, especially those with high sugar or fat content, will add more calories than dry seasonings.
High-Calorie Sauces
- Lemon Pepper: A 6-piece boneless wing order with Lemon Pepper sauce is 270 additional calories, bringing the total to 630 calories. This is one of the more calorie-dense sauces.
- Parmesan Garlic: This flavor adds 190 calories to a 6-piece boneless wing meal.
Moderate to Low-Calorie Sauces
- Asian Zing: Adds 130 calories to a 6-piece boneless order.
- Mango Habanero: Contributes 110 calories to a 6-piece boneless order.
- Honey BBQ: Adds 100 calories to a 6-piece boneless wing meal.
- Blazin'® Carolina Reaper: For those who can handle the heat, this sauce is one of the lower-calorie options, adding only 60 calories to a 6-piece boneless order.
Dry Seasonings
Dry seasonings are generally the lowest-calorie flavor option. The Desert Heat® Seasoning adds just 5 calories to any 6-piece wing order, making it a great choice for those monitoring their calorie intake.
A Simple Calculation
To find your total calorie count, you add the base wing calorie count to the sauce or seasoning calories.
- Example 1: Traditional Wings with Honey BBQ
- Base: 430 calories
- Honey BBQ Sauce: 70 calories
- Total: 500 calories
- Example 2: Boneless Wings with Parmesan Garlic
- Base: 360 calories
- Parmesan Garlic Sauce: 190 calories
- Total: 550 calories
Comparison Table: 6-Wing Calories and Macronutrients
| Wing Type & Flavor | Calories | Total Fat (g) | Carbs (g) | Protein (g) | Sodium (mg) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Traditional (Plain) | 430 | 24 | 0 | 53 | 160 |
| Boneless (Plain) | 360 | 19 | 20 | 29 | 1260 |
| Traditional w/ Wild® Sauce | 480 | 28 | 3 | 53 | 1010 |
| Boneless w/ Wild® Sauce | 430 | 25 | 24 | 29 | 2540 |
| Traditional w/ Lemon Pepper Seasoning | 435 | 24 | 1 | 53 | 450 |
| Boneless w/ Desert Heat® Seasoning | 365 | 19 | 21 | 29 | 1510 |
Additional Considerations for Healthier Choices
Beyond the primary wing calories and sauce, there are other factors to consider for a healthier meal at Buffalo Wild Wings. The cooking method and any extra dips or sides you add will also influence the overall nutritional impact.
The Cooking Method
While most wings are fried, opting for non-breaded options like "Naked Tenders" can significantly lower calories, fat, and carbohydrates. When choosing wings, understand that the deep-frying process adds more calories and potentially unhealthy trans fats. For bone-in wings, the chicken itself is less processed than the breast meat used for boneless wings.
Dips and Sides
Remember that creamy dips like blue cheese or ranch can add 150-250 extra calories per serving. Combining a high-calorie sauce with a side of french fries and a creamy dip can turn a seemingly moderate snack into a high-calorie meal. Instead, consider healthier sides like carrots and celery, which are often served with wings but are very low in calories.
Conclusion
The number of calories in 6 wings from Buffalo Wild Wings varies, starting at 430 for traditional wings and 360 for boneless wings. The final number is highly dependent on your choice of sauce or dry seasoning. For a lower-calorie meal, opt for traditional wings with a dry seasoning like Desert Heat® or a less caloric sauce like Blazin'® Carolina Reaper. Being mindful of these choices and avoiding high-calorie creamy dips and sides allows for better control over your total intake.
