How Many Calories Are in Buffalo Wild Wings Wings? An In-Depth Guide

December 2, 2025 •

3 min read

A small, six-piece order of plain traditional wings at Buffalo Wild Wings contains 430 calories, while the same size boneless wings are 360 calories, not including sauce. Understanding how many calories are in Buffalo Wild Wings wings requires considering the type of wing, portion size, and, most importantly, the sauce.

Quick Summary

The total calories in Buffalo Wild Wings wings depend on whether they are traditional or boneless, the portion size ordered, and the specific sauce or dry seasoning chosen. This guide explores the different nutritional values and provides tips for making healthier choices.

Key Points

Base Calories Vary: A 6-piece order of traditional wings (430 cal) is higher in calories than boneless wings (360 cal) before adding any sauce.
Sauces Add Significant Calories: Many signature sauces add over 100 calories per portion due to sugar and fat content.
Dry Seasonings are Low-Calorie: Opting for a dry rub adds only around 5-10 calories, making it a much lighter choice.
Healthier Hacks Exist: You can reduce calories by ordering sauce on the side, choosing Naked Tenders, or getting carrots and celery instead of fries.
Portion Size Matters: Calorie counts increase with portion size; a 10-piece order has a higher base calorie count than a 6-piece.

Traditional vs. Boneless Wings: A Core Nutritional Comparison

When calculating how many calories are in Buffalo Wild Wings wings, the first and most significant factor is the type of wing you choose: traditional (bone-in) or boneless. Traditional wings are pieces of the chicken wing that are fried, typically offering a crispier, bone-in experience. In contrast, boneless wings are essentially pieces of breaded, fried breast meat, and their processing and breading add a different nutritional profile. It is a common misconception that boneless wings are always healthier, but this is not the case due to the breading and frying process.

Here is a direct comparison of the base calorie count for plain wings before any sauces or seasonings are added, based on official Buffalo Wild Wings nutritional information:


Wing Type	6-Piece Calories (Base)	10-Piece Calories (Base)
Traditional Wings	430	720
Boneless Wings	360	610

From the table, a 6-piece order of traditional wings has more calories than the boneless equivalent. However, the boneless version contains more carbs and a higher sodium content even before the sauce is applied, highlighting the difference in preparation.

The Significant Impact of Sauces and Dry Seasonings

The choice of sauce or dry seasoning can dramatically change the calorie count of your wings. Many of Buffalo Wild Wings' signature sauces are high in sugar and fat, which adds hundreds of calories to your meal. Dry seasonings, on the other hand, add very few calories, making them a much lighter option.

How Sauces Add Up

Sauces can turn a moderate-calorie snack into a high-calorie meal. For example, some popular sauces and their approximate calorie contribution per 2 fl oz portion include:

Original Buffalo: 220 calories
Spicy Garlic: 90 calories
Parmesan Garlic: 260 calories
Asian Zing: 170 calories
Mango Habanero: 150 calories
Honey BBQ: 140 calories

The Low-Calorie Choice: Dry Seasonings

For those watching their calorie intake, dry seasonings are an excellent alternative. They add flavor without the significant caloric load of most sauces. Per 1 tsp, most dry rubs add only about 5-10 calories:

Desert Heat® Seasoning: 5 calories
Lemon Pepper Seasoning: 5 calories
Chipotle BBQ Seasoning: 5 calories
Buffalo Seasoning: 10 calories

Customizing Your Order for a Healthier Meal

Navigating the menu can be tricky, but a few strategic choices can help you significantly reduce the overall calorie and sodium count of your Buffalo Wild Wings order:

Order wings plain and get sauce on the side. This gives you control over how much sauce you use. Simply dipping the wings sparingly can save you hundreds of calories.
Choose a dry seasoning instead of a wet sauce. The flavor is still powerful, and the calorie difference is substantial.
Opt for Naked Tenders. Instead of wings, the Naked Tenders are a grilled, unbreaded option. A 3-piece order is just 160 calories before any sauces.
Add low-calorie sides. A side of carrots and celery can add some vegetables and crunch with minimal calories, a much better option than fries or onion rings.

Putting It All Together: Sample Meal Comparisons

To illustrate how your choices can affect the final calorie count, here are a few sample meal breakdowns based on a 6-piece wing order:


Meal Combination	Wing Type	Sauce/Seasoning	Total Calories (Approx.)
High-Calorie Choice	6-piece Traditional	Parmesan Garlic (2 oz)	430 + 260 = 690
Mid-Range Option	6-piece Boneless	Asian Zing (2 oz)	360 + 170 = 530
Lower-Calorie Option	6-piece Boneless	Desert Heat Seasoning (1 tsp)	360 + 5 = 365
Lowest-Calorie Option	3-piece Naked Tenders	Dry Rub on the side	160 + negligible

Additional Factors to Consider

Beyond the type of wing and sauce, other menu items and portions will affect the calories. A party-size order of 50 traditional wings, for instance, contains 3,600 base calories, not including any sauces or accompaniments. Similarly, high-fat sides and sauces like ranch or blue cheese dipping sauces add extra calories. Always check the official Buffalo Wild Wings nutritional information for the most accurate and up-to-date values before ordering.

Conclusion

Determining how many calories are in Buffalo Wild Wings wings is a complex calculation that goes beyond just the type of chicken. The largest variable is often the sauce or seasoning, which can add significant calories and sodium. For a lighter meal, choosing boneless wings with a dry seasoning or opting for Naked Tenders are excellent strategies. For those who love the sauces, ordering them on the side and controlling the portion can still help manage calorie intake effectively. By understanding these nutritional differences, you can enjoy your meal while making informed choices that align with your dietary goals. For comprehensive details, always consult the official Buffalo Wild Wings nutrition information.

Frequently Asked Questions

A small 6-count order of plain traditional wings contains 430 calories, while a 10-count has 720 calories, both before any sauces or seasonings are added.

A small 6-count order of plain boneless wings has 360 calories, and a 10-count contains 610 calories, prior to adding any sauces.

The Lemon Pepper sauce is one of the highest in calories, with 360 calories per 2 fl oz serving. The Parmesan Garlic and Original Buffalo sauces are also very high.

Boneless wings may be slightly lower in base calories for smaller portions, but their breading and processing can increase carb and sodium content. Traditional wings offer a lower-carb option, but the true impact depends heavily on the sauce chosen.

To reduce calories, order your wings with a low-calorie dry seasoning instead of a wet sauce. Other options include ordering sauce on the side, choosing Naked Tenders, or opting for a side of carrots and celery.

For the lowest calorie count, your best option is to order plain Naked Tenders or boneless wings with a dry seasoning like Desert Heat or Lemon Pepper.

Yes, portion size has a direct impact. For example, moving from a 6-piece to a 10-piece order of traditional wings increases the base calories by nearly 300.