How Many Carbs Are In A 20 Piece of Nuggets or Boneless Wings?

November 6, 2025 •

4 min read

A 20-piece order of McDonald's Chicken McNuggets contains 51 grams of carbohydrates, though this varies significantly by restaurant and item. This carbohydrate content is a critical consideration for anyone managing their intake, especially those on a low-carb or keto diet, and necessitates a closer look at the nutritional differences between various fast-food options.

Quick Summary

A 20-piece portion's carbohydrate content depends heavily on the specific item and restaurant, with boneless wings and nuggets having different nutritional profiles due to ingredients and preparation methods. Understanding these distinctions is key for tracking macronutrients accurately.

Key Points

Carb count varies widely: The carb content of a "20 piece" depends heavily on whether it's nuggets or boneless wings and which restaurant is serving it.
McDonald's nuggets are consistent: A 20-piece Chicken McNugget from McDonald's contains around 51g of carbs, excluding sauce.
Boneless wings have high carb variability: Boneless wings can range from approximately 45g (like at Hooters) to over 125g (like Zaxby's), with sauce choice being a major factor.
Sauce is a key carb source: Sugary or honey-based sauces dramatically increase the carb count, while plain or spicier sauces add fewer carbs.
Check restaurant-specific nutrition: To get an accurate carb count, always look up the nutritional information for the specific menu item from the restaurant you are ordering from.

Carbs in 20-Piece Chicken McNuggets

For many, a 20-piece from McDonald's is the default for a larger nugget order. The carb count for these is relatively consistent across different nutritional reporting sites, but minor variations can occur based on regional recipes. The primary source of carbohydrates comes from the breading, which is a processed grain product.

According to Nutritionix, a 20-piece Chicken McNugget order from McDonald's contains 51g of total carbohydrates. A serving from McDonald's Canada reports a very similar 51g, indicating a standardized recipe that keeps the carb count in a similar range for the classic option. It's important to note that these values do not include any dipping sauces, which can add substantial amounts of sugar and carbs.

Carbs in 20-Piece Boneless Wings

The '20 piece' query becomes more complex when applied to boneless wings, as recipes and preparations vary widely across different chains. Boneless wings are essentially breaded, sauced chicken pieces, and the carb content is influenced by both the breading and the sauce applied.

For example, Hooters' 20-piece boneless wings are reported to have 45g of total carbohydrates before sauce, while American Deli's version has a much higher 90g. This illustrates a massive discrepancy that can derail dietary goals if one doesn't check the specific restaurant's nutritional information. Sauces, such as Buffalo Wild Wings' Asian Zing or Lemon Pepper, add additional carbs and sugar. A hot sauce may add fewer carbs than a sugary BBQ sauce.

Factors Influencing Carbohydrate Count

Several elements contribute to the final carbohydrate count of a 20-piece order, and understanding them is key to making informed dietary choices. These factors include:

The Breading: The primary source of carbs in both nuggets and boneless wings is the breading. Some chains use thicker, more heavily processed breading, while others might use a lighter coating. Gluten-free options, though rare in fast food, would have different carb profiles.
The Sauces: This is a major variable. Sweet and tangy sauces like honey BBQ, teriyaki, or sugary chili sauces significantly increase the carb count. A plain or spicier, vinegar-based sauce will typically have fewer carbs. Always check the nutrition information for the sauce, not just the chicken.
Portion Size Accuracy: While standard, slight variations in how restaurants portion their breading or apply sauce can lead to minor nutritional differences. The quoted figures are averages and may not be exact for every single order.
Restaurant and Recipe: As shown with the boneless wings, different chains have drastically different recipes. The type of flour, seasonings, and cooking oil all play a role in the final nutritional makeup.

Comparison: 20-Piece Nuggets vs. Boneless Wings

For those comparing these popular fast-food options, a table provides a clear overview of the potential carbohydrate differences. This table compares the approximate total carbs for a 20-piece portion from specific chains, demonstrating the range of values.


Item (Restaurant)	Approximate Total Carbohydrates	Additional Context
20-pc Chicken McNuggets (McDonald's)	51g	Breading only; excludes sauces.
20-pc Boneless Wings (Hooters)	45g	Before sauce; sauce adds more carbs.
20-pc Boneless Wings (American Deli)	90g	Excludes sauces; higher base breading carbs.
20-pc Boneless Wings (Zaxby's, Original)	125g	Includes breading and sauce; a much higher carb count.

Tips for Reducing Carb Intake

For those watching their carb intake, enjoying a 20-piece is still possible with some adjustments:

Request Naked Wings: If possible, order boneless wings 'naked,' meaning without breading. This drastically reduces or eliminates the carb content. Note that this might not be an option for many fast-food nuggets.
Choose Low-Carb Sauces: Opt for plain or dry-rubbed wings. If a sauce is essential, choose a spicy, vinegar-based hot sauce over a sugary one. Many hot sauces have negligible carbs.
Portion Control: Consider sharing the order or saving half for later to reduce the carb impact of a single meal.
Account for the Breading: Understand that the breading is a significant source of carbs. Factor this into your daily intake, especially if you are on a strict low-carb diet.
Check Nutritionals: Always verify the most current nutritional information on the restaurant's website, as recipes and data can change. For more information on general nutrition, the CDC provides a helpful resource on healthy eating and macronutrient balance.

Conclusion

While a definitive single answer for how many carbs are in a 20 piece is not possible due to the variety of products, the carbohydrate range for common fast-food options is discoverable. A 20-piece of standard chicken nuggets from a major chain like McDonald's typically falls in the 50-60 gram range. In contrast, 20-piece boneless wings can range from under 50 grams to well over 100 grams, depending heavily on the amount of breading and the sauce used. Always consult the specific restaurant's nutrition facts to know the exact amount before you order.

Frequently Asked Questions

Generally, 20-piece boneless wings tend to have a wider and often higher range of carbohydrates than standard chicken nuggets, primarily due to thicker breading and the addition of sugary sauces.

To reduce the carb count, choose plain boneless wings (if available without breading), select a low-sugar sauce like a mild or hot sauce, and use dipping sauces sparingly.

Yes, many dipping sauces can add a significant amount of carbs. Sweet sauces like BBQ, honey mustard, or sweet and sour are often high in sugar and should be used cautiously if you are monitoring carb intake.

KFC's 20-piece nuggets are reported to have approximately 45g of carbohydrates, though nutritional information can vary by country and location.

Yes, a 20-piece serving will have roughly double the carbs of a 10-piece serving, assuming the portion sizes and ingredients per piece are consistent.

It depends on the specific item and your diet's limits. Some boneless wings or nuggets might fit, especially if you scrape off breading or use low-carb sauce, but most standard fast-food versions are too high in carbs for a strict keto or low-carb diet.

Absolutely. A vinegar-based hot sauce or a dry seasoning will add far fewer carbs than a thick, sugary BBQ, teriyaki, or honey-based sauce.