Navigating the Menu for a Healthier B-Dubs Meal
Buffalo Wild Wings' reputation for indulgent wings and fried sides doesn't mean you have to abandon your health goals. By making informed choices, you can find a satisfying and relatively healthy meal. The key is to prioritize grilled protein, opt for vegetable-based sides, and be mindful of high-sodium sauces and dressings. This requires a proactive approach, often involving customizations like asking for sauce on the side or swapping out fried items for healthier alternatives. The effort is worthwhile, allowing you to enjoy the social atmosphere without the guilt of a high-calorie setback.
The Best Entrée Choices
When scanning the menu, your best bets will always feature grilled, not fried, chicken. Many items can be modified to fit this healthier standard. The "Naked Tenders" are a standout option, featuring grilled chicken strips with a significantly lower calorie count and a lean protein punch. The "Grilled Chicken Buffalitos" are another solid choice, though it's wise to be cautious of the tortilla and any added cheese or sour cream. You can also opt for a lean grilled chicken breast to add to a salad, providing a versatile, healthy base for your meal.
Best Entrée Breakdown:
- Naked Tenders (3-piece): With only 160 calories, this is arguably the cleanest protein choice on the menu, though sodium can still be high from seasoning.
- Small Order of Traditional Wings (Plain): For the wing purist, ordering traditional wings with no sauce or seasoning is the lowest-sodium option, providing protein without the excess calories. Remember to ask for a dry rub instead of a wet sauce to minimize calories and sodium.
- Street Tacos (Modified): The street tacos offer pulled chicken and fresh pico de gallo. You can lower calories and fat by omitting the cheese and sour cream.
The Healthiest Sides and Sauces
Your side dish is a crucial part of a balanced meal. Swapping out standard fries for fresh vegetables is a no-brainer. The carrots and celery sticks are a simple, fresh, and low-calorie choice. The Garden Side Salad, when ordered without croutons and with a light dressing on the side, is another excellent option for adding fiber and nutrients. When it comes to flavor, be strategic with your sauce or seasoning. Dry rubs like Desert Heat or Lemon Pepper add minimal calories compared to creamy, fat-laden dressings and sauces.
| Comparison of Healthy vs. Indulgent Options | Menu Item | Healthy Option (Modified) | Indulgent Option | Key Differences |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wings | Small Traditional Wings (Plain) | Traditional & Boneless Combo | Frying method, sauce, and portion size dramatically increase calories and fat. | |
| Tenders | Naked Tenders (3-piece) | Hand-Breaded Tenders (5-piece) | Naked tenders are grilled, while hand-breaded are fried with high-calorie coating. | |
| Salad | Garden Side Salad (no croutons, vinaigrette on side) | Crispy Buffalo Chicken Salad | Eliminates high-calorie fried chicken, creamy dressing, and croutons. | |
| Burger | Southwestern Black Bean Burger (no cheese/dressing) | Cheese Curd Bacon Burger | Omitting cheese and dressing on the bean burger reduces calories, fat, and sodium significantly. | |
| Side | Carrots and Celery | Cheddar Cheese Curds | Swapping fried cheese for fresh veggies saves hundreds of calories and fat grams. |
Putting Together a Health-Conscious Meal
Crafting a healthy meal at Buffalo Wild Wings is about smart substitutions and portion control. Instead of a large portion of boneless wings with a sugary sauce, consider a snack-sized portion of traditional wings with a dry rub. Pair it with a double serving of carrots and celery to increase your vegetable intake and feel fuller. Another strategy is to build a healthy bowl using a base of grilled protein and fresh vegetables. A large Garden Salad with grilled chicken and a light vinaigrette dressing is a great example. By taking control of the components of your meal, you can control its nutritional profile. Always remember that the nutritional data is available for a reason; use it to your advantage to stay informed about what you're consuming.
Conclusion: Enjoying B-Dubs Responsibly
Eating at Buffalo Wild Wings doesn't have to be an all-or-nothing affair. By understanding the menu and being willing to make simple modifications, you can find a variety of healthier options. Prioritize grilled protein, stick to dry seasonings or lighter sauces, and choose vegetable-based sides. For the most nutrition-conscious diners, the Naked Tenders or a grilled chicken salad are excellent, reliable choices. With these strategies, you can indulge your craving for wings and bar food while keeping your diet on track.
