Calories in Chicken Wings: Full Nutrition Breakdown
How many calories are in chicken wings? Serving-by-serving breakdown with full nutrition facts and FAQ.
Chicken wings are one of the most popular cuts of poultry, enjoyed roasted, grilled, or fried. A 3.5-ounce serving of cooked skin-on chicken wings provides about 203 calories, with a strong protein-to-fat ratio and notable amounts of B vitamins and zinc. Here is a complete breakdown of chicken wing nutrition by serving size.
Calories by serving size:
| Serving | Weight | Calories | Protein | Total Fat | Saturated Fat | Cholesterol |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 wing (skin-on, cooked) | ~34 g | 69 kcal | 6.4 g | 4.6 g | 1.3 g | 24 mg |
| 3 wings (skin-on, cooked) | ~102 g | 207 kcal | 19.2 g | 13.8 g | 3.9 g | 72 mg |
| 3.5 oz (skin-on, cooked) | ~100 g | 203 kcal | 18.3 g | 13.6 g | 3.8 g | 71 mg |
| 6 wings (skin-on, cooked) | ~204 g | 414 kcal | 38.4 g | 27.6 g | 7.8 g | 144 mg |
| 3.5 oz (skinless, cooked) | ~100 g | 167 kcal | 25.5 g | 6.6 g | 1.8 g | 85 mg |
Chicken wings are also a good source of niacin (vitamin B3), vitamin B6, and phosphorus. The skin accounts for a significant portion of the total fat and calorie content, so removing it substantially reduces both.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the calorie difference between bone-in and boneless wings?
Traditional bone-in wings and boneless wings differ significantly in preparation. Bone-in wings are whole wing sections cooked with skin and bone, while boneless wings are typically breast meat that is breaded and fried. Boneless wings often contain more calories per serving due to the breading, averaging 250-300 calories per 3.5 ounces compared to about 203 for plain bone-in wings.
How many extra calories does buffalo sauce add to chicken wings?
Plain cooked chicken wings have about 203 calories per 3.5 ounces, while buffalo sauce adds roughly 10-15 calories per tablespoon, since it is primarily hot sauce and butter. A typical coating of buffalo sauce on a serving of wings adds about 30-50 extra calories, making it one of the lower-calorie sauce options compared to barbecue or honey garlic.
How do skin-on and skinless chicken wings compare nutritionally?
Skin-on chicken wings contain about 203 calories per 3.5 ounces, while skinless wings have approximately 167 calories for the same weight. Removing the skin cuts the total fat roughly in half (from about 13.6 g to 6.6 g) and significantly reduces saturated fat, though you also lose some of the crispy texture.
How many calories are in 6 chicken wings?
Six cooked skin-on chicken wings (about 204 grams total) contain approximately 414 calories, 38.4 grams of protein, and 27.6 grams of fat. This makes a standard serving of six wings a moderate-calorie, high-protein option before any sauces or dipping accompaniments are added.
Are air-fried chicken wings lower in calories than deep-fried?
Yes, air-fried chicken wings are notably lower in calories than deep-fried wings. Deep-frying adds absorbed oil, pushing the calorie count to roughly 260-290 calories per 3.5 ounces, while air-fried wings remain close to the oven-roasted value of about 203 calories. Air frying can reduce overall fat content by 30-40% compared to deep frying while still delivering a crispy exterior.
What is the calorie difference between bone-in and boneless wings?
How many extra calories does buffalo sauce add to chicken wings?
How do skin-on and skinless chicken wings compare nutritionally?
How many calories are in 6 chicken wings?
Are air-fried chicken wings lower in calories than deep-fried?
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