When it comes to chicken wings, the number of calories can vary quite a bit depending on the size and cooking method. However, for 6 average-sized traditional fried chicken wings without sauce, the total calorie count usually falls in the range of 540-690 calories.
Quick Answer
For 6 medium-sized traditional fried chicken wings (about 3 oz or 84g each) without sauce, the typical calorie range is:
- 540-600 calories for 6 baked/roasted wings
- 600-660 calories for 6 fried wings
- 660-690 calories for 6 extra crispy deep fried wings
The final calorie count will depend on factors like the brand, cooking method, size of the wings, and whether or not they are coated in any breading or flour before cooking. Smaller wings will be lower in calories while jumbo wings can be significantly higher.
Calculating Calories in Chicken Wings
To get a more accurate calorie estimate for 6 wings:
- Check the package labeling for nutrition information per wing if available.
- Weigh 6 raw wings on a food scale to determine the total weight in grams or ounces.
- Multiply the calories per ounce (or per 100g) by the total weight of the wings.
If you don’t know the exact calorie content, here are some averages to use:
- 100g raw chicken wing meat (about 2 small wings) = 239 calories
- 1 oz raw chicken wing meat (about 1 wing) = 68 calories
- 100g fried chicken wing meat = 300 calories
- 1 fried chicken wing (around 1 oz/28g) = 85 calories
Keep in mind that wings from large chains or brands are often larger in size. For example, a wing from a pizza chain may weigh over 2 ounces (57g) each, putting 6 wings at over 1000 calories.
Factors Affecting Wing Calories
Several factors impact the calorie content in wings:
1. Cooking method
Fried vs baked: Fried wings absorb more oil, making them higher in fat and calories than baked or grilled wings. Deep frying adds even more calories due to the longer cook time in hot oil.
Breading/flour: Coating wings with breadcrumbs or dredging in flour before frying also increases calories compared to plain wings.
2. Wing size
Larger wings contain more meat and typically more calories. Jumbo wings can be almost twice the size of small wings.
3. Sauces and seasonings
Added sauces like barbecue, buffalo, or teriyaki add flavor but also extra calories via sugar, fat, and salt.
4. Restaurant vs homemade
Restaurant wings tend to be larger in size and fried in more oil than homemade wings, bumping up the calorie content.
Calories in 6 Wings from Popular Restaurants
Here are the typical calories for 6 traditional bone-in wings from some popular wing chains and restaurants without added sauces or dry rubs:
| Restaurant | Calories in 6 Wings |
|---|---|
| KFC | 780 |
| Wingstop | 810 |
| Buffalo Wild Wings | 960 |
| Pizza Hut | 1020 |
| Domino’s | 1050 |
As shown, 6 traditional bone-in wings from popular pizza and wing places hover around 1000 calories or more due to their large size and preparation methods involving deep frying and/or heavy breading.
Ways to Reduce Calories in Wings
Here are some tips for lightening up chicken wings:
- Choose smaller wings rather than jumbo size
- Remove the skin and tips to reduce fat
- Bake or grill instead of frying
- Avoid heavy breading or flour coating
- Use lighter breading like panko or cornflake crumbs
- Skip adding fatty sauces and opt for spice rubs instead
- Blot fried wings with paper towels to absorb excess grease
- Go for drummettes which have slightly less fat than drumettes
Healthiest Ways to Prepare Wings
For optimal nutrition, the healthiest preparation methods for wings include:
Oven Baked
Baking unbreaded wings in the oven at 425°F for 30-40 minutes results in crispy wings without all the excess oil and calories from frying. Use a small amount of olive oil instead of butter for lightly coating the wings before baking.
Air Fried
Air fryers can produce wings that are perfectly crispy on the outside while using little to no oil. Air fry wings at 400°F for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway.
Grilled
Grilling imparts great flavor with no added calories. Oil the grates then cook wings over medium direct heat for about 15 minutes per side.
Broccoli and Cauliflower Wings
For a veggie alternative, broccoli and cauliflower florets baked with spices make crispy “wings” that are much lower in calories. About 6 florets has only 60-80 calories total.
Calorie Comparison of Sauces and Dips
While plain wings have the lowest calorie counts, sauces can quickly cause the numbers to rise:
| Sauce | Calories per Tbsp |
|---|---|
| Ranch dressing | 60 |
| Blue cheese dressing | 45 |
| BBQ sauce | 65 |
| Buffalo sauce | 15 |
| Honey mustard | 60 |
To keep calories low, stick to sauces like hot sauce, mustard, or vinegar-based mop sauces. Or use Greek yogurt instead of creamier dipping sauces.
Nutrition Facts for 6 Fried Wings
Here is the full nutrition breakdown for 6 medium fried chicken wings (about 3 oz each) without sauce:
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 660 |
| Fat | 42g |
| Saturated Fat | 10g |
| Trans Fat | 0.4g |
| Cholesterol | 180mg |
| Sodium | 870mg |
| Carbohydrates | 12g |
| Fiber | 0g |
| Sugar | 0g |
| Protein | 48g |
As shown above, 6 fried wings deliver significant amounts of fat, cholesterol, and sodium. However the protein content is also very high at 48 grams for 6 medium wings.
Should You Eat the Wings or Remove Them?
The wings themselves contain a good amount of meat that is rich in protein and nutrients. Many people prefer to eat the wings along with the drumettes and flats.
However, the wing tips and skin are higher in fat, so removing them reduces the total calories. Discarding just the tip of each wing can slash around 100-150 calories for 6 wings.
The skin contributes significant calories from fat compared to eating just the lean wing meat. Peeling the skin off 6 wings can reduce the calorie count by 150-200 calories compared to eating them with the skin on.
While removing the skin does cut calories, the skin gets extremely crispy and adds great texture and flavor. If you don’t have any dietary restrictions, enjoying the wings with the skin on is unlikely to cause problems in moderation.
Are Wings Healthy?
Chicken wings can be a healthy option depending on how they are prepared. Plain baked wings are a lean source of protein, minerals like selenium and phosphorus, and B vitamins including niacin, riboflavin and B6.
Fried and breaded wings are higher in unhealthy fats and sodium, but can still fit into a balanced diet. Going for baked boneless wings with clean seasonings and fresh vegetable dippers like celery and carrots can make for a nutritious appetizer.
For the healthiest results, watch your portion sizes. Stick to 6 medium or 12-15 smaller wings as a single serving to keep calories under control.
Conclusion
The calories for 6 traditional fried chicken wings are typically between 540-690 calories depending on the size and cooking method. Baking instead of frying reduces the calories, while large or breaded wings can be much higher. Sauces and dips also bump up the numbers significantly. For the healthiest preparation, bake or grill wings using minimal added oils and opt for lighter sauces on the side. Enjoying wings occasionally as part of a balanced diet should not be an issue for most people.
