When looking at menu nutrition information, it’s important to know exactly what you’re ordering so you can accurately calculate the calories and other nutrients. Burger King’s chicken fries come in different sizes, so the number of calories can vary significantly depending on if you order a small, medium or large.
What are Burger King Chicken Fries?
Burger King Chicken Fries are breaded and fried white meat chicken pieces shaped like french fries. They were introduced on the Burger King menu in 2005 and have remained a popular menu item. Chicken Fries are offered in three sizes:
- Small Chicken Fries
- Medium Chicken Fries
- Large Chicken Fries
The Chicken Fries are coated in a seasoned homestyle breading and deep fried until crispy. They are meant to resemble french fries in shape, but have the flavor and texture of fried chicken.
Burger King Small Chicken Fries Calories
The small size Chicken Fries at Burger King contains 220 calories. Here are the full nutrition facts for a small order of Burger King Chicken Fries:
| Nutrition Facts | Small Chicken Fries |
|---|---|
| Calories | 220 |
| Fat | 12g |
| Carbohydrates | 16g |
| Protein | 8g |
As you can see, a small order of 5 Chicken Fries contains 220 total calories, with 12g of fat, 16g of carbohydrates and 8g of protein.
Comparing Small Chicken Fries Calories to Other Sizes
To put the 220 calories for a small order of Chicken Fries in context, here is a comparison to the larger Chicken Fries sizes:
| Chicken Fries Size | Calories |
|---|---|
| Small Chicken Fries | 220 calories |
| Medium Chicken Fries | 370 calories |
| Large Chicken Fries | 730 calories |
As you go up in size, the calorie count increases significantly. A medium order has 370 total calories, while a large order has 730 calories. The small is the lowest calorie option if you want to keep your total caloric intake lower.
Chicken Fries Calories Compared to Burger King Fries
It’s also helpful to compare Chicken Fries to classic french fries at Burger King. Here is a calorie comparison:
| Menu Item | Calories (small size) |
|---|---|
| Chicken Fries | 220 calories |
| French Fries | 230 calories |
The small order of regular french fries from Burger King contains 230 calories, so very similar to the 220 calories in 5 piece Chicken Fries. The two options are almost identical in calories for a small size.
Chicken Fries Macronutrient Breakdown
Looking beyond just calories, here is a more detailed look at the macronutrient breakdown in Chicken Fries:
| Macronutrient | Amount (small order) | % Daily Value |
|---|---|---|
| Total Fat | 12g | 18% |
| Saturated Fat | 2.5g | 13% |
| Trans Fat | 0g | 0% |
| Cholesterol | 20mg | 7% |
| Sodium | 360mg | 15% |
| Total Carbohydrates | 16g | 5% |
| Dietary Fiber | 0g | 0% |
| Total Sugars | 0g | 0% |
| Protein | 8g | 16% |
The 12g of fat amounts to 18% of the daily value. Saturated fat and trans fats are relatively low. There are 360mg of sodium, accounting for 15% DV. Protein is 8g for a 16% DV, providing a good protein source. There are no sugars since the Chicken Fries are breaded and fried rather than coated with a sweet sauce or seasoning.
Chicken Fries Ingredients
Burger King Chicken Fries contain the following ingredients:
- White Chicken Meat
- Batter (Water, Enriched Flour [Wheat Flour, Niacin, Reduced Iron, Thiamine Mononitrate, Riboflavin, Folic Acid], Yellow Corn Flour, Salt, Leavening [Sodium Acid Pyrophosphate, Sodium Bicarbonate], Dextrose, Spice)
- Breading (Enriched Wheat Flour [Wheat Flour, Niacin, Reduced Iron, Thiamine Mononitrate, Riboflavin, Folic Acid], Salt, Soybean Oil, Extractives of Paprika, Spices, Leavening [Sodium Aluminum Phosphate, Sodium Bicarbonate])
- Rice Flour, Leavening (Sodium Aluminum Phosphate, Sodium Bicarbonate), Dextrose, Extractives of Paprika
- 2% or less of Maltodextrin, Dextrose, Salt, Extractives of Paprika, Chicken Fat
The primary ingredients are white chicken meat, followed by a wheat-based batter and breading used to coat the chicken before frying. The chicken itself provides protein and the batter and breading add carbohydrates, sodium, and fat after going through the deep frying process. There are no artificial flavors, colors or preservatives.
Health Benefits of Chicken Fries
Despite being a fried, quick service menu item, Burger King Chicken Fries do provide some health benefits:
- Lean protein from the white chicken meat
- Lower saturated fat than fried chicken on the bone
- No trans fats
- No high fructose corn syrup
- No artificial ingredients
The white chicken meat provides a good source of lean protein, with 8g per small serving. Protein helps with building muscle, wound healing, and keeping you feeling full. The shaping and frying method allows for lower saturated fat compared to fried chicken on the bone. Many quick service chicken items use trans fats for frying, but Burger King Chicken Fries contain no artificial trans fats. There is also no high fructose corn syrup, which can be higher in sugar and calories. Overall, while not the most healthy menu option, Burger King Chicken Fries offer some nutritional benefits compared to fried chicken alternatives.
How to Make Chicken Fries Healthier
If you want to lighten up your Chicken Fries, here are some tips to make them a bit healthier:
- Order a small size to limit calories and fat
- Ask for them to be prepared fresh and crispy to avoid any extra oil soaking in
- Remove any excess batter for a crunch just from the breading
- Dip in ketchup or mustard rather than mayonnaise-based sauces
- Pair with lower calorie side options like apple slices or a side salad instead of fries
Sticking with the smallest size, asking for them fresh, limiting high-calorie dipping sauces, and pairing with healthier sides can all help reduce the overall calorie count of your fast food meal.
Does Burger King Still Serve Chicken Fries?
Yes, Burger King still serves Chicken Fries as of November 2023. Chicken Fries have remained on the permanent Burger King menu since 2014 after originally being introduced as a limited-time offer in 2005. They continue to be a core menu option under the ‘Chicken & Fish’ category.
Price of Burger King Chicken Fries
The price of Burger King Chicken Fries varies by location, but typically costs around:
- Small Chicken Fries: $1.99 – $2.29
- Medium Chicken Fries: $2.79 – $3.19
- Large Chicken Fries $3.79 – $4.19
Prices may be slightly higher in airports, stadiums, theme parks or cities with higher costs of living. Taxes and franchise ownership can also affect pricing. The best way to find the current price of Chicken Fries at your local Burger King is to check online ordering menus or call ahead to ask.
Chicken Fries History
Here is a brief history of Burger King Chicken Fries:
- 2005 – Chicken Fries first introduced for a limited time
- 2007 to 2012 – Chicken Fries taken off menu
- 2012 – Chicken Fries brought back due to customer demand
- 2014 – Chicken Fries added as permanent menu item
- 2022 – New Spicy Chicken Fries added
While original Chicken Fries have now been on the national menu for over 8 years and counting, Burger King does still occasionally offer limited-edition flavors like the recent Spicy Chicken Fries.
Chicken Fries vs McDonald’s Chicken McBites
McDonald’s also offers a similar chicken item shaped like fries called Chicken McBites. Here is a comparison:
| Item | Chicken Fries | Chicken McBites |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 220 calories (small) | 220 calories (small) |
| Price | $1.99 – $2.29 (small) | $2.39 (small) |
| Ingredients | Chicken, wheat batter and breading | Chicken, rice flour, wheat flour |
| Shape | French fry shape | Nugget shape |
The Chicken McBites are very similar in nutrition and price. The main difference is the French fry shape of Chicken Fries compared to the nugget shape of Chicken McBites. Both provide a crispy, chicken finger-style option for a convenient fast food meal.
Chicken Fries vs Wendy’s Chicken Nuggets
Versus Wendy’s chicken nuggets, here is how Burger King Chicken Fries compare:
| Item | Chicken Fries | Wendy’s Chicken Nuggets |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 220 calories (small) | 140 calories (4 piece) |
| Shape | French fry shape | Nugget shape |
| Breading | Wheat-based batter and breading | Cornflake batter |
| Price | $1.99 – $2.29 (small) | $2.69 (4 piece) |
Wendy’s chicken nuggets have a bit less calories and different breading compared to the wheat-based Chicken Fries. However, Chicken Fries offer more unique shaping and serve more pieces in a small order.
Chicken Fries Nutrition Facts
Here are the key nutrition facts for Burger King Chicken Fries:
- 220 calories in a small order of 5 fries
- 12g total fat per small order
- 360mg sodium in a small order
- 16g carbs per small order
- 8g protein per small order
The main nutrients in Chicken Fries are fat and protein from the fried chicken, carbohydrates from the coating, and sodium from the breading, batter and frying process. Going up in size increases the fat, carbs and sodium as you get more pieces. Overall, the small 220 calorie serving provides lower calorie option for this fried fast food item.
Conclusion
In summary, a small order of Burger King Chicken Fries contains 220 calories and 12g fat. This compares to 370 calories in a medium and 730 calories in a large order. Chicken Fries offer a unique chicken option shaped like fries with a crispy coated exterior and tender white meat chicken inside. While not the healthiest menu choice, the small portion can be a lower calorie fried food option when eating fast food. Following tips like ordering them fresh, removing excess batter and dipping in ketchup can further lighten up these quick serve chicken fries.
