Quick Answer
A Hooters boneless wing contains approximately 70-90 calories per wing. The exact calorie count can vary depending on the size of the wing and whether it is cooked with the original or spicy garlic sauce. On average, an order of 5 Hooters boneless wings contains 350-450 calories.
Calculating Calories in Hooters Boneless Wings
Determining the calories in a Hooters boneless chicken wing requires looking at a few key factors:
Wing Size
Hooters offers boneless wings in two sizes – original and large. The original boneless wings are smaller in size and therefore contain fewer calories per wing. The large boneless wings are approximately 1.5 times bigger than the original size. This means the large wings can have 50% more calories than the original ones.
As a rough estimate:
– Original boneless wing: 70-80 calories per wing
– Large boneless wing: 100-110 calories per wing
So the size of the wings is a major factor in the calorie count. Bigger wings mean more calories.
Sauce
Hooters boneless wings come with a choice of original or spicy garlic sauce. The original sauce is lower in calories while the spicy garlic sauce can add more calories due to higher fat and sugar content.
The spicy garlic sauce likely adds around 10-20 extra calories per wing compared to the original sauce. So if you order spicy garlic wings, the calories will be at the higher end of the range.
Cooking Method
Hooters fries their boneless wings which adds extra calories from the oil. Deep frying can add 50-100 extra calories compared to baking or grilling. So the cooking method bumps up the calories compared to wings cooked without oil.
Wing Count
The calorie count scales up or down depending on how many wings you eat. An order of 5 original boneless wings with original sauce will be around 350-450 calories. But an order of 10 large wings with spicy garlic sauce could be 1000 calories or more.
In general, here are the estimated calories for Hooters boneless wings:
| Wing Size | Sauce | Calories (per wing) |
|---|---|---|
| Original | Original | 70-80 |
| Original | Spicy Garlic | 80-90 |
| Large | Original | 100-110 |
| Large | Spicy Garlic | 110-120 |
So based on the wing size, sauce choice, and number ordered, you can estimate the total calories in a Hooters boneless wings order.
Nutritional Information in Hooters Boneless Wings
In addition to calories, Hooters boneless wings provide a range of nutrients:
Protein
Chicken wings are a good source of protein. Protein helps build muscle, repairs tissue, and provides vital enzymes. Each boneless wing contains around 6-8g of protein depending on the size. So you get 30-40g of protein in an order of 5 wings.
Fat
The majority of calories in boneless wings comes from fat. This includes fat naturally present in chicken skin as well as oil used for frying. An order of 5 wings can contain 16-22g of fat, both saturated and unsaturated.
Carbs
Boneless wings are low in carbs – less than 5g per order. The carbs come from the batter used to coat the wings before frying. The sauces also contribute trace amounts of carbs.
Sodium
Sodium levels are moderate at 500-800mg for an order of 5 wings. The saltiness comes from seasonings on the wings as well as the sauces. Those who limit sodium may want to ask for reduced-sodium wings.
Sugar
There are 2-4g of sugar in an order of 5 boneless wings. Sugar occurs naturally in the sauces, particularly the spicy garlic sauce.
So while high in protein and low in carbs, boneless wings are also high in fat and sodium. Moderation is key for this appetizer.
Comparing Hooters Boneless Wings to Traditional Wings
How do the calories and nutrition in Hooters boneless wings compare to traditional bone-in wings? Here’s a look:
Calories
Boneless wings are slightly lower in calories than bone-in wings, by about 20-50 calories per wing. This is because there is less skin and fat without the bone. An order of 5 bone-in wings may be 400-500 calories compared to 350-450 calories for boneless.
Fat
Similarly, boneless wings contain 2-5g less fat per serving compared to bone-in. This represents up to a 25% reduction in total fat by using boneless.
Protein
Protein content is similar, with both wing styles providing 25-40g protein for an order of 5 wings. You still get the muscle protein from the chicken meat in both versions.
Sodium
Sodium levels are comparable between the two wing types, in the 500-800mg range for an order, depending on sauces.
Overall
While bone-in wings do have slightly higher fat and calories, the overall nutrition profile is broadly similar between the two wing versions. Go boneless to save a small amount of fat and calories.
Tips for Ordering Low Calorie Hooters Wings
Here are some tips to reduce the calories if you want to make a lighter choice with your Hooters wings:
– Order original size vs large wings
– Choose original sauce instead of spicy garlic
– Opt for grilled instead of fried wings
– Share or split an order to control portions
– Pair with lower calorie side like steamed veggies
– Opt for diet soda or water instead of high calorie drinks
– Avoid high calorie wing extras like blue cheese dressing
Making some swaps and being mindful of portions can help enjoy Hooters wings as part of a balanced diet.
Health Benefits of Chicken Wings
While high in calories and fat when fried, chicken wings do provide some health benefits:
Protein for Muscle
Wings contain high quality protein to help build and maintain muscle mass. Protein also keeps you feeling fuller for longer.
Vitamin B12
Chicken contains vitamin B12 which is important for red blood cell formation and brain function.
Iron
There’s iron in chicken wings which carries oxygen in the blood to cells. Iron also boosts the immune system.
Zinc
Zinc in wings supports a healthy immune system and wound healing. It also enables taste and smell receptors.
So while wings should be enjoyed in moderation, they do provide nutrients that support your health.
Conclusion
A Hooters boneless buffalo wing contains around 70-110 calories depending on size and sauce choice. An order of 5 wings ranges from 350-450 calories. While the deep frying adds extra fat and calories, chicken wings are a good source of protein, vitamins and minerals. Keep portions in check and balance with veggies and other healthy items to make them part of an overall balanced diet. With some modifications, you can feel good about indulging in Hooters tasty boneless buffalo wings!
