Wingstop Wings
A single Wingstop chicken wing typically contains between 80 to 100 calories, depending on the flavor and preparation method, offering a tasty but moderate calorie snack or meal.
The Calories Behind Wingstop’s Chicken Wings
If you're a fan of Wingstop, you already know how delicious their wings are. The crispy exterior, tender meat, and variety of flavors make each bite irresistible. But when it comes to keeping track of calories, it’s important to understand what you’re consuming, especially if you’re trying to manage your diet or balance your macronutrients. While wings are often considered a cheat meal, there are ways to enjoy them without totally derailing your calorie goals.
So, how many calories do Wingstop wings actually have? The answer depends on the specific type of wing, the flavor, and the serving size. Generally speaking, one traditional (bone-in) Wingstop wing contains anywhere from 80 to 100 calories. The calorie content can vary, especially when considering the different cooking methods, sauces, and rubs that Wingstop offers.
In this article, I’ll break down the calorie content of Wingstop wings across various flavors and options, giving you all the info you need to make an informed decision on your next order.
Calorie Breakdown: Bone-In vs. Boneless Wings
When you order from Wingstop, you’ll typically be faced with the choice of bone-in or boneless wings. While both options are delicious, they do differ in terms of calories, primarily due to their different cooking processes and portion sizes.
Bone-In Wings
Traditional bone-in wings are often considered the classic choice at Wingstop. The meat is coated in a crispy batter and then deep-fried to perfection. Depending on the flavor you choose, a single bone-in wing typically has between 80 to 100 calories. For example:
- Original Hot Wings: 80–90 calories per wing
- Lemon Pepper Wings: 85–95 calories per wing
- Hickory Smoked BBQ Wings: 90–100 calories per wing
Bone-in wings are often considered a bit healthier because they’re lower in calories, especially when compared to their boneless counterparts. But they can still pack in a fair amount of calories, depending on the amount of sauce you add.
Boneless Wings
Boneless wings are essentially chicken breast meat that is breaded and then deep-fried. Because they’re made with breast meat and typically have a higher breading-to-chicken ratio, boneless wings generally have more calories than bone-in wings. A single boneless wing typically has around 100–130 calories.
For example:
- Original Hot Boneless Wings: 110–120 calories per wing
- Lemon Pepper Boneless Wings: 115–125 calories per wing
- Garlic Parmesan Boneless Wings: 120–130 calories per wing
Since boneless wings are often larger in size than bone-in wings, they can have a higher calorie count due to the extra batter and coating. However, they may also be slightly more filling for the same portion size, as they tend to be denser.
Wings with Extra Sauces and Rubs
When you add extra sauces or rubs to your wings, whether bone-in or boneless, you’re likely to increase the calorie content. Sauces like ranch or blue cheese dipping sauces can add about 100–200 additional calories per serving, depending on how much you use.
Some of Wingstop’s saucier options also contribute to the overall calorie count:
- Mango Habanero Wings: These spicy wings can add about 100–120 calories per wing, especially if you ask for extra sauce.
- Garlic Parmesan Wings: These wings are typically higher in calories due to the buttery sauce coating, ranging from 95–110 calories per wing.
- Honey BBQ Wings: With a sweet and sticky glaze, these wings can contain anywhere from 90 to 110 calories each.
To keep the calories down, you can always opt for a dry rub instead of a heavy sauce. Wingstop offers several flavorful rubs that will keep your wings tasty without adding too many extra calories. Dry rubs like Lemon Pepper or Cajun typically add between 80 to 100 calories per wing.
How Many Calories in Wingstop's Combo Meals?
Wingstop is known for offering combo meals, where wings are paired with sides like fries, coleslaw, or a drink. These combos can quickly add up in calories, but if you plan your meal carefully, you can enjoy a satisfying portion without going overboard.
The Combo Meal Breakdown
- Wings + Fries: A typical serving of Wingstop fries adds about 300–400 calories depending on the portion size.
- Wings + Fries + Drink: A sugary soft drink can easily add another 150–250 calories. Opting for water or a low-calorie drink is a good way to cut back.
For example, a meal with 10 bone-in wings (around 800–1000 calories) and regular fries (around 350 calories) will total roughly 1,150–1,350 calories. If you choose a diet soda or water, you’ll keep the calorie count on the lower end of that spectrum.
If you’re looking for a smaller meal, Wingstop offers smaller portion options, including 5 wings (around 400–500 calories) and smaller fries.
How To Make Your Wingstop Meal Healthier
While it’s easy to indulge in a delicious serving of wings, there are ways to keep your meal healthier if you’re mindful of the calorie count. Here are some tips to help reduce the calories while still enjoying your Wingstop meal.
1. Opt for Bone-In Wings Over Boneless
As mentioned earlier, bone-in wings tend to have fewer calories than boneless wings. The next time you’re at Wingstop, consider ordering bone-in wings to keep the calories down.
2. Choose a Dry Rub
Saucy wings are delicious, but they can add a significant number of calories. Opting for a dry rub instead of a sauce can save you a lot of calories. Wingstop’s dry rubs, such as Lemon Pepper or Cajun, are flavorful without adding much extra fat or sugar.
3. Skip the Dipping Sauces
Dipping sauces like ranch and blue cheese are creamy and indulgent, but they can add a hefty amount of calories to your meal. Instead of dipping, ask for a small portion of sauce on the side, or skip them altogether to save calories.
4. Pair with a Healthy Side
Wingstop offers a variety of sides, and some are healthier than others. Coleslaw and fries can quickly add a lot of calories, so consider pairing your wings with something lighter, like their Veggie Sticks or opting for a side salad.
Conclusion: How Many Calories Do Wingstop Wings Have?
The number of calories in a Wingstop wing depends on several factors, including whether you opt for bone-in or boneless, the flavor of your wings, and whether you add any sauces or sides. Generally, a bone-in wing contains 80 to 100 calories, while a boneless wing tends to be slightly higher at around 100 to 130 calories per wing.
If you're mindful of the sauces and sides you choose, Wingstop can be a relatively low-calorie option, making it easier to indulge in a flavorful meal without completely derailing your calorie goals. By opting for bone-in wings, choosing dry rubs, and skipping the high-calorie dips, you can easily enjoy a tasty, healthier version of your favorite Wingstop meal.