Chicken wing, grilled with sauce
Common food
A grilled chicken wing is a succulent, bone-in piece of poultry, typically marinated and cooked over an open flame or grill, yielding a smoky, caramelized exterior with tender, juicy meat. Its macronutrient profile is dominated by protein and fat, making it a satiating, energy-dense choice with minimal carbohydrates. The cooking method enhances its natural savory flavors while adding a characteristic char.
💚 Why it's loved
People adore the irresistible combination of smoky, savory, and often sweet or spicy flavors from the sauce, along with the satisfying contrast between crispy skin and tender meat. It's a universally beloved finger food, central to social gatherings, sports events, and casual dining across many cultures.
⚠️ Watch-outs & how to enjoy it better
The high fat and sodium content from sauces can be a concern for those managing calorie intake or blood pressure. The skin, while flavorful, is high in saturated fat; to counteract this, you can remove the skin after grilling or opt for a dry rub instead of a sugary glaze. Pairing with a fiber-rich vegetable salad can help balance the meal.
Key benefits
- High-quality complete protein for muscle maintenance.
- Rich in essential minerals like selenium and phosphorus.
- Provides B vitamins, particularly niacin and B6.
- The fat content aids in absorption of fat-soluble vitamins.
🍽️ Popular dishes
🌍 Where it's eaten
💡 Did you know?
The 'Buffalo wing' was reportedly invented in 1964 at the Anchor Bar in Buffalo, New York, when the owner's son and his friends wanted a late-night snack, leading to the creation of the now-iconic deep-fried, sauce-coated wing.
Full nutrition (scales with serving)
| Water | 56.9 g |
| Energy | 250 kcal |
| Protein | 19.0 g |
| Total lipid (fat) | 15.5 g |
| Carbohydrate, by difference | 7.3 g |
| Fiber, total dietary | 0.20 g |
| Total Sugars | 5.9 g |
| Calcium, Ca | 21.0 mg |
| Iron, Fe | 0.78 mg |
| Magnesium, Mg | 17.0 mg |
| Phosphorus, P | 120 mg |
| Potassium, K | 210 mg |
| Sodium, Na | 568 mg |
| Zinc, Zn | 1.3 mg |
| Copper, Cu | 0.04 mg |
| Selenium, Se | 20.5 ug |
| Vitamin C, total ascorbic acid | 0.10 mg |
| Thiamin | 0.06 mg |
| Riboflavin | 0.13 mg |
| Niacin | 5.1 mg |
| Vitamin B-6 | 0.46 mg |
| Folate, total | 8.0 ug |
| Folic acid | 0.00 ug |
| Folate, food | 8.0 ug |
| Folate, DFE | 8.0 ug |
| Choline, total | 89.6 mg |
| Vitamin B-12 | 0.28 ug |
| Vitamin B-12, added | 0.00 ug |
| Vitamin A, RAE | 11.0 ug |
| Retinol | 10.0 ug |
| Carotene, beta | 24.0 ug |
| Carotene, alpha | 0.00 ug |
| Cryptoxanthin, beta | 0.00 ug |
| Lycopene | 812 ug |
| Lutein + zeaxanthin | 16.0 ug |
| Vitamin E (alpha-tocopherol) | 1.1 mg |
| Vitamin E, added | 0.00 mg |
| Vitamin D (D2 + D3) | 0.20 ug |
| Vitamin K (phylloquinone) | 2.6 ug |
| Fatty acids, total saturated | 4.2 g |
| SFA 4:0 | 0.00 g |
| SFA 6:0 | 0.00 g |
| SFA 8:0 | 0.00 g |
| SFA 10:0 | 0.01 g |
| SFA 12:0 | 0.01 g |
| SFA 14:0 | 0.08 g |
| SFA 16:0 | 3.3 g |
| SFA 18:0 | 0.79 g |
| Fatty acids, total monounsaturated | 7.0 g |
| MUFA 16:1 | 0.89 g |
| MUFA 18:1 | 5.9 g |
| MUFA 20:1 | 0.10 g |
| MUFA 22:1 | 0.01 g |
| Fatty acids, total polyunsaturated | 3.6 g |
| PUFA 18:2 | 3.2 g |
| PUFA 18:3 | 0.22 g |
| PUFA 18:4 | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 20:4 | 0.08 g |
| PUFA 20:5 n-3 (EPA) | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 22:5 n-3 (DPA) | 0.01 g |
| PUFA 22:6 n-3 (DHA) | 0.01 g |
| Cholesterol | 112 mg |
| Alcohol, ethyl | 0.00 g |
| Caffeine | 0.00 mg |
| Theobromine | 0.00 mg |
FAQ
Is grilled chicken wing healthier than fried?
Generally, yes. Grilling allows some fat to drip away, reducing the overall calorie and fat content compared to deep-frying, which adds significant oil. However, the final nutritional value heavily depends on the sauce or marinade used.
How can I make grilled chicken wings crispier?
Pat the wings completely dry before seasoning. You can also use a light dusting of baking powder (not baking soda) to help draw out moisture and promote crisping during grilling. Ensure your grill is preheated to a medium-high temperature.
What's a good low-sugar sauce for grilled wings?
Consider a sauce based on hot sauce, vinegar, and herbs, or a simple garlic and herb marinade. You can also use a small amount of sugar-free sweetener in a glaze, or focus on dry rubs with spices like paprika, cumin, and black pepper.