Chicken "wings" with hot sauce, from other sources
Common food
Photo: Wikipedia
Chicken wings tossed in a fiery, vinegar-based hot sauce, delivering a satisfying crunch from the skin and a juicy, tender bite of meat. The flavor profile is a bold, tangy kick of heat balanced by the savory richness of the chicken. Nutritionally, it's a high-protein, high-fat option with minimal carbohydrates, making it a staple for low-carb and ketogenic diets.
Calorie split: 25% protein · 8% carbs · 67% fat
↓ Full nutrition💚 Why it's loved
It's the ultimate comfort food and social snack, beloved for its addictive combination of spicy, tangy, and savory flavors that pair perfectly with cold drinks. Its cultural significance as the centerpiece of game-day gatherings and casual dining makes it a symbol of fun and camaraderie.
⚠️ Watch-outs & how to enjoy it better
The high fat and sodium content from the skin and sauce can be problematic for those managing heart health or blood pressure. The spicy capsaicin may cause digestive discomfort for some. Tip: Balance the meal with a large side of non-starchy vegetables like celery, carrots, or a crisp salad to add fiber and volume, and choose a sauce with lower sodium if available.
Key benefits
- Excellent source of complete protein for muscle maintenance
- Very low in carbohydrates and sugars
- Contains collagen from skin and connective tissue
- Capsaicin in hot sauce may boost metabolism
🍽️ Popular dishes
🌍 Where it's eaten
💡 Did you know?
The classic Buffalo wing was invented in 1964 at the Anchor Bar in Buffalo, New York, when the owner's son and his friends craved a late-night snack, and she deep-fried some wings and tossed them in a spicy butter sauce.
Full nutrition (USDA data · scales with serving)
| Water | 56.0 g |
| Energy | 267 kcal |
| Protein | 17.0 g |
| Total lipid (fat) | 20.0 g |
| Carbohydrate, by difference | 5.1 g |
| Fiber, total dietary | 0.10 g |
| Total Sugars | 2.3 g |
| Calcium, Ca | 36.0 mg |
| Iron, Fe | 0.78 mg |
| Magnesium, Mg | 18.0 mg |
| Phosphorus, P | 182 mg |
| Potassium, K | 215 mg |
| Sodium, Na | 812 mg |
| Zinc, Zn | 1.1 mg |
| Copper, Cu | 0.05 mg |
| Selenium, Se | 26.1 ug |
| Vitamin C, total ascorbic acid | 0.20 mg |
| Thiamin | 0.06 mg |
| Riboflavin | 0.15 mg |
| Niacin | 5.3 mg |
| Vitamin B-6 | 0.25 mg |
| Folate, total | 10.0 ug |
| Folic acid | 4.0 ug |
| Folate, food | 6.0 ug |
| Folate, DFE | 13.0 ug |
| Choline, total | 50.5 mg |
| Vitamin B-12 | 0.34 ug |
| Vitamin B-12, added | 0.00 ug |
| Vitamin A, RAE | 83.0 ug |
| Retinol | 77.0 ug |
| Carotene, beta | 73.0 ug |
| Carotene, alpha | 3.0 ug |
| Cryptoxanthin, beta | 4.0 ug |
| Lycopene | 0.00 ug |
| Lutein + zeaxanthin | 0.00 ug |
| Vitamin E (alpha-tocopherol) | 0.82 mg |
| Vitamin E, added | 0.00 mg |
| Vitamin D (D2 + D3) | 0.20 ug |
| Vitamin K (phylloquinone) | 3.5 ug |
| Alcohol, ethyl | 0.00 g |
| Caffeine | 0.00 mg |
| Theobromine | 0.00 mg |
Fat & fatty acid profile (per 100g)
| Fatty acids, total saturated | 6.2 g |
| SFA 4:0 | 0.10 g |
| SFA 6:0 | 0.07 g |
| SFA 8:0 | 0.04 g |
| SFA 10:0 | 0.09 g |
| SFA 12:0 | 0.11 g |
| SFA 14:0 | 0.44 g |
| SFA 16:0 | 4.0 g |
| SFA 18:0 | 1.3 g |
| Fatty acids, total monounsaturated | 7.6 g |
| MUFA 16:1 | 0.84 g |
| MUFA 18:1 | 6.6 g |
| MUFA 20:1 | 0.07 g |
| MUFA 22:1 | 0.00 g |
| Fatty acids, total polyunsaturated | 2.9 g |
| PUFA 18:2 | 2.6 g |
| PUFA 18:3 | 0.25 g |
| PUFA 18:4 | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 20:4 | 0.04 g |
| PUFA 20:5 n-3 (EPA) | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 22:5 n-3 (DPA) | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 22:6 n-3 (DHA) | 0.00 g |
| Cholesterol | 104 mg |
FAQ
Are chicken wings healthy?
They are a great source of protein but are high in saturated fat and calories, especially with the skin on. Moderation and pairing with vegetables is key.
Why are they so high in fat?
Most of the fat comes from the skin, which is rich in saturated fat. Baking or air-frying without the skin can significantly reduce the fat content.
Is the hot sauce the main source of calories?
No, the majority of calories come from the chicken itself, particularly the skin. The sauce primarily adds sodium, flavor, and a small amount of sugar.
Nutrient density (calculated · NRF9.3)
Nutrient Rich Foods index: beneficial nutrients (protein, fiber, vitamins, minerals) minus saturated fat, added sugar & sodium, per 100 kcal.
NRF9.3 index — Fulgoni, Keast & Drewnowski, 2009. Computed from USDA nutrients.
Weight-loss friendliness (composite index)
Energy density 2.67 kcal/g · 25% calories from protein · 0.1 g fiber · 2.3 g sugar per 100 g.
Composite of energy density (Rolls et al., 1999), protein & fiber satiety, minus sugar. A calculated heuristic — ranks satiety-per-calorie, not a clinical measure.
Dietary load (calculated from USDA values)
Potential renal acid load. Positive = acid-forming, negative = alkaline-forming.
Sodium-to-potassium ratio: 3.78 (lower is better — aim for ≤ 1)
Sodium:potassium per WHO potassium guidance. Computed from USDA nutrients.