How Many Calories in a Chicken Wing? Nutrition Facts & Macros
One chicken wing (34g) has 86 calories
Protein 8.1g · Carbs 0g · Fat 5.7g
Chicken wings are a beloved finger food — crispy, juicy, and full of flavor. Whether you roast, grill, or fry them, knowing the exact nutrition facts helps you stay on track. Here's everything you need to know about chicken wing calories and macros, based on USDA data. A roasted chicken wing with skin is about 59% water.
1063 kJ · per 100g · Water: 59.4 g
Calorie Calculator: Chicken Wing (Roasted)
34 g Chicken Wing (Roasted) contains 86 kcal
Calories by Portion Size
| Portion | Calories | Protein | Carbs | Fat |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 wing (34g) | 86 kcal | 8.1g | 0g | 5.7g |
| 3 wings (102g) | 259 kcal | 24.3g | 0g | 17.2g |
| 100 grams | 254 kcal | 23.8g | 0g | 16.9g |
Chicken Wing (Roasted) — Nutrition Facts
| Chicken Wing (Roasted) | per 100g |
|---|---|
| Calories | 254 kcal |
| Protein | 23.79 g |
| Fat | 16.87 g |
| Carbs | 0 g |
| Fiber | 0 g |
| Sugar | 0 g |
| Sodium | 98 mg |
| Potassium | 177 mg |
| Phosphorus | 139 mg |
| Water | 59.4 g |
Source: USDA FoodData Central (FDC ID: 173630) · Data verified April 2026
Variations
Chicken wing without skin
About 187 calories per 100g — 26% fewer than with skin. Fat drops from 16.87g to ~8g. Protein increases to ~27g per 100g. Less crispy but significantly leaner. Best option for calorie-conscious eating.
Fried chicken wing (breaded)
About 321 calories per 100g — 26% more than roasted. Breading adds carbs (~10g) and the frying process absorbs oil, increasing fat to ~22g. One fried wing (~44g with breading) has about 141 kcal. Restaurant buffalo wings can be even higher with added butter sauce.
Dietary Perspectives
For Weight Loss
At 254 kcal per 100 g, chicken wings are calorie-dense due to 16.9 g of fat and skin. They provide 23.8 g of protein per 100 g. A single wing (~29 g, ~74 kcal) is small but calories add up quickly — 6 wings reach ~444 kcal. Skinless preparation reduces calories significantly. Not the best choice for a calorie deficit.
For Athletic Performance
Chicken wings provide 23.8 g of protein per 100 g but high fat (16.9 g) makes them suboptimal around training. Contains 177 mg of potassium per 100 g. The high fat and typically heavy seasoning slow digestion. Better as an occasional protein source in regular meals than as training fuel.
For Keto
Good for a ketogenic diet with 0 g of net carbs per 100 g. Wings provide 16.9 g of fat and 23.8 g of protein per 100 g — a favorable keto ratio. Eating with skin maximizes fat content. Watch for carbs in sauces and coatings — plain roasted or grilled wings are the keto-safest preparation.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many calories are in a chicken wing?
One roasted chicken wing with skin (34g) has approximately 86 calories. Per 100g, chicken wings have 254 calories. Three wings (102g) provide about 259 calories. Fried wings are significantly higher at ~321 kcal per 100g due to absorbed oil.
How much protein is in chicken wings?
Chicken wings have 23.79g of protein per 100g — solid for a high-fat cut. One wing (34g) provides about 8.1g of protein. Three wings give you about 24.3g. The protein comes from both the meat and the skin. For more protein per calorie, chicken breast (31g protein, 151 kcal) is more efficient.
How much fat is in chicken wings?
Chicken wings have 16.87g of fat per 100g with 4.98g saturated fat. One wing (34g) has about 5.7g of fat. Most of the fat is in the skin — removing it drops fat to about 8g per 100g and calories to ~187 kcal. The skin makes wings crispy but nearly doubles the fat content.
Chicken wings with skin vs without skin?
With skin: 254 kcal, 23.79g protein, 16.87g fat per 100g. Without skin: ~187 kcal, 27g protein, 8g fat. Removing the skin saves about 26% of calories and cuts fat by more than half. However, the skin provides the crispy texture most people enjoy. If counting calories, eat 2 wings with skin instead of 4 without — similar protein, better satisfaction.
How much cholesterol is in chicken wings?
Chicken wings have 141mg of cholesterol per 100g — relatively high among meats. One wing (34g) has about 48mg. Three wings provide ~144mg, roughly half the daily recommended limit (300mg). The cholesterol is concentrated in the skin. If cholesterol is a concern, removing the skin reduces it significantly.
Are chicken wings good for weight loss?
Chicken wings are not the most diet-friendly cut — at 254 kcal per 100g, they have 68% more calories than chicken breast (151 kcal). One wing has 86 kcal, and it's easy to eat 6-10 wings (516-860 kcal) in one sitting. For weight loss: limit to 3-4 wings, remove the skin if possible, bake instead of frying, and skip the sauce (buffalo sauce adds 15-30 kcal per wing).
Compare with Similar Foods
| Portion | kcal | Protein | Carbs | Fat |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chicken Wing (Roasted) | 254 | 23.79g | 0g | 16.87g |
| Chicken Breast | 151 | 30.54g | 0g | 3.17g |
| Chicken Thigh | 221 | 16.52g | 0.25g | 16.61g |
| Egg | 143 | 12.6g | 0.72g | 9.51g |
| Steak (Beef Sirloin) | 214 | 19.92g | 0g | 14.28g |
per 100g
One chicken wing has 86 kcal (34g) with 8.1g protein. Wings have 254 kcal per 100g — 68% more than chicken breast (151 kcal) due to skin fat. Three wings (259 kcal) provide 24.3g protein.