Buffalo Wild Wings Boneless Wings vs. Traditional Wings: Which Is Better in 2024?

Buffalo Wild Wings (BWW) is a household name in the world of wings. Whether you’re a long-time user or a newcomer you can enjoying  to choosing between Buffalo Wild Wings Boneless wings vs Traditional wings. The debate is very real and it goes beyond a matter of preference.

Are boneless wings just expensive chicken nuggets trying to get to the bone-in level of condiment nachos? Are  they a unique style wing all their own? How do they stack up in terms of taste, texture, price, calories and even the whole dining experience? In this comprehensive breakdown of  Buffalo Wild Wings boneless wings vs traditional wings  we’ll go over all the key differences between them so that you can come to the perfect decision the next time you leave to the establishment.

What Are Buffalo Wild Wings Boneless Wings?

Before we compare them though, here is what we think makes Buffalo Wild Wings boneless wings so special.

Boneless Wings: The Basics

Boneless wings from Buffalo Wild Wings are actually breaded, deep-fried chicken breast pieces that have been covered in all kinds of delicious sauces. These wings have grown popular with folks who enjoy the tastes of wings without worrying about bones. They’re sometimes referred to as boneless chicken wings or chicken nuggets, but don’t let that fool you these bites pack just as much punch in flavour and texture.

Whereas traditional wings are the wing sections of a chicken, boneless wings are essentially white meat that’s breaded and fried. This makes for a crunchier exterior and succulent, juicy meat on the inside.

What Sets Them Apart?

Boneless wings don’t come with bones, so they’re often easier to eat — you don’t have to worry about getting the meat off the bone, or how many napkins you should be using. These are great for people who don’t want to get their hands dirty or just want a little something to chew on. You can also do a lot with the sauces on boneless wings and be creative with flavour pairings and dipping sauces.

This is a closer look at how Buffalo Wild Wings’ boneless wings are made:

Chicken Breast: Boneless wings get their tender texture from the chicken breast, and are usually made up of this meat.

Breading: Boneless wings are typically seasoned more heavily than traditional wings, allowing for a variety of flavour profiles that suit different preferences. And that is one of the biggest differences between boneless wings and traditional wings, as traditional wings are just deep-fried and not breaded.

Sauces: After frying, these wings are tossed in sauces that run the gamut from mild to blistering hot.

What Are Buffalo Wild Wings Traditional Wings?

Next, we have the classic wings  the traditional wing experience that has made Buffalo Wild Wings famous.

Traditional Wings: The Basics

Buffalo Wild Wings’ traditional wings are bone-in wing sections. These wings are deep-fried until perfect and tossed in one of BWW’s signature sauces. Unlike boneless wings, meat is still connected to a bone, making some effort and commitment necessary in order to achieve the full eating experience.

Boneless wings, on the other hand, are typically made from breaded and cooked pieces of chicken breast; traditional wings literally come from the chicken wing, which is the same one that includes the drumette (the meaty portion) and the wingette (the flat part). These wings tend to pack more flavour, as the bone keeps in moisture and adds richness to the meat.

What’s so special about Natty/Wings?

There are also traditional wings, the choice for wing purists who wish to experience wings the way they were intended. They just add to the flavour, and many people like the challenge of pulling meat off the bone. It’s a more hands-on experience, and you’re chewing and working around the bone, so it feels like a more fulfilling meal.

Traditional wing features include:

Bone-In: Adds flavour and moisture to the wings.

Natural Meat: Traditional wings include both the drumette and the wingette, for a difference in texture.

More Work: With boneless wings, they’re often gorge-worthy blobs of meatiness; traditional wings require you to muck about with your hands as you get the meat from bone.

Boneless Wings vs Traditional Wings: A Comprehensive Comparison

We’ve covered the basics of each option, however, the boneless wings vs. traditional wings debate comes down to a few critical comparisons across tastes, textures, prices, calories, and convenience.

1. Prices 

Here’s an updated look at menu prices for 2024 (prices can vary by location):

Wings

Combo Deals

Sides

Drinks

Sauces & Seasonings

Speciality Items

With respect to pricing, Buffalo Wild Wings typically price their boneless wings at a lower price point than traditional wings. This is mainly because the ingredients are different (boneless wings use chicken breast, so these are usually cheaper than chicken wing portions).

2. Taste and Texture

When it comes to boneless wings vs traditional wings, the single most compelling aspect of your choice is likely taste and texture. So, what’s the difference?

Boneless Wings: These wings are crunchy on the outside due to the breading and juicy in the inside. The breading gives a different texture and taste than the skin on a typical wing. Because boneless wings are entirely encrusted with breading, they soak up more of the sauce, making every mouthful a flavourful bite (think: Buffalo Wild Wings).

Traditional Wings – These wings are a bit more textured. The skin crisps during frying, and the meat close to the bone tends to be juicier and more flavourful (thanks bone marrow). Others like the slightly stronger flavor resulting from the bone-in nature of these wings. The bones also help sauce adhere to meat differently — something that some wing eaters believe makes the flavour better.

3. Calories and Nutrition

The calorie count is one of the biggest differences between boneless and traditional wings. Let’s parse out the calorie density of each:

Boneless Wings

6-piece order (Classic Buffalo): ~480-500 calories

12-piece order (Classic Buffalo): ~960–1,000 calories

Per extra wing: ~80-90 calories (depending on sauce)

Traditional Wings

6-piece bucket (Classic Buffalo): ~440-460 calories

12-piece order (Classic Buffalo): ~880–920 calories

Per extra wing: ~70-80 calories (depending on the sauce)

However, boneless wings are somewhat higher in calories than traditional wings generally because of the breading. The breading also adds calories, so they can be a little more substantial.

Traditional wings are generally the lower-calorie option if you’re counting calories, especially if you’re sticking with a low-calorie sauce like Mild Buffalo or Lemon Pepper. Boneless wings take it a step further in the indulgent direction, but do remain a relatively lighter option until it comes to the sauce type.

4. Convenience and Cleanliness

This is one of the biggest advantages that boneless wings enjoy over traditional ones. Without bones, you can pop them in your mouth and keep chewing while your tongue is still flailing around internally, without the energy-sapping stop-start dance of your jaw, mouth, saliva and throat grappling with the bone. They also are a cleaner option, particularly for children or anyone who doesn’t want to get their hands gooey with sauce.

Conversely, traditional wings involve a little more effort. It takes more effort to pull the meat off the bone, and the eating experience is often messier. For people who appreciate that tactile experience of eating wings, this is part of the fun. But if you’re pressed for time or simply would like a less-messy experience, boneless wings are obviously more convenient.

Buffalo Wild Wings Sauces List

Boneless and traditional wings are also available in a variety of sauces to satisfy every palate. Take a closer look at the popular sauces offered at Buffalo Wild Wings:

Classic Buffalo: A spicy and tangy sauce that’s ideal for people who love heat.

Mango Habanero: A spicy, sweet version that’s sure to rouse your taste buds.

Honey BBQ: A sweeter, milder sauce that’s great for those who prefer a less spicy experience.

Creamy Garlic Parmesan: A nice thick and rich sauce with loads of garlic and Parmesan cheese.

Asian Zing: A sweet and tangy sauce with a touch of spice, great for anyone who prefers a sweeter wing.

Blazin’: The spiciest of them all, this sauce is for those who aren’t afraid to push their spice limits.

Which Option Should You Choose?

At the end of the day, boneless wings are an entirely different animal from traditional wings and whether or not you enjoy that is directly related to two things — what your tastebuds prefer and your end-game dining goal. If you’re looking for the fastest experience possible and want something crispy and easy to eat, the boneless wings may be the best option for you.

But if you’re a wing purist and love the real, authentic wing experience, with a little work and a lot of flavor, then you’re going to want traditional wings. A bone-in texture and juicy meat might be just what you need for the rich experience you’re craving.

Conclusion

If you’re trying to decide between Buffalo Wild Wings boneless wings vs. traditional wings, however, the answer is subjective. But both are just as loved by wing lovers for their flavour and texture. Whether you are into the crunchiness and accessibility of boneless wings or the more juicy and tasty experience of traditional wings, either one will definitely provide delicious gratification.

The next time you’re at Buffalo Wild Wings, factor in your taste preferences, budget, and dietary goals, and enjoy a great meal no matter what option you end up selecting!

FAQs

Are boneless wings healthier than classic wings?

Boneless wings also are typically higher in calories because of the breading, whereas traditional wings have fewer calories and are often considered a lighter fare.

How much are wings at Buffalo Wild Wings?

Because the meat is cooked directly, boneless wings are often cheaper for what you get than the more traditional wings, particularly if ordering in bulk.

What are the best sauces for boneless wings?

Some of our most popular sauces for boneless wings include Mango Habanero, Honey BBQ, Garlic Parmesan and Classic Buffalo.

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