If you like chicken wings, you might be surprised to know that you can get more calories from them than you think. But you can also find flavorings that will help you enjoy your wing without adding too many calories to your diet.
Skin affects calories
If you are a poultry fanatic then you probably already know that the skin on a chicken wing is more than just a feather. Aside from its sexy looks, it is also the apex of a chicken dinner. It is not uncommon to hear the health conscious eschew the hunk of goodness in favor of a more palatable protein packed alternative. While we’re on the topic, a side dish involving a roasted breast might have been a better choice. Nonetheless, a side dish containing the right ingredients might help to improve your overall well being and keep you on track to that elusive golden years award. Fortunately, a plethora of options abound. From a rotisserie chicken to a grilled thigh of yore, you have no shortage of choices. Of course, if you are looking for a hefty price tag you may have to do a bit of legwork. But if you are in the market for quality eats, you will be hard pressed to find a better deal. The trick is to make sure your dinner resembles a well rounded meal.
Rotisserie chicken or baked chicken wings are better options
Rotisserie chicken or baked chicken wings may be a better choice when trying to cut calories from your diet. The chicken is often cooked on a rotisserie, which ensures that the meat is fully cooked and the skin is crispy.
Rotisserie chicken is great because it provides a healthy source of protein. Protein helps to keep you full and control blood sugar levels. It also plays a vital role in controlling hormones, regulating digestion, and helping to build muscle.
Unlike fried chicken, rotisserie chicken has very low fat content. However, if you choose to use breading on your chicken, the calories increase.
Rotisserie chicken contains high amounts of vitamin B12, selenium, and riboflavin. While it is less than half the fat of fried chicken, it still has a substantial amount of saturated fat. This type of fat is not good for you, so be sure to watch your intake.
Typically, rotisserie chicken is seasoned with salt and pepper. Other ingredients, such as paprika and butter, help to give the meat a flavor. Depending on how the chicken is prepared, it may contain sodium as well. If you are looking for information on the sodium content of rotisserie chicken, look for words like brined or saline solution.
One serving of rotisserie chicken contains a total of 460 mg of sodium. This equates to one-fifth of the daily maximum allowance. Some store brands may pack even more sodium.
The American Heart Association recommends that you limit your intake of saturated fat to 5 to 6 percent of your daily calories. A 3-ounce serving of rotisserie chicken contains about 13 grams of saturated fat. That’s equal to about 2,000 calories.
Another way to reduce calories from chicken is to cook it in a dry oven. If you don’t have an oven, you can make them in the grill. Be sure to add some oil or another cooking fat to the pan before cooking. They will be juicier and hold up better.
Rotisserie chicken can be used for a variety of meals. From chicken salad to casseroles, rotisserie chicken is a convenient and nutritious way to enjoy chicken.
Flavorings that do not add calories
There are many ways to add flavor to chicken wings that are not adding calories. These recipes will have you licking your fingers after every bite!
Chicken wings are a great source of protein, iron, and B vitamins. They are also a satiating source of dietary fats, which are good for brain health. In addition, they are high in potassium and phosphorus.
A great way to add a little bit of extra flavor is to use a flavor brush. This can be a spicy hot sauce, salsa, or honey mustard. You can also try a simple lemon pepper seasoning.
Another tasty option is a blue cheese dressing. If you are looking to minimize calories, a simple non-fat Greek yogurt can lighten the classic blue cheese dressing.
For a slightly spicier flavor, try a combination of chili powder and paprika. It will add a little heat to your wing and will replace the need for extra oil.
Other ingredients to add to your wing include honey and sesame oil. To avoid adding excess salt, choose your marinade carefully. Adding extra salt will only add calories to your meal.
Having a good understanding of the basics of cooking and preparing chicken wings is the first step toward making them healthy. When you cook your own, you will be able to make a healthier version of your favorite recipe. And if you want to keep your calories low, you can bake instead of fry.
Lastly, it is important to remember that the calorie count does not include the oil used for deep frying. Fried chicken wings will have twice the calories as those made in the oven. Alternatively, you can grill your wings. However, grilling does not allow you to enjoy the same crispiness of fried chicken.
The best part about chicken wings is that they can be served with a variety of side dishes. Try serving your wings with mashed potatoes, stuffed mini peppers, or avocado fries. Also, eat them with fruits and veggies for a well-rounded meal.
Whether you are a health-conscious consumer or a party host, you can create your own healthy chicken wings without sacrificing flavor. Just make sure you do not add too much oil and you will get the crispiness you are after.
Buffalo chicken wings’ calories can add up faster than you might expect
The traditional recipe for Buffalo chicken wings has lots of fat, sodium and calories. But the good news is that there are healthier options for you to try. You can cut calories without cutting down on the taste.
First, you can choose to make them yourself at home. Instead of deep frying them, you can bake them in the oven. To get the crispier flavor you want, you can add corn starch to the dry rub.
Another option is to use an air fryer or instant pot. Some readers have found success using these devices. They can also be used to cook vegetables, such as celery sticks.
If you don’t like to cook, you can find frozen wings. These can be a healthier choice if you’re on a low-carb diet. Depending on the brand, these can vary in calorie count.
One of the best choices is to buy a 3-ounce portion. This is a healthy amount and will ensure you don’t exceed your daily calorie limit. However, the calorie count can increase when you serve them with sauces.
A modest dollop of blue cheese dip can add 140 calories. In addition, a side of carrot sticks or celery can help you control your wing intake.
Another alternative is to buy boneless wings. Boneless wings do not have as many calories as the traditional variety. So if you’re on a low-carb, keto or paleo diet, you can cut calories and stay on track.
While you may need to adjust your order, you can still get your buffalo wings fix with this alternative. The ingredients are very similar to the classic version, but it uses less salt, fat and sodium.
The recipe is very simple and easy to make. You only need a few ingredients. Add in some water or unsweetened iced tea, and you’re set.
For more options, visit BW3 to see the full range of sauces, seasonings and appetizers. There are also a number of gluten-free choices. As well, they have a “wet” dipping sauce that can be ordered on the side.
Buffalo Wild Wings isn’t the first company to come under fire for its menu. In fact, Chick-fil-A, Hooters and McDonald’s joined in the same lawsuit against chicken producers in August of 2016.
