Which is Better: Chicken Nuggets vs. Boneless Wings?
Both chicken nuggets and boneless wings have become popular menu items among fast food restaurants and casual dining establishments. Both options are made from the same white meat chicken cuts, but they’re prepared in completely different ways.
Readers often ask us which is better: chicken nuggets vs. boneless wings? In this blog post, we explore the similarities and differences between these two menu items with a detailed breakdown of their nutrition facts as well as which one is healthier. Let’s get started…
What is a Chicken Nugget?
When it comes to menu items, chicken nuggets are one of the most popular options. They’re also one of the most frequently mis-understood menu items, with many customers having no idea what’s actually in them.
A chicken nugget is a small piece of boneless chicken (usually all white meat) that is first ground, then formed into small pieces and then breaded or battered and deep fried.
There are many different types of chicken nuggets and all of them can be high in calories, fat and sodium. A typical order of chicken nuggets can contain upwards of 800 calories, 100 grams of fat and 2,000 mg of sodium. That’s a lot of calories and fat for something that is often eaten by kids!
What is a Boneless Wing?
Boneless wings are small pieces of chicken (again usually all white meat) that are cut from the chicken breast and then prepared without the bone. They are most often prepared by tossing them in a sauce and then baking or frying them.
While not as common as traditional chicken nuggets, more and more fast food restaurants are adding boneless wings to their menus, and casual dining chains are offering boneless wings as a side dish.
In terms of nutritional value, boneless wings are a much healthier choice than chicken nuggets. A typical order of boneless wings contains about 600 calories and 20 grams of fat.
How to Make Chicken Nuggets Healthier
If you’re ordering chicken nuggets at a restaurant or you’re eating them at home, there are a few ways that you can make them healthier. First, try ordering nuggets made with all white meat. White meat nuggets tend to be lower in calories and fat.
Next, avoid nuggets that are breaded. Instead, try nuggets that are coated in a flour/cornstarch mixture. Finally, avoid dipping nuggets in sugary sauces. Instead, dip them in mustard or a low-fat yogurt based sauce.
How to Make Boneless Wings Healthier
If you’re ordering boneless wings at a restaurant or you’re making them at home, there are a few ways that you can make them healthier. First, try ordering boneless wings made with all white meat. White meat boneless wings tend to be lower in calories and fat than their dark meat counterparts.
Next, avoid boneless wings that are coated in a sauce. Instead, order them plain or with just a light brushing of sauce. Finally, avoid deep frying boneless wings. Instead, bake them or grill them with a light brushing of oil.
Final Words
We hope you’ve enjoyed this blog post about the similarities and differences between chicken nuggets and boneless wings. Both of these menu items are made from the same white meat chicken cuts, but they’re prepared in completely different ways.
Boneless wings are a much healthier option than chicken nuggets, but they’re also lower in flavor. If you’re at a restaurant and you’re trying to decide between the two, the best option is often going to be the one that’s lower in calories, fat and sodium.