Chicken McNuggets are a popular menu item at McDonald’s. These bite-sized chicken pieces coated in tempura batter can make for a quick and tasty meal or snack. But if you’re watching your calorie intake, you may be wondering just how many calories come in a standard 6 piece order of McNuggets.
I looked into the nutrition facts for McDonald’s Chicken McNuggets to find out Here’s a breakdown of the calorie and nutrient content in a 6 piece serving
Nutrition Facts for 6 McDonald’s Chicken McNuggets
- Calories: 270
- Total Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 2.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
- Sodium: 510mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 16g
- Dietary Fiber: 1g
- Sugars: 0g
- Protein: 15g
As you can see, a 6 piece order of Chicken McNuggets from McDonald’s contains 270 calories
The majority of the calories come from fat, with 16g total fat per serving. This equals about 25% of the recommended daily value for fat based on a 2000 calorie diet. The McNuggets are lower in carbohydrates, with 16g or just 5% of the daily value.
They contain 15g of protein per serving, which is a positive nutrient that will help you feel full. However, the McNuggets are high in sodium, with 21% of the daily recommended amount.
How the Calories Compare
The 270 calories in a 6 piece order of Chicken McNuggets is moderate for a quick food item. Here’s how it compares to other McDonald’s menu choices:
- A McDonald’s Hamburger has 250 calories
- A Cheeseburger has 300 calories
- A McDouble has 380 calories
- A 6 piece order of Chicken Selects has 300 calories
The Chicken McNuggets have slightly fewer calories than some of McDonald’s burger options. However, they pack more calories than a plain hamburger.
If you want to lower the calorie count, you can order a 4 piece serving of McNuggets, which has 180 calories. Or, dipping sauces like sweet n sour or barbecue sauce add 50-90 extra calories per packet. Skipping the sauce is an easy way to save calories.
Overall, while Chicken McNuggets aren’t the lowest calorie choice at McDonald’s, a 6 piece order contains a moderate 270 calories. Knowing the nutrition facts can help you make informed meal decisions.
Ingredients in Chicken McNuggets®
| Component | Ingredients |
|---|---|
| Chicken McNuggets® | White boneless chicken, water, vegetable oil (canola, corn, soybean, hydrogenated soybean), enriched flour (bleached wheat flour, niacin, reduced iron, thiamine mononitrate, riboflavin, folic acid), yellow corn flour, modified starches (corn, wheat, rice, pea), salt, leavening agents (baking soda, sodium aluminum phosphate, calcium lactate, etc.), spices, yeast extract, lemon juice solids, dextrose, natural flavors |
Are Chicken McNuggets® available all day?
No. They are typically available after breakfast hours when the lunch and dinner menu starts, usually around 10:30 AM.
Food Theory: The Many Lies of McDonalds Chicken Nuggets
FAQ
How many calories are in a McDonald’s 6 piece chicken nugget?
A McDonald’s 6-piece Chicken McNugget contains 250 calories, according to McDonald’s.
Are McDonald’s chicken nuggets healthy or unhealthy?
Yes, McDonald’s chicken nuggets are generally considered safe to eat. They are made from chicken meat that is processed and cooked according to food safety standards. McDonald’s follows strict guidelines for food safety and quality control.
How many calories are in 6 McNuggets and medium fries?
At McDonald’s, a six-piece Chicken McNuggets and a medium fries have a total of 602 calories. The medium fries have 350 calories. Find the amount of calories in one Chicken McNugget.
How many calories are in a 6 pack of chicken nuggets?
There are 216 calories in 1 serving of McDonald’s Chicken McNuggets – 6 Pack.Apr 16, 2025