How Many Calories in a Chicken Burger Without Bun?

July 24, 2025

Chicken burgers are often seen as a healthier alternative to beef burgers—but have you ever wondered how many calories you’re actually saving when you ditch the bun? Whether you’re following a low-carb diet, trying to lose weight, or just cutting back on bread, removing the bun can make a big nutritional difference.

In this article, we’ll break down everything you need to know about the calories in a bunless chicken burger—plus tips, comparisons, and a spotlight on customizations at Boss Bites – Burgers, Wraps & More, where flavor meets flexibility.

Why People Are Skipping the Bun

Going bunless isn’t just a trend—it’s a smart health move for many. Let’s explore why more and more people are ordering their burgers without the bread.

Reducing Carbs and Calories

A typical hamburger bun contains about 120–150 calories and 20–30 grams of carbs. If you’re watching your intake, removing the bun immediately cuts down on calories and carbs without touching the flavor-packed main ingredients.

Many customers at Boss Bites – Burgers, Wraps & More opt for this route to enjoy a filling meal while staying within their daily calorie goals.

Going Gluten-Free

For people with celiac disease or gluten intolerance, skipping the bun is a no-brainer. Even for those without diagnosed gluten sensitivity, some prefer going bunless to reduce bloating or inflammation.

Gluten-free alternatives often contain more additives or sugar than you’d expect—so a bunless burger is actually a simpler and cleaner choice.

Following a Low-Carb or Keto Diet

Low-carb lifestyles like the keto diet restrict carb intake to force the body to burn fat for energy. The bun is a major source of empty carbs, so keto followers say goodbye to it in favor of lettuce wraps or no wrap at all.

What Makes Up a Chicken Burger Without the Bun?

Stripping away the bun doesn’t mean you’re left with just a dry piece of chicken. A bunless chicken burger usually includes:

  • A grilled or fried chicken patty
  • Veggies like lettuce, tomato, onions, and pickles
  • Condiments such as mustard, hot sauce, or even a small amount of mayo
  • Optional extras like cheese or avocado

Let’s dive into each part and see how they affect the calorie count.

The Chicken Patty: Grilled vs. Fried

The type of chicken patty you choose plays a huge role in the total calorie content.

Grilled Chicken Patty

  • Calories: ~150–180 (per 4 oz patty)
  • Protein: 25–30g
  • Fat: 3–6g
  • Carbs: 0g

Grilled chicken is lean, clean, and perfect if you’re aiming for low-calorie, high-protein meals.

Fried Chicken Patty

  • Calories: ~270–320 (per 4 oz patty)
  • Protein: 23–27g
  • Fat: 15–20g
  • Carbs: 8–12g (from breading)

Fried patties are delicious but calorie-heavy due to the oil and breading.

Toppings and Their Calorie Impact

You may think veggies don’t matter in the calorie game—but sauces and cheese can sneak in extra calories fast.

Low-Calorie Toppings

  • Lettuce, tomato, onions, jalapeños, and pickles: under 20 calories combined
  • Mustard or hot sauce: 5–15 calories per tablespoon

High-Calorie Add-ons

  • Cheese slice (cheddar): ~113 calories
  • Avocado (2 slices): ~50–70 calories
  • Mayo (1 tbsp): ~90–100 calories
  • Ranch or creamy sauces: ~120–150 calories per serving

If you want flavor without guilt, opt for vinegary or spicy condiments over creamy dressings.

Calorie Count: Full Breakdown Without the Bun

Let’s calculate a sample bunless chicken burger.

Example 1: The Lean Build

  • Grilled chicken patty: 160 calories
  • Lettuce, tomato, pickles: 10 calories
  • Mustard: 10 calories
  • Total: ~180 calories

Example 2: The Flavor Boost

  • Fried chicken patty: 290 calories
  • Cheese slice: 113 calories
  • Avocado: 50 calories
  • Mayo: 90 calories
  • Lettuce & tomato: 10 calories
  • Total: ~550 calories

See the difference? Bunless doesn’t automatically mean light. But with the right combos, you can keep your calories in check without sacrificing flavor.

Chicken Burger Comparison: Boss Bites vs. Fast Food Chains

Fast Food Chicken Burgers Without the Bun

  • Chick-fil-A Grilled Chicken (no bun): ~230 calories
  • McDonald’s McChicken (no bun): ~300 calories
  • Wendy’s Grilled Chicken (no bun): ~250 calories

Fast food options vary in size, seasoning, and hidden oils. They also don’t offer much customization.

Boss Bites – Burgers, Wraps & More

At Boss Bites, the beauty is in the build-your-own approach.

Here’s a popular low-calorie combo:

  • Grilled chicken patty: 160 calories
  • Lettuce, tomato, onion: 15 calories
  • Pickles & mustard: 10 calories
  • No cheese or sauces
  • Total: ~185 calories

Want to indulge a little? Add one slice of cheddar (113 calories), and you’re still under 300 total. That’s impressive for a meal that fills you up and tastes like a cheat day.

How to Keep Your Chicken Burger Low in Calories

Looking for smart eating strategies? We’ve got you covered.

Stick With Grilled Meat

Always choose grilled over fried. Not only does it slash calories, but it also eliminates greasy fats and carbs from breading.

Watch the Sauces

Limit creamy dressings and opt for:

  • Hot sauce
  • Mustard
  • Salsa
  • Light vinaigrette

Load Up on Veggies

Pile on fresh toppings like:

  • Spinach
  • Arugula
  • Red onions
  • Roasted peppers

They add crunch, flavor, and nutrients—without tipping the calorie scale.

Say No to Double Cheese

If you love cheese, keep it to one slice and skip extra bacon or ranch. These toppings can turn a light meal into a calorie bomb.

Nutritional Benefits of a Bunless Chicken Burger

Why do health-conscious folks rave about bunless chicken burgers? It’s not just the lower calories.

High in Protein

With 25–30g of protein in most patties, you get enough to:

  • Keep you full longer
  • Support muscle growth
  • Boost your metabolism

Low in Carbs

Removing the bun means you avoid blood sugar spikes and crashes, which helps with weight management and energy levels.

Flexible for Most Diets

Keto, paleo, gluten-free, low-calorie—you name it, and a bunless chicken burger fits the bill.

When Skipping the Bun May Not Be Ideal

While skipping the bun is great for many, it’s not for everyone.

Pros

  • Lowers calories and carbs
  • Great for gluten-free or keto diets
  • Easy to digest
  • Supports weight loss

Cons

  • Less handheld convenience
  • May leave you less full if you’re not used to low-carb eating
  • Texture change (some miss the soft bite of bread)

If you miss the structure, try lettuce wraps, which offer the feel of a sandwich with hardly any calories.

Boss Bites – Burgers, Wraps & More Serving the Kingsbridge Estates Community and Beyond in Sugar Land

Boss Bites – Burgers, Wraps & More is dedicated to serving the diverse needs of the local community of Sugar Land, including individuals residing in neighborhoods like Kingsbridge Estates. With its convenient location near landmarks such as the Watchman Catholic Charismatic Renewal Movement Sugar Land, TX Branch and major intersections like Old Richmond Rd. & Linenhall Dr. (coordinates:29.6684472, -95.64276249999999), we offer chicken burger Sugar Land services.

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Smart Eating Starts with Simple Choices

How many calories are in a chicken burger without the bun? It depends on your choices—but it generally ranges from 150 to 300 calories. Stick with grilled meat and fresh toppings, and you’ll enjoy a delicious, protein-packed meal without overloading on calories.

At Boss Bites – Burgers, Wraps & More, you’re in control of what goes into your burger. Their bunless options are perfect for health-conscious eaters who don’t want to compromise on flavor.

Hungry yet? It might be time to build your own chicken burger the healthy way—minus the bun, plus all the goodness.

FAQs

1. Is a chicken burger without the bun good for weight loss?

Yes, it’s lower in calories and carbs while still offering high protein to keep you full.

2. How many calories do I save by removing the bun?

You save about 120–200 calories depending on the size and type of bun.

3. Can I eat a bunless chicken burger on keto?

Absolutely. Just make sure the patty isn’t breaded and stick to low-carb toppings.

4. What sauces can I use to keep it low-calorie?

Use mustard, hot sauce, or a small amount of Greek yogurt-based dressings.

5. Does Boss Bites offer lettuce-wrapped burgers?

Yes! Boss Bites – Burgers, Wraps & More allows you to wrap your burger in lettuce or go fully bunless on a plate.

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