Are you a chicken wing lover? Nothing is quite as finger-licking good as a classic chicken wing!
I will take you on a mouth-watering journey of chicken wing varieties and sauces. Whether you prefer them spicy, tangy, or sweet, I’ve got you covered to become a chicken wing connoisseur.
Chicken wings are sold whole or cut into sections. There are three parts to a whole chicken wing. Did you know that they are called the drumette, flat/wingette, and tip?
The drumette is the portion of the wing that’s attached to the main part of the chicken. This is called the drumette, probably due to the fact that it’s shaped like the larger chicken drumstick. There’s one main bone in the middle, with some joints and cartilage on both ends. The middle part of the wing is called the wingette or flat. There are two thin bones that run parallel to each other down the length of the flat, and it has dark meat and is completely covered with skin. Wing tips are tiny, pointy pieces shaped like a feather at the end. Tips are almost entirely skin, bone, and cartilage, with very little meat.
Boneless Wings
Breast meat is used for boneless chicken wings. The breast meat is removed from the bone and then cut into a size and shape that looks like chicken wings.
How Many?
Plan on serving one pound of chicken wings per person. That is typically 8 to 12 pieces. Keep in mind much of the weight of 1 pound of chicken wings is bone. If you will offer a large food spread, 1/2 pound per person should be sufficient.
Prepping
Wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds before and after handling raw chicken. The USDA recommends against washing your raw poultry to help minimize the spread of bacteria.
Wings can be breaded, brined, marinated, or dry rubbed. A marinade is great if you love lots of flavor and saucy wings. Dry rub wings offer a rich flavor and can be cooked immediately. Plus, the baking powder in that dry rub yields really crispy skin.
Cooking
Different cooking methods produce varying styles of wings. Chicken wings can be prepared in various ways, including air-frying, baking, broiling, deep-frying, grilling, roasting, searing, or smoking.
Chicken should always be cooked to a minimum internal temperature of 165°F. Avoiding the bone, use a food thermometer to check the temperature of each wing.
Flavor Profiles
From classic flavors to unique and creative options, there is a wing for every taste preference. Here are some ideas to get you started:
Mango Habanero Wings: These wings are coated in a spicy and fruity sauce made from a combination of mangoes, habanero peppers, lime juice, and spices.
Sriracha Lime Wings: These wings are coated in a tangy and spicy sauce made from a combination of sriracha, lime juice, honey, and garlic.
Maple Bacon Wings: If you’re a fan of sweet and savory combinations, these wings are for you. They are coated in a sticky glaze made from a combination of maple syrup, bacon, and spices.
Jerk Wings: If you’re a fan of Caribbean flavors, jerk wings are a must-try. They are marinated in a spicy and aromatic sauce made from a combination of Scotch bonnet peppers, allspice, thyme, and other spices. The wings are then grilled or baked until they are crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside.
Lemon Pepper Wings: For those who prefer a simple yet flavorful option, lemon pepper wings are the way to go. These wings are seasoned with a mixture of lemon zest, black pepper, salt, and other spices.
Dipping Sauces
No chicken wing feast is complete without some delicious dipping sauces. Here are dipping sauce ideas:
- Buffalo Wing Sauce
- Blue Cheese Dressing
- Ranch Dressing
- Honey Mustard Sauce
- Barbecue Sauce
- Sriracha Mayo
- Sweet Chili Sauce
- Garlic Parmesan Sauce
- Sticky Honey Glaze
- Mango Habanero Sauce
Food Safety
Since wings are often served buffet-style, it’s essential to refrigerate or freeze leftover chicken within 2 hours or 1 hour if the food is exposed to temperatures above 90°F. Keep wings hot by placing them in a preheated oven, warming tray, or slow cooker.
Serving Tips
Here are some serving and presentation tips to keep in mind:
Garnish with Fresh Herbs: Adding fresh herbs, such as cilantro or parsley, to the chicken wings can elevate their presentation and add a pop of color.
Serve with Fresh Vegetables: Accompany chicken wings with a variety of fresh vegetables, including celery sticks, carrot sticks, and cucumber slices. These crunchy and refreshing veggies will help balance out the richness of the wings.
Offer a Variety of Dipping Sauces: Set up a dipping sauce station with a variety of options to cater to different tastes. This allows your guests to experiment with different flavors and find their perfect combination.
Serve with a Variety of Side Dishes: Consider serving a variety of side dishes to complement the chicken wings. Some popular options include coleslaw, potato salad, macaroni and cheese, and cornbread.
Present Wings on a Platter: Arrange the chicken wings on a large platter, ensuring they are spaced out to showcase different flavors and varieties. This makes for an appealing presentation, allowing your guests to easily choose their favorites.
Provide Wet Wipes or Napkins: Chicken wings can get messy, so make sure to provide wet wipes or napkins for your guests to clean their hands. This will ensure a more enjoyable eating experience.
Elevate your meals and gatherings with irresistible chicken wings. Whether you eat them plain, cooked in seasoning, or coated in sauce, wings rule the roost. Happy wing-eating!
Written by Vicki Hayman, MS, University of Wyoming Extension Community Vitality & Health Educator
Sources:
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, www.cdc.gov
- Food52, food52.com
- USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service, www.fsis.usda.gov