Chicken wings are a popular appetizer or snack, often served in a platter at restaurants and parties. But how many wings actually come in a typical wing platter? The number can vary quite a bit based on the size of the wings and the generosity of the establishment.
Typical wing platter sizes
Most full-size wing platters contain between 10-20 wings on average. Here are some common wing platter sizes:
- 10 wings – A smaller, appetizer-sized platter
- 12 wings – A common smaller wing platter size
- 15 wings – A popular medium platter size
- 18 wings – A common large platter size
- 20-24 wings – Extra large or party-sized platters
So if you’re looking to order a wing platter at a restaurant or for a party, you can expect somewhere between 10-20 wings to come in a full order. The exact number can depend on the restaurant’s portion sizes.
Factors that affect wing platter sizes
There are a few factors that can affect how many wings come in a typical wing platter:
Wing sizes
The most obvious factor is the size of the chicken wings themselves. Wings come in a range of sizes:
- Small or medium wings
- Large or jumbo wings
- Extra-large wings like turkey wings
Larger wings mean fewer will fit on a platter. Jumbo wings may be limited to 10-12 per platter compared to 15-18 small wings.
Bone-in vs boneless wings
Boneless wings tend to be smaller than traditional bone-in wings. A platter of boneless wings may contain 15-20 pieces compared to 10-15 bone-in wings.
Appetizer vs entree servings
Wing platters can be categorized as appetizers or entrees. Appetizer platters are smaller with 10-15 wings, while entrees and meal platters contain 15-20 wings.
Restaurant portion sizes
Some restaurants are known for more generous portions. Their platters may contain 18-24 wings compared to smaller platters from other establishments. Bar and pubs also tend to serve bigger portions.
Average wings per pound
Another way to estimate the number of wings in a platter is to look at how many wings come per pound. On average:
- Small wings: About 30-40 wings per pound
- Medium wings: Around 25-35 wings per pound
- Large wings: Approximately 20-25 wings per pound
Knowing this number helps you estimate platter sizes. For example, a 2 pound platter of jumbo wings would contain 40-50 wings.
Sample wing platter sizes
Here are some examples of common wing platter sizes at different types of restaurants:
| Restaurant Type | Sample Platter Sizes |
|---|---|
| Wing/sports bar | 10, 15, 20, or 24 wings |
| Casual dining | 12 or 18 wings |
| Pub | 18 or 24 wings |
| Pizza place | 10 or 20 wings |
These are typical wing platter sizes, but portions can still vary depending on the restaurant’s preferences.
Tips for ordering wing platters
Here are some tips to make sure you order the right amount of wings in a platter:
- Ask the server for an estimate of wings per platter
- Check the menu for wing platter descriptions
- Order multiple smaller platters for larger groups
- Request extra wings on the side if still hungry
- For large wing platters, order in increments of 5 wings
- Start with the smaller appetizer size to test portions
How many people will a wing platter serve?
The number of people that a wing platter will serve also depends on the platter size and wing amounts. In general:
- 10-12 wings: 2-3 people
- 15-18 wings: 3-4 people
- 20-24 wings: 4-6 people
For big events like game day parties, figure 3-5 wings per person. Order extra platters for larger crowds. Boneless wings may go slightly farther than bone-in.
Other factors that change wing amounts
A few other things can alter the number of wings you receive in a platter:
- Split wings – Some restaurants may split whole wings, doubling the number.
- Wing flavors – Some flavors like charred or fried wings weigh slightly less.
- Drummettes vs. flats – Only ordering drummettes or flats halves the wings.
So the exact wing count can vary beyond just the platter size. But in most cases you can expect between 10-20 whole wings in a full platter.
Key Takeaways
- Typical restaurant wing platters contain 10-20 wings
- Wing size greatly impacts the number of wings per platter
- Appetizer platters have 10-15 wings, while entree platters have 15-20 wings
- The more generous the restaurant, the more wings in their platters
- Order multiple small platters for large groups to ensure enough wings
Conclusion
So how many wings in a platter? The answer can range quite a bit from 10 up to 24 wings depending on the restaurant and portion sizes. But for full platters, you can expect around 15-20 wings at most establishments. Keep wing sizes and menu descriptions in mind when ordering, and get extras if still hungry! With the right amount of crispy wings, you can keep your guests happy and satisfied.