Drumsticks and flats refer to the two different cuts of chicken wings. Chicken wings are often divided into three segments – the drumette, the wingette, and the tip. The drumette is the upper segment of the wing that looks like a little drumstick. The wingette is the middle segment and is often referred to as a flat due to its flat shape when opened up.
Chicken wings are extremely popular appetizers and bar snacks. They can be prepared in a variety of ways including fried, baked, grilled, or sautéed. Depending on how they are cut, the wings may be referred to as flats, drumsticks, or whole wings. Understanding the differences between flats and drumsticks can help you buy and prepare chicken wings.
What is a Chicken Drumstick?
The chicken drumstick is the upper segment of the wing. It gets its name from its resemblance to a small drumstick from a chicken or turkey. The drumstick is composed of a single bone with meat surrounding it. It contains a higher ratio of meat to bone compared to the wingette or flat.
Chicken drumsticks are often preferred for their juicier, tender meat and because they are easier to eat compared to boney flats. The meat on the drumstick comes from the chicken’s wing muscles which get a bit more exercise than other areas and results in firmer, tastier meat. The drumstick does not contain any wing joint which also contributes to being more meaty.
When eating chicken wings, some people prefer to avoid the skinny flats and stick to just eating the drumsticks. You can buy packages of all drums or even order an all drumstick wing meal at certain restaurants.
What is a Chicken Wing Flat?
The chicken wing flat, sometimes referred to as a wingette, is the middle section of the wing. It is located between the drumstick and wing tip. The flat is composed of a long, slender bone connected by a wing joint with some meat surrounding it. It gets its name from how it lays flat when the wing is opened up.
Flats contain less meat compared to the drumstick and also include a wing joint and thin bones. The meat tends to be darker than the drumstick. While flats have less edible meat, some people prefer them for their more concentrated chicken flavor. The skin on flats also gets extra crispy when fried.
When eating wings, some may avoid the flats since there is less meat and they can be harder to eat around the bones and joints. However, wing lovers may seek out flats specifically for their robust chicken taste and crunch factor when fried.
Differences Between Drumsticks and Flats
There are a few key differences between chicken wing drumsticks and flats:
Meat to Bone Ratio
Drumsticks have a higher ratio of edible meat to bone compared to flats. The drumstick is composed of one thick bone with lots of juicy meat wrapped around it. Flats have smaller bones and also contain a wing joint, meaning relatively less meat per bite.
Flavor
The meat on the drumstick comes from the chicken’s wing muscles. These get more of a workout than other areas, resulting in slightly firmer texture and fuller chicken flavor. The meat on flats is darker and has a more concentrated taste, but may have a slightly tougher texture.
Ease of Eating
The drumstick contains no wing joint or smaller bones. This makes it easier to eat than the flat, which has extra bones and cartilage. Less maneuvering is required to eat around the bone in a drumstick.
Cooking
When frying or baking chicken wings, drumsticks and flats may cook slightly differently. The thicker drumsticks take a bit longer to cook through. The thinner flats may end up extra crispy from frying since they have more skin relative to meat.
Buying Chicken Wings
When purchasing chicken wings, you can buy them whole or already sectioned into drumsticks and flats. Here are some tips for buying chicken wings:
Whole Wings
This is an entire chicken wing composed of the drummette, wingette, and wing tip still attached. This allows you to cut them however you prefer. Make sure the wings look meaty and the skin is not torn.
Drumsticks and Flats
Many grocers sell packages of pre-sectioned wings, often called “party wings.” You can buy all drumsticks, all flats, or a mix. Check for an even ratio of meat to bone and skin that is intact.
Size
Chicken wing sizes include small, medium, large, jumbo or colossal. Smaller wings are more tender while larger wings have more meat. Choose based on your cooking method and preferences.
Quantity
Plan on 2-3 wings per person if served as an appetizer, or up to 6 per person for a main course meal. Buy extra if cooking for big eaters.
Preparing and Cooking Methods
Chicken drumsticks and flats can be prepared using a variety of cooking methods:
Frying
Frying crisps up the skin beautifully on both drumsticks and flats. Make sure oil is hot – 350-375°F. Fry for 12-15 minutes until golden brown and 165°F internal temperature.
Baking
Baked wings have great flavor without the fat of frying. Bake on a sheet pan at 425°F for 40-50 minutes, flipping once.
Grilling
Grilled wings get nice char marks. Grill over medium heat for 20-25 minutes, turning occasionally. Brush with sauce in last 5 minutes if desired.
Air Frying
Air frying mimics fried wings with less oil. Cook at 400°F for 15-20 minutes, shake basket halfway through. Spritz with oil for crisping.
Sauces and Rubs
Toss cooked wings with your favorite sauce like buffalo, BBQ, teriyaki, etc. Or coat raw wings with a dry rub before cooking – think lemon pepper, Cajun spice, jerk seasoning.
Serving Chicken Wings
Here are some tips for serving up tasty chicken drumsticks and flats:
Sides
Pair wings with crunchy celery and carrot sticks and dipping sauces like ranch, blue cheese or hummus. Other good sides are coleslaw, fried pickles or fries.
Sauces
Offer several sauce options like buffalo, barbecue, honey mustard, ranch, blue cheese, etc. for dipping.
Extras
Provide moist towelettes and extra napkins for eating saucy wings. Have cold beer or other chilled beverages available.
Plating
For appetizers, stack wings on a platter lined with parchment paper. Serve sauces in small bowls on the side for dipping.
Chicken Wing Recipes
Here are some fantastic drumstick and flat recipes to try:
Baked Buffalo Wings
Crisp up wings in the oven then toss in spicy buffalo sauce. Serve with blue cheese dressing and celery sticks.
Asian Wings
Marinate wings in a blend of soy sauce, honey, garlic and spices. Bake until caramelized and sticky.
Jamaican Jerk Wings
Rub wings with a spicy blend of Jamaican jerk seasoning. Grill until charred and saucy.
Crispy Fried Wings
For the crispiest wings, coat in seasoned flour and fry in hot oil until golden brown. Toss in your favorite sauce.
Air Fryer Drumsticks
Air frying keeps drumsticks juicy while crisping up the skin. Quick and convenient with less oil.
Nutrition Information
Here is the nutrition breakdown for 3 ounces (85g) of chicken wings:
Chicken Drumstick
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 184 |
| Fat | 12g |
| Saturated Fat | 3.5g |
| Protein | 16g |
| Carbohydrates | 0g |
Chicken Wing Flat
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 211 |
| Fat | 15g |
| Saturated Fat | 4g |
| Protein | 16g |
| Carbohydrates | 0g |
Chicken wings are high in protein and low in carbs, but can also be high in saturated fat depending on cooking method. Baked or grilled wings are healthier than fried.
The Verdict: Drumsticks vs. Flats
So which is better – the drumstick or the flat?
For More Meat
Drumsticks have a higher ratio of meat to bone. They are easier to eat and you get more meat per wing. Drumstick fans prefer the juicier, fuller muscle meat.
For More Flavor
Flats contain less meat, but provide a more concentrated chicken taste in a smaller package. The extra skin also gets ultra crispy when fried. Flavor seekers may prefer the robust essence of the flats.
For Variety
The best solution is to buy a mix of drumsticks and flats! This allows you to enjoy the benefits of both. You can match drumsticks and flats to different preferences at your gathering.
Conclusion
In summary, chicken drumsticks and flats provide slightly different textures, flavors and eating experiences. Drumsticks offer juicy, tender meat while flats provide robust chicken essence. The ideal wing meal includes a mix of both drumsticks and flats so you can enjoy the best of both worlds! Whichever you prefer, wings are a beloved appetizer perfect for game day, parties or anytime.