Chicken wings come in different cuts, with the two most popular being the flat and the drum. Understanding the difference between flats and drums can help you get the type of wings you prefer when ordering or preparing chicken wings.
What is a flat?
A chicken wing flat, also sometimes called a wingette, refers to the upper section of the chicken wing. It contains a single bone and is generally meatier than the lower drum section. Flats tend to have more white meat, while drums contain more dark chicken meat. Here’s a quick overview of chicken wing flats:
- Contains part of the humerus bone
- Generally has more white meat
- Typically has a rectangular shape
- Usually has two joints
- Tends to be juicier when cooked compared to drums
Flats are the top section of the wing and run from the chicken’s “shoulder” to the first joint of the wing. When preparing whole wings, the flat is separated from the bottom drum section, leaving it with one long bone still attached.
What is a drum?
A chicken wing drumstick, also referred to simply as a drum, is the lower section of the chicken wing. It contains two bones and more dark chicken meat. Here are some quick facts about wing drums:
- Contains two bones – the radius and ulna
- Typically has more dark meat
- Usually has a triangle/cone shape
- Has two joints
- Tends to be meatier than flats
Drums make up the lower section of a chicken wing. They run from the chicken’s elbow joint to the thin end of the wing and contain a small round ball joint at the end. When preparing whole wings, the drum is separated from the top flat section, leaving it with two slender bones.
Differences Between Flats and Drums
While flats and drums both come from the same chicken wing, there are some distinct differences between the two cuts:
| Flats | Drums |
|---|---|
| Rectangular shape | Cone/triangle shape |
| More white meat | More dark meat |
| Typically juicier | Typically meatier |
| Single-bone section | Two-bone section |
| Milder flavor | Richer flavor |
As you can see, the main differences come down to shape, meat, and bones. Flats tend to be juicier with white meat and mild flavor, while drums are often meatier with dark chicken meat and richer taste.
Do People Have a Preference?
With distinct textures and flavors, many wing lovers have a strong preference for either flats or drums. Here are some of the factors that draw people to each type of wing:
Why People Prefer Flats
- Juicier white meat
- Milder chicken flavor
- Easier to eat with one bone
- More surface area for sauces and cooking
Why People Prefer Drums
- More tender and flavorful dark meat
- Higher meat-to-bone ratio
- Fun shape for holding
- Satisfying to bite into
With their differences, flats and drums each have qualities that appeal to different tastes and preferences. Some people even like to order an equal number of flats and drums to get the perfect combo!
Tips for Cooking Flats and Drums
To get the best results when cooking chicken wings, here are some tips:
For Juicy Flats
- Use a dry rub or sauce with higher sugar content
- Cook at slightly lower temperature – around 400°F
- Flip once during cooking
- Avoid overcooking – grill or bake 6-12 minutes per batch
For Tender Drums
- Use a sauce with higher fat and salt
- Cook at slightly higher temperature – around 425°F
- Flip frequently during cooking
- Allow to finish cooking with skin up
With a few simple adjustments to seasonings, temperatures, and techniques, you can end up with perfect flats and drums every time.
Serving Flats and Drums
Chicken wings make for a fantastic party food or game day snack no matter how you cut them up. Here are some tips for serving up flats and drums:
- Separate or mix: Separate flats and drums for those who have a strong preference, or mix them together in each serving for contrast.
- Sauces on the side: Offering sauces on the side lets everyone flavor the wings to their liking.
- Prepare drumsticks: Leaving the thin ends of drums intact makes them easier for holding and dipping into sauce.
- Extra napkins: Provide extra napkins or wet wipes so people can easily clean up.
- Ranch or blue cheese: Offer cooling ranch or blue cheese dip options to balance spicy wings.
With the right mix of flats and drums and a few sauces on the side, you’re guaranteed to satisfy any wing lover’s cravings!
Buying and Storing Flats and Drums
When shopping for chicken wings, you can buy them whole or already separated into flats and drums. Here are some tips for buying and storing the different cuts:
Whole Wings
- Allow you to separate flats and drums yourself
- More economical than buying sections separately
- Can buy fresh or frozen
- Store in airtight packaging in coldest part of fridge for 1-2 days
Pre-sectioned Wings
- Convenient if you want all flats or drums
- Usually sold fresh, not frozen
- Flats and drums often packaged separately
- Use within 1-2 days for maximum freshness
Proper storage keeps wings fresher for longer. Fresh uncooked wings can last 4-6 months in the freezer. Thaw wings in the fridge 1-2 days before cooking or marinating.
Flats and Drums Nutrition
While both cuts come from the same wing, there are some minor differences in nutrition between flats and drums:
| Nutrition per 3 oz serving | Flats | Drums |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 160 | 180 |
| Fat | 8 g | 11 g |
| Carbs | 0 g | 0 g |
| Protein | 18 g | 15 g |
As you can see, drums are slightly higher in fat and calories compared to flats. However, both are excellent options for lean protein, low carbs, and little to no sugar.
Get Creative with Flats and Drums
Chicken wing flats and drums provide the perfect canvas for creative recipes and flavors. Here are some fun ways to serve up wings:
Sauces and Rubs
- BBQ – classic sweet and tangy
- Buffalo – butter and hot sauce
- Jerk – jamaican spice blend
- Teriyaki – sweet soy glaze
- Honey garlic – sticky and savory
- Cajun – robust creole spices
- Lemon pepper – bright citrus flavor
Twists
- Smoke or deep fry for extra flavor
- Toss in flavorful breading
- Grill and finish on the barbecue
- Bake instead of frying
- Substitute chicken for turkey or quail
Serving Styles
- On skewers for easy dipping
- Served over greens for a salad
- In slider rolls for handheld wings
- On top of nachos or tater tots
- Tossed in pasta or grain bowls
With the right sauces, cooking methods, and serving styles, simple wings can be transformed into exciting new dishes!
Conclusion
Chicken wing flats and drums each have their own unique flavors, textures, shapes and benefits. Flats tend to be juicier with white meat, while drums are typically meatier with darker chicken. Both make excellent appetizers and are perfect for tossing in your favorite sauces and rubs. By understanding the differences between flats and drums, you can get the wings you crave. Keep these tips in mind for buying, preparing and serving up the best chicken wings!