Flats, also known as drummettes, are a part of the chicken wing. Chicken wings contain three sections – the drumette, the mid-wing, and the wing tip. The drumette, or flat, is the meatier upper section of the chicken wing.
What part of the chicken is the flat?
The flat is located at the top of the chicken wing, attached to the drumstick. It contains a single bone surrounded by tender, juicy meat. Flats are one of the most popular parts of the chicken wing.
What does a chicken flat look like?
A chicken flat is oval or teardrop-shaped. It is larger and meatier than the other two parts of a chicken wing – the mid-wing and wing tip. The flat has a wide top that tapers down into a thin, bony end. There is a thick layer of skin, fat, and juicy meat surrounding the bone.
Why are they called flats?
Chicken flats are called “flats” because of their flat, broad shape compared to the other sections of a chicken wing. Their wide surface area and flat sides distinguish them from the narrow mid-wing and petite wing tip sections. The meaty broadtop also led to the name “drumette” since they resemble mini drumsticks.
How big is a chicken flat?
The size of chicken flats can vary based on the size and age of the chicken:
- Small chicken wing flats: 2-3 oz
- Medium chicken wing flats: 3-4 oz
- Large chicken wing flats: 4-6 oz
On average, a chicken flat weighs around 3-5 ounces.
How many flats are on a chicken?
Chickens have two wings, and each wing has three sections – the drumette/flat, mid-wing, and wing tip. So in total, there are:
- 2 flats per chicken
How to prepare chicken flats
There are many delicious ways to prepare chicken flats:
Bake
Bake flats in the oven at 425°F for 25-30 minutes until crispy and cooked through. Season with spices, herbs, or sauces.
Fry
Fry flats in oil at 350-375°F for 12-15 minutes until golden brown and crispy. Toss in your favorite wing sauce or dry rub.
Grill
Grill flats over medium heat for 15-20 minutes, flipping occasionally to prevent burning. Baste with barbecue sauce during the last 5 minutes.
Broil
Place flats on a baking sheet and broil 4-5 inches from heat for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through. Sprinkle with seasoning.
Braise
Simmer flats in broth, wine or sauce for 40-60 minutes until very tender. Finish by roasting or frying.
Slow Cook
Add flats to a slow cooker with sauce or dressing and cook on low for 4-6 hours until soft and moist.
What sauces and seasonings go well with flats?
Here are some recommended sauces and seasonings for chicken flats:
- Barbecue sauce – sweet, tangy, smoky
- Buffalo sauce – spicy, buttery, peppery
- Teriyaki sauce – sweet, savory, salty
- Honey mustard – sweet, tangy
- Jerk seasoning – spicy, robust
- Cajun seasoning – bold, peppery
- Ranch seasoning – cool, herby
- Lemon pepper – bright, zesty
What are the most popular chicken flat recipes?
Some of the most popular chicken flat recipes include:
Buffalo Wings
Chicken flats fried and coated in spicy buffalo sauce, served with blue cheese dressing.
Honey Barbecue Wings
Baked chicken flats brushed with sweet and sticky barbecue sauce.
Jamaican Jerk Wings
Grilled chicken flats seasoned with the authentic Jamaican jerk spice blend.
Garlic Parmesan Wings
Crispy chicken flats tossed in garlic butter and parmesan cheese.
Teriyaki Wings
Chicken flats glazed with a savory teriyaki sauce and garnished with sesame seeds.
What are the benefits of eating chicken flats?
Chicken flats offer several health benefits:
- Protein – Excellent source of lean protein to build muscle, repair tissue, and fuel the body.
- Iron – Provides iron to support oxygen transport and metabolism.
- B Vitamins – Important for converting food into energy and maintaining healthy skin and nerves.
- Selenium – Contains selenium, an antioxidant that protects cells from damage.
- Low fat – Much lower in fat and calories compared to other high-protein foods.
Are flats better than drums?
While both flats and drums are delicious parts of the chicken wing, there are some differences between them:
| Flats | Drums |
|---|---|
| More tender, less chewy | Can be tougher, more cartilage |
| More meat, less bone | More bone, less meat |
| Skin crisps up better when cooking | Juicier, more fat |
| Milder flavor | Richer, deeper flavor |
| Easier to eat | Need to navigate around bone |
So while drums can provide deeper flavor, flats tend to be easier to eat and enjoy more even cooking with crispy skin and tender meat.
How to tell flats from drums?
It’s easy to tell chicken flats and drums apart:
- Shape – Flats are oval while drums are round.
- Bone – Flats have one long center bone while drums have a wider end bone.
- Size – Flats are slightly smaller and thinner than the meatier drums.
- Meat – Flats have more even meat distribution while drums have more meat concentrated at the top.
- Taper – Flats taper to a thin end while drums are rounded.
Chicken flat nutrition facts
Here are the nutrition facts for 3 ounces (85g) of chicken flats:
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 162 |
| Fat | 8g |
| Saturated fat | 2g |
| Cholesterol | 85mg |
| Sodium | 125mg |
| Carbohydrates | 0g |
| Fiber | 0g |
| Sugars | 0g |
| Protein | 27g |
As you can see, chicken flats are high in protein and low in carbs, sugars, and sodium. They provide a good amount of nutrition in just a 3 oz serving.
Are chicken flats healthy?
Chicken flats can be a healthy choice as part of a balanced diet. Here are some benefits of chicken flats for health:
- High in lean protein to build muscle, control hunger, and aid weight management.
- Lower in saturated fat and calories compared to red meat, skin-on chicken.
- Contain vitamins and minerals like B vitamins, selenium, iron and zinc.
- No carbs, so great for low carb diets.
- Versatile to prepare baked, grilled, or air fried for lower fat options.
For optimal nutrition and health, enjoy chicken flats in moderation along with plenty of vegetables, fruits, whole grains and healthy fats. Avoid deep frying and remove skin to further reduce fat and calories.
Price of chicken flats
The price of chicken flats can range depending on:
- Type of store – grocery stores vs. warehouse stores
- Package size – per pound vs. large bulk packs
- Raw vs. prepared – ready to cook vs. ready to eat
- Organic vs. conventional
- Fresh vs. frozen
- Season/demand – prices may be higher at certain peak times
- Location – cost of living differences across regions
Some average price ranges for chicken flats in the U.S. are:
| Store Type | Average Price |
|---|---|
| Grocery per pound | $4.99 – $7.99 per pound |
| Warehouse bulk pack | $1.99 – $2.99 per pound |
| Prepared/ready-to-eat | $7.99 – $12.99 per pound |
| Organic/free-range | $6.99 – $9.99 per pound |
Looking for sales, bulk packs, and warehouse stores can help find the best deals on chicken flats.
Where to buy chicken flats
Chicken flats are widely available at most grocery stores and supermarkets. Some of the best places to buy chicken flats include:
- Grocery stores – Sold fresh or frozen in the poultry section.
- Warehouse clubs – Offer bulk packs of flats at lower prices.
- Butcher shops – Provide customized cuts of chicken wings.
- Online – Can order flats for delivery through online grocers or direct from poultry suppliers.
- Restaurant suppliers – source for large quantities of flats for food service businesses.
- Farmers markets – Some vendors may sell locally raised chicken and flats.
For the freshest quality, look for chicken flats within 2 days of the pack date and use within 3-5 days of purchasing.
How long do chicken flats last?
How long chicken flats last depends on proper storage and handling:
| Storage Method | Chicken Flats Shelf Life |
|---|---|
| Refrigerator | 3-5 days |
| Freezer | 9 months |
| Cooked in refrigerator | 3-4 days |
| Cooked in freezer | 2-3 months |
Tips for maximum freshness:
- Store raw flats on bottom shelf of fridge to prevent juices from dripping.
- Wrap tightly in air-tight packaging or freezer bags.
- Cook to safe minimum temperature of 165°F.
- Let cool and refrigerate cooked flats within 2 hours.
- Check for spoilage before eating – discard if odors or slime develop.
Conclusion
Chicken flats are a popular, delicious, and versatile cut of chicken wings that offer several culinary uses. Known for their juicy meat, crispy skin, and easy-to-eat size, flats can be prepared in endless ways for snacks, appetizers, or main dishes. Flats provide an excellent source of lean protein and nutrients, while being lower in fat than other chicken cuts when enjoyed skinless. Shopping smart and storing properly will help chicken flats stay fresh and flavorful.