Wing dings chicken refers to chicken wings that have been breaded and deep fried, usually served as an appetizer or snack. The name “wing dings” is a slang term used to describe these crispy, saucy chicken wings that are often eaten by hand. Chicken wings first became popular bar food in the 1960s in Buffalo, New York. Since then, they have become a staple appetizer and sports bar food across the United States. Over the years, chicken wings have evolved from simple hot wings tossed in Buffalo sauce to a huge variety of flavors and styles. Let’s take a closer look at what exactly wing dings chicken is and how it became so popular.
History and Origin of Chicken Wings
Chicken wings were initially considered waste cuts of the chicken that butchers would discard or sell cheaply to the poor. The wings had little meat compared to other chicken parts like the breasts and thighs. However, around the 1960s, local bars and restaurants in Buffalo, New York began experimenting with deep frying chicken wings and tossing them in cayenne pepper hot sauce as an inexpensive snack to serve patrons buying drinks. The concept spread through word of mouth and these spicy “Buffalo Wings” became a local favorite.
The exact originator of Buffalo wings is disputed, with credit given to Teressa Bellissimo of Anchor Bar and Frank and Teressa’s in Buffalo. An often told story credits a late-night food request from Bellissimo’s son and his friends as the inspiration for the first batch of Buffalo wings in 1964. However, there’s evidence that other Italian restaurants in Buffalo were serving breaded deep fried chicken wings tossed in hot sauce a decade earlier. Regardless, Anchor Bar brought Buffalo wings into the mainstream with their marketing andRecipe sharing in the 1970s.
Rise in Popularity of Chicken Wings
In 1977, the first annual Buffalo Chicken Wing Festival was held in Buffalo. It steadily grew over the following decades and is now one of the world’s largest food festivals. Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, Buffalo wings became a national phenomenon as they appeared on menus across the United States. Restaurants and bars started showcasing weekly wing night promotions to draw crowds. The concept of boneless chicken “wyngz” also emerged to reduce mess and meet consumer demand.
By the 1990s, chicken wings transitioned from being pure bar food to a more ubiquitous appetizer ordered across fast food and casual dining restaurants. Chains like Pizza Hut, Domino’s, McDonald’s and KFC began selling breaded, fried chicken wings tossed in various sauces. Wing flavors expanded from traditional Buffalo style to barbecue, teriyaki, lemon pepper and more. The blue cheese dip and celery sticks once served alongside traditional wings were now joined by ranch dip, bleu cheese dressing and an array of dipping sauces.
The Anatomy of Chicken Wings
Chicken wings are the small appendages cut from the wings of chickens bred for meat production. Chickens also have larger mid joints and wing tips attached to the wings that can be prepared similarly to traditional chicken wings.
Types of Chicken Wings
There are three main parts of a chicken wing:
- Drumettes – The meaty upper segment of the wing that looks like a mini drumstick.
- Flats or Wingettes – The middle flat part of the chicken wing with a bone running through the center.
- Wing Tips – Thepointed bony tip of the wing that has little meat.
Restaurants and brands label their chicken wings in different ways:
- Traditional Chicken Wings – Both the drumette and flat/wingette.
- Drummettes – Just the meaty drumette portion.
- Flats, Wingettes or Flat Wings – Just the flat middle part.
- Boneless Wings – Chopped andformed chicken breast without bones.
Size of Chicken Wings
The chicken wing portions come in different sizes based on the age and breed of chicken. Typical wing sizes include:
- Small Chicken Wings – Around 2 ounces.
- Medium Chicken Wings – Around 3 ounces.
- Jumbo Chicken Wings – The largest around 4 ounces.
Jumbo party wings are the ideal size for getting the most meat with the crispiest coating. Smaller wings result in a higher wing count per pound.
How Chicken Wings Are Prepared
Traditional bone-in chicken wings are prepared by cutting, cleaning, seasoning, breading and frying:
Cutting and Cleaning Chicken Wings
Raw whole chicken wings are separated into drumettes, flats and wing tips. The tips are often discarded or used for stock. Next, the wings are washed thoroughly and patted dry. Seasoning and baking powder are sometimes applied at this stage to help crisp the skin.
Seasoning Chicken Wings
After cleaning, chicken wings are seasoned before breading. Popular seasonings include:
- Salt
- Pepper
- Paprika
- Garlic Powder
- Onion Powder
- Cayenne Pepper
Seasonings penetrate the meat better when baked into the breading rather than just sprinkled on after frying.
Breading Chicken Wings
The wings are coated in a seasoned breading that sticks to the skin and seals in flavors after frying. Typical breadings contain:
- All-Purpose Flour – The base of most fried chicken breading.
- Cornstarch – Helps breading crisp and stick.
- Spices and Seasonings – For flavor.
- Paprika – For color.
The wings are dredged in flour, dipped in egg wash then back in the breading to coat evenly.
Frying Chicken Wings
After breading, the wings are fried in oil until golden brown and cooked through. Traditionally, chicken wings are deep fried, but air frying is a popular lower-fat alternative. Frying renders excess fat and makes the skin crispy. Wings are fried around 10 minutes at 350°F.
Common Chicken Wing Styles and Sauces
The sauce served on or with breaded, fried wings is what gives them their signature flavors. Some of the most popular wing styles include:
Buffalo Chicken Wings
The original – crisp fried wings tossed in a vinegar-based Buffalo hot sauce and served with blue cheese dip. They can range from mild to spicy hot.
Barbecue Wings
Tossed in a sweet and tangy barbecue sauce. Often served with ranch dressing.
Teriyaki Wings
Tossed in a ginger soy sauce with garlic and spices. Sticky and sweet with an umami flavor.
Garlic Parmesan Wings
Crispy wings tossed in melted butter, garlic and herbs. Topped with grated parmesan cheese.
Honey Mustard Wings
Tossed in a sweet honey mustard sauce. Often garnished with sesame seeds.
Lemon Pepper Wings
Seasoned with lemon pepper seasoning. The tangy, lemony flavor pairs well with fried wings.
Mango Habanero Wings
Sweet mango with ultra spicy habanero peppers. These wings are insanely hot.
Dry Rubbed Wings
Coated in flavorful dry spice blends instead of sauces. Jerk or Cajun seasoning works well.
How to Order and Eat Wings
Chicken wings are addictively tasty and fun finger food for sharing. Here are some tips for ordering and eating wings:
Ordering Tips
- Figure 5-8 wings per person for a meal or 10-15 as an appetizer.
- Select 2-3 flavors for variety.
- Mix up drumettes and flats or order all drumettes for more meat.
- Request extra napkins and wet wipes – wings get messy!
Eating Tips
- Pick up drums and flats in your fingers by the bare bones.
- Use a fork to help pull meat off bones.
- Keep moist towelettes handy to clean hands.
- Have plenty of napkins to wipe fingers and face.
- Don’t be afraid to lick your fingers! Wings are a finger food.
Nutrition Information
Chicken wings are high in protein and lower in fat and calories than many fried foods. Below is the nutrition for a typical serving of 5 deep fried chicken wings (about 5 oz):
| Calories | Fat | Carbs | Protein |
|---|---|---|---|
| 250 | 16g | 2g | 18g |
Chicken wings have significant skin and breading that increases the fat content. The sauces also add sugars and salt. However, the high protein provides staying power. Opt for leaner preparation methods like oven baked or air fried wings to reduce fat and calories without sacrificing crunch.
Cost of Chicken Wings
The price of chicken wings fluctuates significantly based on seasonal demand. Prices typically peak in the winter during big sporting events like the Super Bowl when consumption skyrockets. Whole frozen chicken wings can run $1.99 to $2.99 per pound at the grocery store. Single frozen wings may cost $0.69 to $0.99 each. Fresh wings are the most expensive.
Restaurant wing prices also vary, but average around:
- Fast Food Wings – $6 to $10 per 10 pc order
- Restaurant Appetizer Wings – $7 to $15 for 10 wings
- Specialty Wing Joints – $0.60+ per wing
Buying wings in bulk and freezing saves money when craving wings for home cooking. Prices drop a bit in the warmer months as well.
Health and Safety
Chicken wings can be a bit hazardous due to the bones and mess. Follow these tips for safely enjoying wings:
- Cook wings to an internal temperature of 165°F to kill bacteria.
- Avoid cross contamination by keeping raw and cooked wings separate.
- Use care when eating bones not to choke or damage teeth.
- Keep moist towelettes and napkins handy to prevent sticky messes.
- Wash hands after eating.
Properly cooked wings stored at safe refrigerator temperatures are generally safe for leftovers. Reheat to 165°F.
Conclusion
Chicken wings have evolved from an unwanted poultry part to one of the most craveworthy bar food snacks and appetizers. Their popularity stems from a unique taste, portability, fun factor, versatility and ability to bring people together in celebration. Wings are expected to remain a staple on sports bar and casual dining menus for decades to come. The variety of flavors and dipping sauces makes chicken wings an ideal sharable appetizer. Just be ready for messy fingers and faces! With proper precautions, wings make a flavorful addition to any gathering.