Flats and drumsticks are two different cuts of chicken wings that each have their own unique qualities. Flats are the meatier, broader sections of the wing that only contain one bone. Drumsticks are the more slender sections that contain two bones. Both cuts are delicious, but which one is better ultimately comes down to personal preference. Some key differences to consider are flavor, texture, ease of eating, versatility, and cost.
Flats vs Drumsticks: Flavor
When it comes to flavor, many people prefer flats. The extra bit of meat on flats allows for more of the savory, juicy chicken flavor to come through. The skin also crisps up very nicely when flats are fried or baked, adding great texture. Drumsticks on the other hand tend to taste slightly more bony, with the two thin bones imparting some of their mineral flavors. However, others appreciate this as more authentic and rustic chicken wing experience.
Flats vs Drumsticks: Texture
The texture of flats and drumsticks differs quite a bit. Flats have a substantial bite and pleasantly chewy meat. The meat stays moist when cooked properly. Drumsticks can turn out a bit drier since they contain less meat and fat. The smaller amount of meat on the bone also makes drumsticks slightly tricky to eat. Trying to get all the meat off the bones neatly while avoiding a mouthful of sharp bones takes some maneuvering. Flats are easier to eat neatly and avoid choking hazards.
Flats vs Drumsticks: Ease of Eating
As touched upon in the texture comparison, flats are generally easier to eat than drumsticks. The broad, meaty flats only contain one bone which can be easily maneuvered around while eating. Drumsticks contain two bones which can make navigating them trickier. The small amount of meat also makes it hard to get a satisfying bite of just chicken. Flats deliver lots of chicken in each bite, with the bone being easy to hold and work around. So for those who want easy, mostly bone-free eating, flats are the better choice.
Flats vs Drumsticks: Versatility
In terms of versatility in cooking methods and uses, flats may have a slight edge over drumsticks. The ample amount of skin and meat on flats lends itself well to frying, baking, grilling, sautéing, or braising. Flats also work great in a variety of cuisines and dishes like Buffalo wings, barbecue, tacos, pizza, sandwiches, and more. The small size and minimal meat of drumsticks makes them best suited for snacking, frying, or stewing in a sauce. So flats offer a bit more flexibility.
Flats vs Drumsticks: Cost
When purchasing chicken wings, flats tend to be slightly more expensive per pound than drumsticks. This is because the flats contain more meat and are viewed as the prime cut. The drumsticks require more work to eat and contain less meat, so they cost a little bit less. However, this can vary between regions and suppliers. In some cases flats and drumsticks are priced nearly the same. But on average, drumsticks will be the more budget-friendly choice.
Comparison Chart
| Cut | Flats | Drumsticks |
|---|---|---|
| Flavor | More savory, juicy | Slightly more bony |
| Texture | Pleasantly chewy, moist | Can be slightly drier |
| Ease of Eating | Easy, meaty | Trickier with small bones |
| Versatility | Widely versatile | Best for snacking, frying |
| Cost | Slightly more expensive | Slightly cheaper |
Popularity
In the United States, flats tend to be a bit more popular overall than drumsticks according to national surveys. The 2015 National Chicken Council Wing Report found that flats were preferred by 48% of wing fans, while only 28% favored drumsticks. The remaining 24% had no preference between cuts. Regional differences do exist however. Some areas prefer drumsticks while others like flats. Traditional Buffalo wing restaurants usually serve flats, adding to their appeal. But drums still have their passionate fans across the country.
How Restaurants Prepare Them
At chicken wing restaurants, flats and drumsticks are often prepared slightly differently to highlight their unique qualities. Flats may be fried or baked to crispy perfection, then sauced or seasoned to let the meaty chicken flavor shine. A light breading may be used to add crunch. Drumsticks are often cooked in a similar fashion but may be left plain or coated in a glaze rather than a sauce. The meatier flats can stand up well to heavy sauces while drums are best eaten simply seasoned or sticky. Some restaurants go the extra mile to deep fry drumsticks until the bones become perfectly edible and delicious.
Nutrition
When it comes to nutrition, flats and drumsticks are fairly similar. However, there are some minor differences in their nutrition profiles. According to the USDA, a typical wing flat contains:
– Calories: 42 kcal
– Fat: 2.7g
– Saturated Fat: 0.9g
– Protein: 6g
A typical wing drumstick contains:
– Calories: 26 kcal
– Fat: 1.5g
– Saturated Fat: 0.5g
– Protein: 3.6g
So flats contain slightly more calories, fat, and protein than drumsticks when comparing equal weights. This is due to the larger amount of chicken meat. However, both cuts are high in protein, low in calories, and relatively low in fat when not breaded and fried. The lean protein makes them a healthier choice than many other fried foods.
Preparing Flats and Drumsticks at Home
Both flats and drumsticks are easy to cook up deliciously at home with just a few simple steps:
Ingredients:
– Chicken wings, separated into flats and drumsticks
– Oil for frying or baking (vegetable, canola, etc.)
– Flour or cornstarch
– Spices and seasonings like salt, pepper, garlic powder, etc.
– Sauce or dip (Buffalo, BBQ, etc.), optional
Steps:
1. Pat chicken pieces dry with paper towels. Season with desired spices.
2. Place flour or cornstarch in shallow dish. Dredge chicken on both sides.
3. Pour oil into skillet or pan, about 1⁄4 inch deep. Heat to 350°F.
4. Fry chicken in batches 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy.
5. For oven method, place seasoned chicken on baking sheet. Bake at 400°F for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway.
6. Toss cooked chicken with sauce or dipping sauce. Enjoy!
The key is frying or baking the wings just until crisp. Flats and drumsticks pair great with classic buffalo sauce, barbecue sauce, ranch dressing, blue cheese dip, and more. Get creative with the flavors!
Conclusion
The verdict on flats vs drumsticks is that they both have their merits. Flats are juicier, meatier, and easier to eat. This makes them a crowd-pleaser. Drumsticks have a more rustic flavor and fun snacking shape. They also come at a friendly price point. So preferences come down to individual tastes. Luckily, it’s easy to enjoy the best of both worlds by ordering a combo wing basket or making a mixed plate of flats and drumsticks at home. With crispy chicken and tangy sauces, you really can’t go wrong. Wings are classic bar food for good reason – the flavors and crunch are hard to beat.