The Best Places to Buy Delicious Turkey Wings

Turkey wings make for a tasty, budget-friendly meal packed with finger-licking flavor. The meaty drumette and wing sections are great for braising, roasting, grilling, or crisping up in the air fryer. But where can you find and buy quality turkey wing portions? This guide covers the top sources to get your hands on delicious turkey wings.

Grocery Store Meat Counter

One of the easiest go-to places to find turkey wings is right at your local grocery store’s meat department. Most major supermarket chains like Kroger, Publix Safeway, etc. carry turkey wings either pre-packaged or available to order fresh from the butcher counter.

In the poultry section, look for cryovac packages labeled “turkey wing portions” or sometimes called “turkey wing drumettes.” They usually come in 1 to 2 pound packages containing around 2 to 4 whole wings or 4 to 8 wing portions. Expect to pay around $2 to $3 per pound.

For the absolute freshest wings, ask the butcher if they have any turkey wings in the back or place a special order 1-2 days ahead to ensure availability. This also allows you to customize the exact size and quantity of wings needed.

Warehouse Clubs

Warehouse clubs like Costco, Sam’s Club and BJ’s Wholesale often stock large club-pack sizes of turkey wings, sometimes marketed as “party wings.” Watch for them sitting in the poultry or prepared foods sections.

These bulk warehouse packs contain around 3 to 5 pounds of whole wings for around $1.99 to $2.99 per pound. While they do require some freezer space, these big value packs give you a bounty of wings for braising, roasting, or grilling at a great price.

Online Retailers

Ordering turkey wings online through grocery delivery services like Instacart, Amazon Fresh, Walmart Grocery, or specialty meat purveyors allows for convenient shipping directly to your doorstep.

Shopping online, you can often find more options like free-range, organic, Amish-raised, air-chilled, or heritage breed wings that may not be available at your neighborhood market. Expect to pay a bit more for specialty wings, from $3 to $6 per pound depending on the source.

Specialty Butcher Shops

For the highest quality turkey wings, visit a local butcher shop, meat market, ethnic grocer, or specialty food store. These specialty retailers work directly with regional suppliers to source premium turkey wings such as:

• Free-range
• Organic
• Air-chilled
• Heritage breeds like Bourbon Red

They also typically butcher whole pasture-raised turkeys on-premises, yielding exceptionally fresh wings. Plan to pay premium prices at these specialty stores, but the outstanding quality is worth it for special occasions.

Direct from a Farm or Co-Op

Purchasing pasture-raised or heritage breed wings directly from a local turkey farm, grower’s co-op, or whole animal butcher allows you to know exactly where your wings are coming from.

Check farmers markets, local pastured poultry farms, or buy a turkey wing share through a meat CSA (community-supported agriculture) program for the freshest, most ethically-sourced wings possible. Expect to pay $4 to $8 per pound for this premium level of quality.

What to Look for When Buying Wings

Regardless of the source, look for the following signs of fresh, high-quality turkey wings:

• Meaty, thick wing portions, at least 1 inch wide
• Smooth, clear skin without blemishes or tears
• Minimal added liquid or water retention
• Fresh, minimal odor – no off-putting poultry smells
• Firm, springy raw flesh that snaps back when pressed

Preparing and Cooking Turkey Wings

The drumette section of the wing contains the most meat, while the wing tip is mainly skin and cartilage. For easy prep, either:

• Cut off the wing tip and discard before cooking.
• Cut between the joints separating the drumette and wing before cooking.

Popular cooking methods include:

• Braising for pulled or shredded wings
• Roasting or baking for crispy wings
• Grilling for smoky charred wings
• Air frying or deep frying for extra crispy wings

Allow wings to reach an internal temperature of 165°F. Enjoy plain or tossed in your favorite sauces and spices.

Satisfying and Budget-Friendly

Finding high-quality turkey wings for braising, roasting, or grilling is easy and budget-friendly when you know the best places to source them. Follow these tips to enjoy succulent, flavorful turkey wings anytime. With prices averaging $2 per pound, they offer a very affordable and tasty meal option.