If you like chicken wings, the idea of adding turkey wings might seem strange.
But what is the real difference between them? They both have two parts and are usually shaped like drummettes or flat wingettes.
In this blog post, we’ll put aside any ideas you already have about these two tasty favorites and go into detail about what makes each one different and appealing in its own way.
The way they are cooked is different, they are at different points on the nutritional spectrum, they taste different, and more. This way, when it’s time to make that dish, you can give your taste buds something truly special.
The Great Wing Debate: Are Turkey Wings Better Than Chicken Wings?
The eternal question for wing lovers – which is better, turkey wings or chicken wings? Both make for an excellent snack or appetizer, but they also have distinct differences when it comes to taste texture, and nutrition. Let’s break down the key factors to determine which wing reigns supreme.
Size and Structure
The most noticeable difference between turkey and chicken wings is their size Turkey wings are much larger, with more meat and connective tissue Chicken wings are petite in comparison. The structure of the two wings also varies. Turkey wings contain three sections – the drumette, flat, and tip. Chicken wings contain just two – the drumette and flat. This gives turkey wings more edible meat. However, some people find turkey wings too large and unwieldy for snacking. The smaller chicken wings can be eaten in just a few bites.
Meat and Texture
In terms of texture, turkey wings tend to be meatier. But, they can also be tougher since they contain more connective tissue. Extra moist heat cooking methods like braising work well to break this tissue down. Chicken wings have less meat, but the meat they do have is slightly more tender. However, it can dry out quickly during cooking. Turkey wings take longer to cook but retain moisture well. In terms of flavor, turkey wings have a richer, gamier taste while chicken wings are milder.
Skin Crispiness
One of the joys of eating wings is that crispy skin. Chicken wings tend to get a crunchier skin when fried compared to turkey wings. The thinner skin on chicken wings lends itself well to getting super crispy. The thicker skin on turkey wings retains a bit more chew even when fried. However, turkey wings can still get quite crisp, especially the smaller drumette section. Applying a rub or dredging in a seasoned flour before frying helps maximize crispiness for both varieties.
Calories and Nutrients
When it comes to nutrition, turkey wings and chicken wings have some key differences:
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Turkey wings are slightly higher in calories and fat since they have more meat. A 3 oz serving of turkey wing contains around 115 calories and 4g of fat compared to around 100 calories and 3g of fat for a chicken wing.
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Chicken wings offer more protein per serving – about 15g compared to 13g for a turkey wing. This is because chicken wings have a higher meat to bone ratio.
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Both wings provide B vitamins, zinc, iron, and magnesium. Turkey wings contain slightly higher amounts of some micronutrients like zinc, phosphorus, and potassium.
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Turkey does contain a few more calories from fat compared to leaner chicken. But both wings can be part of a healthy diet when consumed in moderation.
Cooking Methods
Chicken and turkey wings can be prepared using similar cooking methods like roasting, grilling, frying, or braising. Smaller chicken wings are well suited to high heat, short cooking times to achieve crispiness. Larger turkey wings do best with moist heat or slower roasting. Here are some of the most popular cooking methods for each:
Turkey Wings:
- Braised or simmered in a flavorful liquid like broth or barbecue sauce
- Roasted in the oven at 300°F for 1-2 hours
- Grilled over indirect heat, about 1 hour
Chicken Wings:
- Fried in oil or air-fried at 400°F for 15-20 minutes
- Grilled or baked at 425°F for 30-40 minutes
- Baked then finished under the broiler for crispiness
Some people also enjoy smoking wings or cooking them in the slow cooker. Just adjust time accordingly for the larger turkey wings.
The Sauces and Rubs
One benefit of wings is that they go great with so many flavors. From tangy buffalo sauce to sweet and spicy Asian glazes, the sauce possibilities are endless. Chicken wings are often associated with hot wing sauce or dry rubs. But turkey wings pair deliciously with richer sauces like mole, barbecue sauce, or honey-balsamic glazes. For the best results, ensure wings are well coated and allow sauce to thicken during cooking.
The Verdict
So after looking at all the considerations – which wing comes out on top? It depends on personal taste. For those who prize tenderness and skin crispiness, chicken wings may have a slight edge. Chicken wings also contain a bit more protein by weight. But fans of richer, meatier wings with great moisture will probably prefer turkey wings. The larger turkey wings can also feed more people as a starter or snack. And while turkey wings have a bit more fat, both wings provide plenty of flavor and nutrition. Like most good debates, there’s merit to both sides here. The bottom line – both chicken and turkey wings make a fantastic addition to game day menus, weeknight dinners, or party platters. It’s hard to go wrong with either option.
Tips for Preparing Wings
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Pat wings dry before seasoning or coating to help them get extra crispy.
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To prevent sticking when baking, line the pan with foil or parchment paper.
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Be careful not to overcrowd wings or they will steam instead of brown.
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Double check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer to ensure doneness.
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To keep wings warm and crisp for serving, place them on a wire rack over a baking sheet.
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Offer a variety of dipping sauces like blue cheese, ranch, honey-mustard and hot sauce.
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Freeze prepped uncooked wings for up to 3 months for quick appetizers anytime.
Satisfy Your Wing Craving
However you like your wings – fried, grilled, or roasted with heat or sweet – both turkey and chicken wings can hit the spot. The turkey vs chicken wing debate boils down to texture, flavor, and cooking time preferences. But both are awesome. Mix it up with turkey and chicken wings at your next gathering. Or enjoy a plate of each all to yourself. Just be ready for fingers sticky with sauce and a belly full of deliciousness. Wings might seem small, but they bring big time taste that can’t be beat!
Popular Turkey Wing and Chicken Wing Recipes
Popular poultry wings are Turkey wings and Chicken wings.
Both have unique tastes and textures that attract our taste buds.
Here are some popular recipes for these wings:
- Buffalo turkey or chicken wing recipe.
- BBQ glazed turkey or chicken wing recipe.
- Teriyaki turkey or chicken wing recipe.
- Honey garlic baked turkey or chicken wing recipe.
- Crispy roasted turkey or chicken wing recipe.
- Lemon pepper turkey or chicken wing recipe.
Turkey wings are usually larger than chicken wings, making them an excellent option if you’re serving large gatherings.
However, they require more cooking time than chicken wings because of their size.
On top of that, both turkey and chicken wings are high in fat, so health-conscious eaters shouldn’t eat them.
What are Chicken Wings?
Chicken wings are small, tasty portions of chicken meat that are a favorite among chicken lovers worldwide.
They have three parts: the tip, the middle, and the drumette. All three have a lot of juicy, tender meat.
Before being served with sauces like buffalo, honey barbecue, or garlic parmesan, these pieces are often deep-fried or grilled.
Recently, chicken wings have become very popular because they are easy to eat with your fingers. This makes them great for parties or watching sports.
Simple Baked Turkey Wings – Better than chicken!
FAQ
Are turkey wings healthier than chicken?
Are turkey wings the same as chicken wings?
Are turkey wings any good?
Are chicken wings better than Turkey wings?
Chicken wings, while easier to find year-round and more common in recipes, contain less meat than turkey wings, so you’ll want to cook more of them to compensate. Turkey wings are also a larger cut, so increase your cook time accordingly.
What is the difference between chicken and turkey wing meat?
The protein content, in particular, is nearly the same for both birds when compared to breast meat. Both chicken and turkey wing meat provides the same amount of protein per ounce (28 grams) — about 9 grams (4, 5). Summary There is very little difference in the protein content of white meat cuts of chicken and turkey.
Are turkey wings good for Thanksgiving?
Beyond Thanksgiving or the deli aisle, turkey tends to be an overlooked meat. Few home cooks prepare turkey wings like they cook chicken wings, but these budget-friendly cuts are succulent, flavorful, and meaty. Use turkey wings as a versatile ingredient that easily stars as an appetizer or main dish. What Are Turkey Wings?
Can you substitute Turkey wings for chicken wings?
The skin crisps up nicely for a pleasant textural contrast. Marinating turkey wings helps keep them moist and flavorful during cooking. Featuring almost identical cuts, chicken wings can be substituted for turkey wings in most recipes and vice-versa.
Do Turkey wings need to be cooked?
Turkey wings are also a larger cut, so increase your cook time accordingly. Turkey wings can be served and eaten much like chicken wings—as an appetizer or a main dish. They pair well with a wide assortment of seasonings and sauces and can be fried, grilled, roasted, smoked, or slow-cooked.
Do Turkey wings have a wing tip?
Turkey wings also have a wing tip which are often included in the wing cut and trimmed off before cooking. Popular methods of cooking turkey wings include deep-frying and serving with Buffalo or barbecue sauce, dry-rubbing with spices and grilling, and roasting with herbs in the oven. They can also be used to make turkey stock .