Where to Buy the Best Boneless Chicken Wings

Boneless chicken wings have become a popular appetizer and party food in recent years. Also known as chicken wyngz or chicken pops, these meaty bites pack huge flavor without the hassle of bones. I love serving boneless wings at get-togethers because they please picky eaters and wings lovers alike. The search for the perfect boneless wings can be tricky though. Today, I’ll share my tips on where to find the best ready-to-eat and ready-to-cook boneless chicken wings.

Buying Fully Cooked Boneless Wings

If you’re looking for prepared boneless wings to serve immediately, grocery stores and restaurants are your best bet. Here are some of my go-to spots:

Grocery Store Deli Sections

Check the deli counter at your local supermarket. Many have ready-to-eat boneless wings tossed in various sauces like buffalo, BBQ, teriyaki, lemon pepper, and more. The wings are usually cooked in-house and the quality is decent. Walmart is a great place to find pre-sauced boneless wings at affordable prices.

Wingstop

This wing specialist is my #1 pick for perfectly cooked, juicy boneless wings. I like to order theirs naked then toss them in my favorite Wingstop sauce like Louisiana Rub or Atomic. With 11 dipping sauces, you can’t go wrong. While Wingstop is a national chain, I’ve had the best luck finding locations inside malls and airports.

Buffalo Wild Wings

B-Dubs is another solid bet for ready-to-eat boneless wings, although I find the sauce flavors to be a bit one-note. Still, it’s a reliable choice when you’re in the mood for boneless buffalo wings in particular. They also offer more adventurous flavors like Parmesan Garlic, Caribbean Jerk, and Thai Curry.

Gourmet Grocers

Upscale food markets like Whole Foods and Trader Joe’s stock ready-made boneless wings, usually near the prepared sandwiches and salads. The wings are pricier but high quality. Trader Joe’s even sells them sauced in a few flavors like Buffalo and BBQ.

Buying Raw Boneless Wings to Cook

If you prefer to bread and fry or bake your own wings raw boneless wyngz can be found in a couple places

Butcher Shops or Meat Counters

Ask your local butcher if they carry raw boneless chicken wings Many will bread them to order if you request it Butchers typically source high quality poultry so you end up with juicy, flavorful results.

Frozen Section of Grocery Stores

Check the freezer aisle for bags of uncooked boneless wings. Brands like Tyson and Perdue offer breaded and unbreaded options. I like tosses the frozen wings straight into the air fryer for crispy results in 15 minutes. No thawing required.

Online Retailers

Buying boneless wings online allows you to purchase in bulk. I like ordering cases of breaded wings from food distributors like Walmart Grocery and Smart Foodservice. The wings ship frozen at a reasonable price per pound. Vacuum sealing and freezing means they stay fresh for months.

How to Choose the Best Boneless Wings

Keep these tips in mind when evaluating boneless chicken wings:

• Read labels carefully. Look for wings made from whole muscle chicken breast rather than chopped and formed meat. The ingredient list should be short.

• Go for bigger sizes. Larger wings mean more juicy meat. Aim for wings that are at least an inch or so in diameter.

• Look for a light, crispy breading. The coating shouldn’t seem thick or rubbery. It should add crunch without overwhelming the chicken flavor.

• Pick wings that are well-sauced. Ready-made wings should glisten but shouldn’t be dripping wet. The sauce should permeate the meat.

• Avoid added fillers. Some processed wyngz contain excessive water, starch, soy, and other fillers. Check nutrition labels and opt for wings with shorter ingredients lists.

• Check for juiciness. Raw or cooked, the wings should look moist, not dry or stringy. This indicates flavorful meat.

• Consider air-chilled wings. The air-chilling process helps boneless wings retain more moisture compared to water-chilled.

• Check sell-by and use-by dates. For pre-made wings, make sure you’re buying fresh products with at least 3-5 days before expiration.

Favorite Flavors and Dipping Sauces

While traditional Buffalo sauce reigns supreme, there are so many ways to flavor boneless wings. Here are some of my favorites:

• Sweet and spicy: Try coats like Sriracha honey, sweet chili, or teriyaki glaze.

• Savory profiles: Garlic Parmesan, lemon pepper, and cajun rubs add big flavor.

• Tangy barbecue: Opt for Alabama white sauce for a mayo-based twist.

• Adventurous: Jamaican jerk and Thai peanut sauces incorporate fun new flavors.

Great dipping sauces also elevate boneless wings. Ranch, blue cheese, honey mustard, and buttermilk ranch are classics. I also like to offer flavorful mayos, creamy sriracha, sweet chili sauce, guacamole, and Alabama white BBQ sauce for dunking.

Storing and Reheating Boneless Wings

Follow these tips to safely store and reheat leftover boneless chicken wings:

• Refrigerate prepared wings within 2 hours, or within 1 hour if the temperature is above 90°F.

• Store cooked wings in a sealed container for up to 4 days.

• Freeze sauced wings in an airtight container or freezer bag for 2-3 months.

• Reheat wings in a 400°F oven or air fryer until warmed through, about 10 minutes.

• Microwave wings for 30-60 seconds to preserve texture.

• Bring sauces to a simmer before tossing with reheated wings.

• Do not keep wings at room temperature for more than 2 hours total.

Finding the perfect boneless wings for your next party or meal is easy with so many options available. Next time you’re craving these saucy, crispy bites, check your local deli counter, wing joint, or freezer section. With my tips for buying and storing, you’ll be set with delicious boneless chicken wings anytime. Get creative trying global flavors, dipping sauces, and cooking methods until you discover your favorites.