Chicken wings are a staple food for game days, parties, and anytime you’re looking for a tasty snack. But where can you buy high-quality chicken wings? This comprehensive guide will walk you through the best places to purchase wings for any occasion
Grocery Stores and Supermarkets
Grocery stores and supermarkets are convenient one-stop shops for buying chicken wings. Many major chains such as Wegmans, Tops, Aldi, Walmart, and Save A Lot carry raw, frozen chicken wings that just need to be thawed and cooked. Prices and quality can vary greatly between stores. Wegmans and Tops will offer higher quality wings at premium prices, while discount grocers like Aldi and Save A Lot will have budget-friendly options. Be sure to check for sales and promotions when shopping at grocery stores.
Advantages
- Convenience – wings can be purchased along with other groceries
- Wide availability – wings stocked at most grocery chains
- Raw wings can be seasoned and cooked to taste
Disadvantages
- Inconsistent quality
- Limited flavor and seasoning options
- Need to thaw and cook the wings yourself
Warehouse Clubs
Warehouse clubs like Costco, BJ’s, and Sam’s Club sell large, bulk packages of raw frozen chicken wings perfect for feeding a crowd. Shoppers can find huge bags of wings for very reasonable prices at warehouse stores. However, a membership is required to shop at these clubs.
Advantages
- Bulk pricing results in very low cost per wing
- Large bags provide lots of wings
- High-quality wings
Disadvantages
- Membership required
- Have to buy large quantities
- Need freezer space to store big bags
- Still requires thawing and cooking
Butcher Shops and Meat Markets
Local butcher shops and specialty meat markets offer high-quality fresh or frozen chicken wings sourced from trusted suppliers. Butcher-shop wings are superior in size, taste, and freshness compared to wings from big box stores. Many butchers even offer seasoned and marinated wings. Supporting local businesses is an added bonus when shopping at butcher shops.
Advantages
- Superior freshness and quality
- Unique flavors and seasonings
- Support small/local businesses
- Can request specific sizing and quantities
Disadvantages
- Higher cost than grocery stores
- Inconvenient compared to one-stop shopping
Restaurant Takeout and Delivery
Craving wings but don’t want the mess and effort of cooking at home? Restaurant takeout and delivery is an easy, convenient way to enjoy wings without any prep work. Most restaurants that offer dine-in wings also provide takeout and delivery. Buffalo wild wings chains like Anchor Bar and Duff’s are go-to spots for classic boneless and bone-in wings with a variety of sauces and dry rubs. You can also order wings for delivery from pizza places, sports bars and other casual dining restaurants.
Advantages
- Ultimate convenience
- Huge variety of sauces and flavors
- Minimal cleanup
Disadvantages
- Most expensive per wing option
- Quality dependent on restaurant
- Have to order a large quantity for delivery
Online Retailers
Several online retailers offer chicken wings that ship frozen directly to your door Brands like Goldbelly and Porter Road sell high-end wings from artisanal suppliers, while sites like Perdue Farms and Omaha Steaks offer more affordable bulk wings Online shopping lets you compare prices and flavors between multiple wing brands.
Advantages
- Ships frozen wings directly to your house
- Broad selection of specialty/gourmet wings
- Bulk pricing discounts on large quantities
Disadvantages
- Shipping costs can be high
- Need freezer space for delivery
- Cannot inspect wings quality in person before purchasing
Direct from Poultry Farms
The best way to get the freshest chicken wings is to buy them directly from a local poultry farm. Many small farms sell high-quality pasture-raised chickens and component parts like wings. Purchasing directly from the farm cuts out the retailer middleman. You’ll pay a premium price, but the superior freshness and flavor is worth it.
Advantages
- Absolute peak freshness and quality
- Support local farms
- Custom ordering options
Disadvantages
- Very expensive per pound
- Inconvenient compared to one-stop shopping
- Limited availability – few farms sell direct to consumer
Best Places to Buy Wings in Buffalo, NY
Known as the “Chicken Wing Capital of the World,” Buffalo, NY offers many excellent options for purchasing juicy, delicious chicken wings. Here are the top spots for buying wings in Buffalo:
- Anchor Bar – Birthplace of the Buffalo wing, offering classic boneless and bone-in options
- Duff’s – Iconic wing joint with medium and hot wing sauces
- Bar Bill Tavern – Beloved East Aurora spot for charcoal-grilled wings
- Elmo’s Bar and Restaurant – Wide selection of creative wing flavors
- Mammoser’s Tavern – Spicy, butter-drenched wings with house-made blue cheese
- Nine-Eleven Tavern – South Buffalo hot spot for extra-crispy, straightforward wings
When shopping for wings, consider factors like convenience, price, flavor selection, quality, and your cooking preferences. With so many places to buy wings, you’re sure to find the perfect options to satisfy your wing cravings!
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FAQ
How much does 1 lb of chicken wings cost?
In 2019 and early 2020, wing prices were around $2.50 to $3.00 per pound. Typically, wings are a relatively cheap part of the chicken, meaning they’re easy to find and have a decent market value. Then, during the pandemic, chicken wing prices fluctuated wildly, going up to about $3.90 per pound in the spring of 2022.
Is it better to buy fresh or frozen chicken wings?
Many restaurants and fast-food chains rely on frozen boneless chicken wings, but we’ve learned that fresh is always better. Here’s why: Juicier Meat – Freezing can dry out chicken, making it tough and bland. Fresh chicken retains its natural moisture, ensuring every bite is juicy with the perfect texture.
How many people will 10 lbs of wings feed?
Does KFC make chicken wings?
In each store wings are coated with a KFC-style breading before they get fried up and tossed in delicious Cajun sauce. The sauce is da bomb on wings, but you can also put it to work on ribs or other chicken parts like breaded tenders or baked nuggets.