Here's Why Boneless Chicken Wings Are So Controversial
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People have been eating chicken wings for hundreds of years. In Buffalo, New York, (the birthplace of buffalo wings), chicken wings were on menus dating back to 1857, according to History. Wings are a staple at bars, backyard barbecues, and especially football games.
Boneless chicken wings, however, didn't make their way to menus until the early 200o's. Buffalo Wild Wings started selling them in 2003, and the National Chicken Council even credits the chain with being the inventor of boneless wings. Over the years, they started to become more popular, and in 2009 The New York Times reported that bone-in wings had become more expensive than chicken breasts. But what exactly are boneless wings?
What Are Boneless Chicken Wings?
They are not deboned chicken wings, if that's what you were thinking. In 2023, a class-action lawsuit was actually filed against Buffalo Wild Wings, when Aimen Halim alleged that the restaurant misled him to believe his order of boneless wings were actual chicken wings. The case was later dismissed by the judge.
Boneless chicken wings are not chicken wings at all. They are typically made of meat from the chicken breast. In 2020, Ander Christensen gave a speech to Lincoln, Nebraska's City Council proposing that boneless wings be removed from menus because they're not actual chicken wings, but chicken tenders. In his speech he said, "I propose that we as a city remove the name boneless wings from our menu and from our hearts."
"Boneless chicken wings are actually chunks of chicken breast, breaded and fried like nuggets, then slathered in sauce just like the real deal, minus the bone," said Mareya Ibrahim, chef, author, and host of The Real Dish.
What's The Difference Between Boneless Chicken Wings And Bone-In Chicken Wings?
The main difference comes down to the type of meat. Boneless chicken wings aren't wings at all. Chicken wings are the wings of a chicken and are made up of the drumstick, wing, and tip. The drumstick is often separated from the wing and tip, so you'll find both pieces in your order. They're made of dark meat and can be grilled, fried, or baked, and sometimes have a coating. They're often seasoned or coated in buffalo or barbecue sauce.
Boneless skinless chicken breast is usually sliced, breaded, and fried to make boneless chicken wings. They're typically coated in a sauce, and are essentially chicken nuggets.
Are Boneless Chicken Wings Healthier Than Bone-In Chicken Wings?
Because they are typically made with chicken breast, you might think boneless wings are healthier than their bone-in counterparts. But that's up for debate.
"Comparing nutrition, bone-in wings tend to have more fat thanks to the skin, but they've got that rich flavor," said Ibrahim. "Boneless wings offer a consistent texture but can clock in higher on calories and sodium."
For a healthy option, she recommends grilling bone-in chicken wings and going easy on the sauce, which can be high in sodium.
"Health-wise, boneless wings can pack more calories and fat since they're often fried and sauced up," said Ibrahim. "They still bring protein to the table, though it varies by how they're made."
If you're craving boneless wings but concerned about calories, she said to look for baked or grilled options with lighter sauces.
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