How to Make Chicken Wings

Chicken wings are a game-day tradition no matter where they’re served. You may be having a football party and tailgating, or just gathering to watch a game on your new big screen in the family room. No matter where you gather with friends, you’re going to want a few pointers on how to cook chicken wings. After you’ve mastered chicken wings, you can think about the dip recipes, cheese balls (including one that’s shaped like a football) and a few platters of nachos to serve to the group. For dessert? Cheesecake is always good, but some football cookie balls might be in order.

How to Prep Chicken Wings

• Chicken wings are an economical cut of poultry often sold in large packages. Buy in bulk and take advantage of the savings by freezing what you don’t need in freezer-weight resealable plastic bags for up to 6 months.
• A chicken wing has 2 parts connected by a joint. Use a sharp knife to cut through the joint to separate the wing from the drummette. Watch our chicken wing tips video for step-by-step instructions.
• Keep cleanup simple—before baking wings, prepare the baking sheet by covering it with foil, then spraying it with cooking spray to prevent sticking.

How to Cook Chicken Wings

• Always cook chicken to an internal temperature of 165°F. Wash hands, knives and cutting boards well with plenty of soap and warm water after handling any raw meat or poultry.
• “Boneless wings” are usually slices or chunks of chicken breast that have been breaded, fried and tossed in sauce. Make your own version with our recipe for SHAKE 'N BAKE E-Z Buffalo Wings.
• Out of the frying pan and into the oven—many wing recipes are fried, but our Ultimate Chicken Wings are baked. Covering the pan with foil then spraying it with cooking spray makes cleanup a snap.
• Chicken wings are wonderful cooked on the grill. Our Caribbean Jerk Chicken Wings use KRAFT Zesty Italian Dressing in the marinade, then grilled for irresistible flavor.

How to Serve Chicken Wings

• Chicken wings make a great addition to any game-day menu. Check out our Football Party Center for more entertaining ideas. And for additional recipes, take a look at our Football Party Recipes.
• Our Baja Buffalo Chicken Wings have a real kick—tequila in the marinade provides the extra zing!
• Cooked wings can be tossed in sauce and then held in a slow cooker on LOW for up to 4 hours. If the wings start to dry out, add a little more sauce. They will be ready to eat when your guests are!
• Try tossing wings with BULL’S-EYE Barbecue Sauce instead of hot sauce. The sweet and tangy flavor may win over those who otherwise find wings too spicy. (For a more traditional kick, pick up BULL’S-EYE Raging Buffalo Barbecue Sauce.)
• To prevent burning, always brush barbecue sauces or other glazes onto meat for just the last few minutes of the cooking time.