How to Cut Chicken Wings

February 17, 2025 Kiran

Chicken wings are a staple in many kitchens, perfect for game nights, parties, or a simple delicious meal. While you can buy pre-cut wings, cutting them yourself saves money and allows you to control the portioning. Whether you’re making buffalo wings, barbecue wings, or crispy fried wings, knowing how to cut them properly is essential.

In this guide, we will walk you through the process of cutting chicken wings with ease, ensuring you get the perfect pieces every time.

Understanding Chicken Wings Anatomy

A whole chicken wing consists of three parts:

Drumette – The meaty part attached to the chicken body, resembling a small drumstick.
Wingette (Flat) – The middle section, consisting of two bones with tender meat between them.
Tip – The pointed end, which contains skin, bone, and cartilage but little meat.

For most recipes, the tip is discarded, while the drumette and wingette are used for cooking.

What You Need

Before cutting your chicken wings, ensure you have the right tools:

Sharp Chef’s Knife or Kitchen Shears – A sharp knife makes cutting through joints easy.
Cutting Board – Use a sturdy cutting board for safety.
Paper Towels – Helps dry the wings for a better grip.
Trash Bowl or Container – For collecting discarded wing tips.

Step-by-Step Guide to Cutting Chicken Wings

Step 1: Prepare Your Workspace

Start by cleaning your work area. Place the cutting board on a stable surface, and have your tools ready. Pat the chicken wings dry with paper towels to avoid slipping while cutting.

Step 2: Identify the Joints

Lay the wing flat on the cutting board. You will notice two joints:

The first joint is between the drumette and the wingette.
The second joint is between the wingette and the tip.

You will be cutting through these joints to separate the parts.

Step 3: Cut at the First Joint (Drumette and Wingette)

Hold the wing firmly and bend it slightly to locate the joint between the drumette and wingette. Using a sharp knife, press down firmly and slice through the joint. If you encounter resistance, reposition the knife slightly until it finds the soft cartilage space and cuts through smoothly.

Step 4: Remove the Wing Tip

Locate the second joint where the wingette meets the tip. Like before, bend the joint slightly and use the knife to slice through the soft cartilage. Wing tips are often discarded, but they can be saved to make chicken stock.

Step 5: Repeat for All Wings

Continue cutting each wing following the same steps until all pieces are separated.

Tips for Cutting Chicken Wings Like a Pro

Use a sharp knife – A dull knife makes cutting difficult and increases the risk of injury.
Find the joint gap – Cutting through the soft cartilage instead of the bone makes the process much easier.
Work on a stable surface – Prevents accidents and ensures even cuts.
Save the wing tips – While not used in most recipes, they add great flavor to homemade broths and stocks.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even though cutting chicken wings is a simple process, there are some common mistakes to watch out for:

Not using a sharp knife – A dull knife makes it harder to cut cleanly through the joints.
Cutting through the bone – Always find the soft cartilage to avoid struggling with thick bones.
Not securing the cutting board – A slipping board can lead to accidents. Use a damp towel underneath for stability.
Skipping the drying step – Wet wings are slippery and harder to cut.

What to Do with Your Cut Chicken Wings?

Once your wings are cut, they are ready to be cooked! Here are some delicious ideas:

Fried Wings – Toss them in seasoned flour and fry until crispy.
Baked Wings – Coat in sauce and bake for a healthier option.
Grilled Wings – Marinate and grill for a smoky taste.
Buffalo Wings – Coat in hot sauce and butter for the ultimate game-day treat.

Storing and Freezing Chicken Wings

If you’re not cooking your wings immediately, you can store them properly to maintain freshness:

Refrigeration – Store cut wings in an airtight container and use them within two days.
Freezing – Lay the wings flat on a baking sheet and freeze for a few hours before transferring to a freezer bag. They can last up to three months.

Chicken Wing Marinades and Seasonings

Once your wings are cut and ready, consider marinating them for extra flavor. Here are some classic marinades:

Classic Buffalo Marinade – Hot sauce, melted butter, garlic powder, and a pinch of cayenne pepper.
Honey Garlic Marinade – Soy sauce, honey, minced garlic, and ginger.
Lemon Pepper Marinade – Lemon juice, cracked black pepper, and olive oil.
Barbecue Marinade – BBQ sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and smoked paprika.

Cooking Methods for Chicken Wings

1. Deep Frying

Heat oil to 375°F (190°C).
Fry wings for 10-12 minutes until golden brown.
Drain on paper towels and toss in sauce.

2. Baking

Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
Place wings on a wire rack over a baking sheet.
Bake for 45-50 minutes, flipping halfway.

3. Air Frying

Preheat air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
Arrange wings in a single layer.
Cook for 25 minutes, flipping halfway.

4. Grilling

Preheat grill to medium heat.
Cook wings for 20-25 minutes, turning occasionally.
Baste with sauce in the final minutes.

Conclusion

Cutting chicken wings at home is a simple and cost-effective way to prepare your favorite dishes. With a bit of practice, you’ll be able to cut wings quickly and efficiently. Whether you’re making classic buffalo wings or experimenting with new flavors, mastering this skill will enhance your cooking experience. If you want to know How Long to Bake Chicken Wings at 400.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why should I cut my own chicken wings?

Cutting wings at home is cost-effective and allows better portion control.

What knife should I use to cut chicken wings?

A sharp chef’s knife or kitchen shears works best.

Do I have to remove the wing tips?

Most recipes discard them, but they are great for making stock.

How do I know where to cut?

Feel for the joint gap and cut through the cartilage.

Can I cut frozen chicken wings?

It’s best to thaw them first for easier and safer cutting.

How do I prevent my cutting board from slipping?

Place a damp towel under the board for stability.

What’s the best way to store cut wings?

Keep them in an airtight container in the fridge or freeze them.

How long do fresh cut wings last in the fridge?

Up to two days when properly stored.

Should I rinse chicken wings before cutting?

It’s not necessary; pat them dry instead to avoid spreading bacteria.

Can I use kitchen shears instead of a knife?

Yes, kitchen shears work well and are often easier for beginners.

What is the best tool to cut chicken wings?

The best tool to cut chicken wings is a sharp chef’s knife or kitchen shears. A sharp chef’s knife allows for precise, clean cuts through the joints, making the process quick and efficient. It’s essential to use a well-maintained, sharp blade to avoid struggling with tough cartilage or bones.

Is it easy to clip chickens’ wings?

Clipping a chicken’s wings is a relatively easy process, especially when done correctly. It involves trimming the primary flight feathers on one wing to prevent the bird from flying while still allowing it to move naturally. Using a sharp pair of kitchen shears or poultry scissors, you can carefully cut the outermost feathers without causing harm to the bird. The key is to avoid cutting too close to the base where blood vessels are present. With a calm approach and proper handling, clipping a chicken’s wings can be a simple and safe procedure that helps keep them contained while ensuring their well-being.

How to cut meat off chicken wings?

Cutting meat off chicken wings requires precision and a sharp boning knife or kitchen shears. Start by separating the drumette, wingette (flat), and tip at the joints. For the drumette, slice along the bone, carefully peeling the meat away while keeping the knife close to the bone. For the wingette, cut along both bones and gently pull the meat away, or remove one bone first to make it easier.

What’s the best way to cut chicken wings?

The best way to cut chicken wings is to use a sharp chef’s knife or kitchen shears and cut through the natural joints for clean, effortless separation. Lay the wing flat on a stable cutting board, then identify the two joints: one between the drumette and wingette, and another between the wingette and tip. Slice through the soft cartilage at each joint rather than cutting through the bone, which makes the process smoother. Discard the wing tips or save them for stock, and use the drumettes and wingettes for cooking. Keeping the wings dry and using a sharp blade ensures precise cuts with minimal effort.

How do you eat chicken wings cleanly?

Eating chicken wings cleanly requires a little technique and strategy to minimize mess. For drumettes, hold one end and take bites while rotating the wing to remove the meat evenly. For wingettes (flats), the twist-and-pull method works best—grip both ends, gently twist and pull out one of the small bones, then do the same with the second bone, leaving just the meat for easy eating. Another method is to push the meat down from one end to create a “lollipop” shape for a neater bite.

Can chickens still fly after wings are clipped?

After their wings are clipped, chickens cannot fly properly, but they may still be able to jump short distances or glide a little. Clipping only removes the primary flight feathers from one wing, which throws off their balance and prevents them from gaining lift. This method is a safe and painless way to keep chickens from flying over fences or escaping their enclosure. However, some lighter breeds with strong legs may still manage to hop onto low perches or obstacles. Regular trimming is needed as feathers grow back after molting, so periodic checks ensure they remain grounded.

How to stop chickens from flying?

To stop chickens from flying, the most effective method is wing clipping, which involves trimming the primary flight feathers on one wing to disrupt their balance and prevent lift-off. This is a painless and safe procedure when done correctly with sharp kitchen shears. Additionally, keeping tall fences (at least 6 feet high) and covering coops with netting or wire mesh can help contain flighty birds. Providing perches and roosting areas inside the enclosure can also discourage them from trying to escape. Some breeds are naturally better at flying than others, so a combination of clipping and proper fencing is the best way to keep them safely contained.

How high can a chicken jump?

Chickens aren’t known for their jumping abilities, but they can still manage to get off the ground. On average, a chicken can jump around 2 to 3 feet (60 to 90 centimeters) into the air, though this can vary based on the breed and individual chicken. While they don’t have the same impressive jumping skills as some other animals, chickens are still quite agile and can use their wings to help propel them. They can also flap and hop to get over obstacles or reach higher ground, but they’re not built for sustained or high-altitude jumps like some birds or mammals.