Ever stared at a platter of chicken wings and wondered exactly how much meat you’re about to consume? Whether you’re counting calories, meal prepping, or just plain curious, knowing the weight of chicken wings can be surprisingly useful. I’ve researched this thoroughly and am excited to share everything you need to know about chicken wing weights!
The Quick Answer
The average raw chicken wing (with skin and bone) weighs approximately 90g (3.17oz). However, wing weights can vary significantly:
- Small wings: 50g (1.76oz)
- Average wings: 90g (3.17oz)
- Large wings: 120g (4.23oz)
But there’s so much more to know about chicken wing weights than just these basic numbers. Let’s dive deeper!
Anatomy of a Chicken Wing
A whole chicken wing consists of three distinct sections
- The Drumette: The meatier part that connects to the chicken’s body, weighing about 28-56g (1-2oz)
- The Wingette (Flat): The middle section with two parallel bones, typically weighing 28-56g (1-2oz)
- The Tip: The pointy end with very little meat, weighing around 14g (0.5oz) or less
When you order “wings” at restaurants, you’re usually getting a mix of drumettes and flats with the tips removed.
Chicken Wing Weight Variations
Several factors affect the weight of chicken wings:
1. Chicken Breed and Size
Larger breeds naturally produce heavier wings. Factory-farmed chickens tend to have more uniform wing sizes, while free-range and organic chickens might have more variation.
2. Preparation Style
How the wing is prepared significantly impacts its weight:
- Whole wings (all three sections): 85-140g (3-5oz)
- Buffalo-style wings (drumette + flat): 42-70g (1.5-2.5oz)
- Boneless wings: Around 28g (1oz) each
- Jumbo wings: Up to 110g (3.9oz) or more
3. Raw vs. Cooked Weight
Chicken wings lose approximately 25% of their weight during cooking due to moisture loss. So an average 90g raw wing might weigh around 68g when cooked.
Detailed Chicken Wing Weight Chart
| Wing Type | Raw Weight (g) | Raw Weight (oz) | Cooked Weight (g) | Cooked Weight (oz) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Small | 50g | 1.76oz | 38g | 1.34oz |
| Average | 90g | 3.17oz | 68g | 2.4oz |
| Large | 120g | 4.23oz | 90g | 3.17oz |
How Much Edible Meat Is On a Chicken Wing?
Not all of a chicken wing’s weight is edible meat. Here’s the breakdown for an average 90g raw wing:
- Cooked weight (with bone): 68g (2.4oz)
- Edible meat and skin: 54g (1.9oz)
- Bone weight: 14g (0.49oz)
This means about 60% of a raw wing’s weight becomes edible meat after cooking.
How Many Wings in a Pound or Kilogram?
When planning for parties or meal prep, it’s helpful to know how many wings you get per weight:
Wings Per Pound:
- 1lb = 5 average wings
- 2lb = 10 average wings
- 5lb = 25 average wings
- 10lb = 50 average wings
Wings Per Kilogram:
- 1kg = 11 average wings
- 2kg = 22 average wings
- 5kg = 56 average wings
- 10kg = 111 average wings
Remember, these numbers are based on an average 90g raw wing. If you’re getting smaller or larger wings, the count will vary.
Calorie Content of Chicken Wings
The calorie content of chicken wings depends on their size and preparation method:
- One average raw wing (90g): 188 calories
- 5 average wings (450g): 940 calories
- 10 average wings (900g): 1881 calories
For those counting calories, here’s a breakdown by meat weight:
- 100g of wing meat: 209 calories
- 3oz of wing meat: 178 calories
These calories can increase significantly when wings are breaded, fried, or coated in calorie-dense sauces.
When Should You Weigh Chicken Wings?
If you’re counting calories, weigh chicken wings before cooking. Nutritional information on packaging is typically based on raw weight.
The exception is when you buy pre-cooked wings – in this case, the nutritional info on the package should be based on the cooked weight.
Recommended Serving Sizes
The recommended portion size for chicken meat is around 85-113g (3-4oz). In terms of wings, this translates to:
- 4 small wings
- 2 average-sized wings
- 1-2 large wings
For parties or gatherings, I always recommend planning for a few extra wings per person to accommodate bigger eaters.
Cost of Chicken Wings
The price of chicken wings varies based on type, quality, and where you purchase them:
- Whole raw wings: $1.50-$3.50 per pound
- Buffalo wings: $2.00-$4.00 per pound
- Boneless wings: $3.00-$5.00 per pound
- Jumbo wings: $4.00-$6.00 per pound
Prices have fluctuated dramatically in recent years due to supply chain issues and increased demand, especially around sporting events like the Super Bowl.
Fun Facts About Chicken Wings
• Americans consume over 1.25 billion chicken wings during the Super Bowl alone!
• Buffalo wings were invented in 1964 at the Anchor Bar in Buffalo, New York
• The wing was originally considered one of the least desirable parts of the chicken
• The biggest chicken wing ever recorded weighed 7.8 ounces (221g)
FAQ About Chicken Wing Weights
How much does a single chicken wing drumette weigh?
A single drumette typically weighs between 28-56g (1-2oz) when raw.
Do organic chicken wings weigh different than conventional ones?
Not necessarily, though there might be more size variation in organic chicken wings compared to conventionally raised chickens.
How much meat can I expect from a pound of wings?
From a pound of whole wings (about 5 wings), you can expect approximately 270g (9.5oz) of edible meat after cooking.
How much do wings from different fast food chains weigh?
This varies by chain, but most restaurant wings fall into the average or jumbo categories, ranging from 70-110g (2.5-3.9oz) per raw wing.
Should I buy wings by count or by weight?
Always buy by weight if possible. Wing counts can be deceiving since the size of wings varies so much.
Conclusion
Whether you’re meal prepping, calorie counting, or planning a party, understanding chicken wing weights helps you make better decisions. The average raw chicken wing weighs around 90g (3.17oz), but this can vary based on size, preparation method, and cooking technique.
How Many Wings Are in a 10 Pound Bag?
Approximately 100 pieces if the wing and drumette are separated, or approximately 45 whole wings are in a 10-pound bag.
This is the common way that bulk wings are sold to consumers in grocery stores and big-box stores like Costco and Sams.
10 Pounds of Chicken Wings Feeds How Many People?
| 10 people | 10-12 buffalo wings | 5-6 whole wings |
| 8 people | 12-15 buffalo wings | 6-7 whole wings |
Buffalo Style (Wing and Drumette Separate) 10 pounds of chicken wings are 100-120 buffalo style wings
10 pounds of chicken wings feeds 10 people, about 10-12 wing pieces per person. Side dishes are recommended.
10 pounds of chicken wings feeds 8 people, about 12-15 wing pieces per person.
Whole Wing (Wing and Drumette Attached) 10 pounds of whole wings are 40-50 wings. (Its usually 45 wings exactly.)
10 pounds of chicken wings feeds 10 people, 5-6 whole wings per person. Side dishes are recommended.
10 pounds of chicken wings feeds 8 people, 6-7 whole wings per person. Side dishes are recommended.