Are you a fellow wing enthusiast who believes the flat is superior to the drumette? You’re not alone! As someone who’s spent years perfecting my wing game I’ve learned that chicken wing flats (those delicious middle sections with two bones) offer the perfect meat-to-skin ratio and hold sauce better than any other part.
But finding packages of just flats can be challenging. I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve stood in grocery store aisles, digging through mixed wing packages hoping to find a flats-only option.
After years of searching and experimenting, I’ve compiled this comprehensive guide to help you find those elusive chicken wing flats without the drumettes tagging along.
Why Chicken Wing Flats Are Worth the Hunt
Before diving into where to buy them let’s quickly highlight why flats deserve their own spotlight
- More surface area for sauces and seasonings
- Tender, juicy meat that’s easy to eat
- Perfect crispy-to-juicy ratio when cooked properly
- Easier to eat in one or two bites (unlike drumettes)
- Less cartilage to work around
Where to Buy Chicken Wing Flats Only
1. Major Grocery Chains
Walmart
Walmart offers Great Value All Natural Chicken Wing Flats in a convenient 3 lb frozen package. These flats come with:
- 19 grams of protein per 4 oz serving
- No trans fat
- Ready to cook
- Perfect for grilling and frying
- Priced at around $11.64 ($3.88/lb)
They’re popular too, with a 4.4-star rating from over 800 reviews Customers particularly praise their quality and taste, though some note they shrink during cooking due to the 12% chicken broth solution they contain.
Other Major Grocers
Check the frozen section at stores like:
- Kroger
- Safeway
- Publix
- Target
Many now stock flats-only options, particularly in their store brands.
2. Specialty Butcher Shops
Your local butcher shop is a goldmine for specialty cuts like wing flats. Here’s why they’re worth visiting:
- Custom cuts: They can separate whole wings for you on request
- Freshness: Usually higher quality than pre-packaged options
- Bulk discounts: May offer better pricing for larger quantities
- Special orders: Can order flats-only if not regularly stocked
Build a relationship with your local butcher – they might even set aside flats for you when they get fresh wings in!
3. Online Retailers
Instacart
Instacart delivers from local stores that carry flats-only options. Search for “chicken wings flats only” to see available options in your area.
Amazon Fresh
Amazon’s grocery delivery service often carries flats-only options with the convenience of home delivery.
Specialty Online Butchers
Online meat delivery services like Porter Road and Crowd Cow sometimes offer wing flats as part of their specialty cuts.
4. Restaurant Supply Stores
Restaurant supply stores like Restaurant Depot or WebstaurantStore sell large packages of chicken wing flats, often at wholesale prices. While these typically require membership or minimum purchases, they’re great if you:
- Host large gatherings
- Want to stock up your freezer
- Are looking for bulk pricing
5. Asian Markets
Asian grocery stores frequently stock separated wing parts due to their popularity in many Asian cuisines. Check both fresh and frozen sections for flats-only packages.
6. Farmer’s Markets
Local poultry farmers at farmer’s markets might sell wing flats separately, especially if you ask in advance. These will likely be:
- Fresher
- Higher quality
- More ethically raised
- Slightly more expensive
How to Ask for Flats at the Meat Counter
Don’t see packaged flats? Try these tips at your grocery store meat counter:
- Use the right terminology: Ask for “wing flats” or “wingettes” (not “the middle part”)
- Be specific: Mention you want ONLY the flat portion, not mixed with drums
- Consider timing: Ask early in the day when butchers are more likely to make custom cuts
- Be willing to wait: They might need time to prepare your order
- Consider pre-ordering: Call ahead for larger quantities
One customer shared: “I just asked the butcher at my local grocery if they could separate some flats for me, and they did it while I waited! I’ve been doing this monthly ever since.”
Quality Check: What to Look for When Buying Wing Flats
Whether buying fresh or frozen, check for:
- Plumpness: Flats should look meaty, not scrawny
- Color: Fresh flats should be pink with no gray discoloration
- Smell: No strong or sour odors
- Packaging: No tears or excessive liquid
- Freezer burn: Avoid frosty or discolored frozen flats
For the Walmart Great Value flats specifically, note they contain “Chicken Wing Flats, Up To 12% Chicken Broth, Salt, Natural Flavor” – so expect some shrinkage during cooking.
DIY Option: Separating Your Own Wing Flats
If you can’t find flats-only packages, you can always buy whole wings and separate them yourself:
- Place the wing flat-side down on a cutting board
- Find the joints connecting the drumette, flat, and tip
- Cut through the joints (not the bones) with a sharp knife
- Save the drumettes for another use or freeze them
- Discard the tips or save for making stock
Pro tip: Kitchen shears make this process much easier than a knife!
How to Cook Your Wing Flats to Perfection
Now that you’ve found your precious flats, here’s how to cook them to crispy perfection:
Baking Method (From Frozen)
According to the Walmart Great Value instructions:
- Preheat oven to 400°F
- Bake frozen flats for 35-45 minutes
- Ensure internal temperature reaches 185°F
- (For thawed flats, reduce cooking time to 25-35 minutes)
Air Fryer Method
- Preheat air fryer to 375°F
- Cook frozen flats for approximately 18-20 minutes
- Check for internal temp of 180°F
Grilling Method
- Preheat grill to medium heat
- Grill frozen flats for 25-30 minutes, turning occasionally
- Cook until juices run clear and internal temp reaches 185°F
My Favorite Chicken Wing Flat Recipes
Once you’ve secured your flats, try these mouthwatering recipes:
Classic Buffalo Flats
- 1 lb chicken wing flats
- ¼ cup melted butter
- ½ cup hot sauce
- Salt to taste
Cook flats until crispy, then toss in the butter and hot sauce mixture.
Honey Sriracha Flats
- 1 lb chicken wing flats
- 3 tbsp sriracha
- ¼ cup honey
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 minced garlic cloves
Grill or bake flats, then glaze with the sriracha-honey mixture.
Garlic Parmesan Flats
- 1 lb chicken wing flats
- 2 tbsp garlic powder
- ½ cup grated parmesan
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley
- 3 tbsp melted butter
Oven-bake flats then toss in the garlic-parmesan-butter mixture.
Wing Flat FAQs
How many chicken wing flats come in a pound?
Typically, you’ll find about 8-10 flats per pound.
Can I freeze fresh chicken wing flats?
Yes! Wrap them well and they’ll keep for up to 6 months.
Are chicken wing flats gluten-free?
Plain chicken wing flats are naturally gluten-free, but check any seasonings or coatings.
Why are flats sometimes called “wingettes”?
That’s their proper butcher name, though most people just call them flats.
How long do cooked wing flats last in the fridge?
Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Final Thoughts
Finding chicken wing flats only packages requires a bit more effort than grabbing standard mixed wings, but the culinary payoff is worth it. Whether you’re team sauce or team dry rub, flats provide the perfect vehicle for flavor.
My personal go-to is Walmart’s Great Value frozen flats for convenience, but I splurge on fresh butcher-cut flats for special occasions. With this guide, you’ll never have to settle for drumettes again!
What’s your favorite way to prepare chicken wing flats? Do you have a secret source for finding them? I’d love to hear in the comments!
Happy wing eating!
