How to Say Chicken Wings in Spanish: The Ultimate Guide for Food Lovers

Have you ever found yourself in a Spanish-speaking restaurant, desperately craving some delicious chicken wings but not knowing how to order them? Or maybe you’re planning a trip to Spain or Latin America and want to make sure you can enjoy your favorite finger food? Well, you’re in luck! Today, I’m gonna share with you the definitive guide on how to say “chicken wings” in Spanish.

The Most Common Way to Say Chicken Wings in Spanish

Let’s cut straight to the chase The most common and widely understood way to say “chicken wings” in Spanish is

“Alitas de pollo” (ah-LEE-tas day POH-yoh)

This is the phrase you’ll hear most frequently across Spanish-speaking countries. It’s understood everywhere and is your safest bet when ordering at restaurants or discussing food with Spanish speakers.

Let’s break it down

• “Alitas” means “little wings”
• “de” means “of”
• “pollo” means “chicken”

So literally, you’re saying “little wings of chicken.” Cute, right?

Singular Form: When You Just Want One Wing

If you’re just talking about a single chicken wing (though honestly, who eats just one?), you would say:

“Alita de pollo” (ah-LEE-tah day POH-yoh)

This is the singular form, and you might see it on menus or hear it in cooking instructions.

Alternative Ways to Say Chicken Wings in Spanish

While “alitas de pollo” is the most common expression, there are some alternatives depending on the region or context:

“Alas de pollo”

This translates directly to “chicken wings” without the diminutive “itas” ending. It’s less common but still widely understood.

“Alitas de gallina”

In some regions, particularly in more casual settings, you might hear chicken wings referred to as “alitas de gallina,” which translates to “hen wings.” This is more colloquial and typically used in informal gatherings.

“Pechugas de pollo en alitas”

This more specific term refers to “chicken breast in wings.” It’s less common but might be used in certain formal contexts or on some restaurant menus.

“Alitas de pollo frito”

If you specifically want fried chicken wings, you might ask for “alitas de pollo frito.” This is a more descriptive way to specify the cooking method.

Regional Variations

Spanish is spoken in many countries, and while “alitas de pollo” is universally understood, you might encounter slight variations:

• In Mexico: “Alitas” is very common, sometimes with added descriptions like “picantes” (spicy) or “barbacoa” (barbecue)
• In Spain: “Alitas de pollo” is standard, sometimes with “al ajillo” (with garlic) or “a la plancha” (grilled)
• In Argentina: You might hear “alitas” or sometimes “alones de pollo”

Formal vs. Informal Contexts

When it comes to talking about chicken wings in Spanish, the level of formality doesn’t change the term dramatically, but there are some considerations:

Formal Settings

In formal settings like upscale restaurants or business meetings, stick with “alitas de pollo” or “alas de pollo.” These are straightforward, proper terms that work in professional environments.

For example:

• “Me gustaría ordenar alitas de pollo para la reunión de negocios mañana.” (I would like to order chicken wings for the business meeting tomorrow.)
• “El menú ofrece alitas de pollo como opción para el almuerzo.” (The menu offers chicken wings as an option for lunch.)

Informal Settings

In casual settings with friends or family, you can be more relaxed and descriptive:

• “¡Vamos a comer unas alitas picantes!” (Let’s eat some spicy wings!)
• “Quiero unas alitas con salsa buffalo, por favor.” (I want some wings with buffalo sauce, please.)
• “Vamos a hacer una parrillada y voy a traer alitas de pollo.” (We’re having a barbecue, and I’ll bring some chicken wings.)

Ordering Chicken Wings in a Spanish Restaurant

Now that you know how to say “chicken wings” in Spanish, let’s talk about how to actually order them in a restaurant.

Basic Phrases for Ordering

1. “Quisiera ordenar unas alitas de pollo, por favor.” (I would like to order some chicken wings, please.)
2. “¿Tienen alitas de pollo?” (Do you have chicken wings?)
3. “¿Me puede traer una orden de alitas de pollo?” (Can you bring me an order of chicken wings?)

Specifying How You Want Your Wings

If you want your wings prepared in a specific way, here are some useful phrases:

• “Alitas de pollo picantes” (Spicy chicken wings)
• “Alitas de pollo con salsa barbacoa” (Chicken wings with barbecue sauce)
• “Alitas de pollo al horno” (Baked chicken wings)
• “Alitas de pollo fritas” (Fried chicken wings)
• “Alitas de pollo a la parrilla” (Grilled chicken wings)

Fun Facts About Chicken Wings in Spanish-Speaking Countries

Did you know that chicken wings are popular in many Spanish-speaking countries, but they’re often prepared differently than what you might be used to in the United States?

• In Spain, “alitas de pollo al ajillo” (garlic chicken wings) are a common tapa
• In Mexico, you’ll find “alitas enchiladas” coated in a spicy chili sauce
• In Peru, they might serve “alitas anticucheras” seasoned with a traditional anticucho marinade
• In Cuba, “alitas a la criolla” are made with a sauce of tomatoes, peppers, and spices

Common Phrases and Conversations About Chicken Wings

Here are some common phrases and conversations you might have about chicken wings in Spanish:

At a Restaurant

You: “Hola, ¿tienen alitas de pollo?”
Server: “Sí, tenemos alitas picantes y alitas con barbacoa.”
You: “Genial, me gustaría una orden de alitas picantes, por favor.”

(Translation:
You: “Hi, do you have chicken wings?”
Server: “Yes, we have spicy wings and barbecue wings.”
You: “Great, I would like an order of spicy wings, please.”)

With Friends

You: “¿Qué vamos a pedir para ver el partido?”
Friend: “Podríamos pedir unas alitas de pollo y cerveza.”
You: “¡Perfecto! Me encantan las alitas con salsa ranch.”

(Translation:
You: “What are we going to order to watch the game?”
Friend: “We could order some chicken wings and beer.”
You: “Perfect! I love wings with ranch sauce.”)

Quick Reference Table: Chicken Wings in Spanish

Why Learning Food Terms in Spanish is Important

I’ve traveled throughout Latin America and Spain, and let me tell you, knowing food vocabulary is SUPER important! Not only does it help you order what you want, but it also shows respect for the local culture and can help you connect with people.

Food is a universal language, and being able to discuss and order your favorites can make your experience in Spanish-speaking countries so much more enjoyable. Plus, locals really appreciate when visitors make an effort to speak their language, especially when it comes to food!

My Personal Experience with Chicken Wings in Spain

Last year, I visited Madrid and was craving some chicken wings after a long day of sightseeing. I walked into a small local tavern and confidently asked for “alitas de pollo” – the server smiled and asked if I wanted them “picantes o normales” (spicy or regular). I went with spicy and was served the most delicious wings with a unique Spanish paprika-based hot sauce. The confidence to order in the local language made my experience so much better!

Now that you know how to say “chicken wings” in Spanish and have some phrases to help you order them, you’re ready to enjoy this delicious finger food wherever Spanish is spoken! Remember, the most common and widely understood term is “alitas de pollo,” but don’t be afraid to get specific about how you want them prepared.

Whether you’re traveling to a Spanish-speaking country or just ordering at your local Spanish restaurant, you can now confidently ask for chicken wings without hesitation. ¡Buen provecho! (Enjoy your meal!)

Do you have a favorite way to eat chicken wings? Or maybe you’ve tried some amazing wings in a Spanish-speaking country? I’d love to hear about your experiences in the comments below!

P.S. Don’t forget to bring extra napkins – “servilletas” in Spanish – because good wings are always messy!

The primary Spanish translation for “wing” is ala.

Chicken wings are a popular food that can be divided into three parts: the drumette, the flat (or wingette), and the tip. While the term “wings” often refers to the whole, cut-up wing, specific dishes like Buffalo wings primarily use the drumette and flat sections.

Another common name for chicken wings is simply “wings”, but terms like Buffalo wings, hot wings, or BBQ wings are used to describe preparations of chicken wings with a specific sauce or flavor profile. The individual parts of a chicken wing are called drumettes (the meaty, top portion) and flats (the middle section, also known as wingettes).