Where to Buy Chicken Drumettes: Your Ultimate Guide to Finding the Perfect Wings

Are you craving some delicious chicken drumettes but not sure where to buy them? Trust me, I’ve been there! As a food enthusiast who’s spent way too much time hunting down the perfect wings for game day parties I’m excited to share everything I know about finding these tasty treats.

Chicken drumettes are seriously versatile – you can fry ’em, bake ’em, grill ’em, or toss ’em in your favorite sauce. But first, you gotta know where to get your hands on some quality ones! Let’s dive into all the best places to buy chicken drumettes so you can satisfy that craving ASAP

What Exactly Are Chicken Drumettes?

Before we get into where to buy them, let’s make sure we’re on the same page about what drumettes actually are.

Drumettes are the upper part of the chicken wing that looks like a mini drumstick (hence the cute name!). They’re meatier than the wingettes (the middle part) and have that single bone running through them that makes them perfect for holding while you munch.

Many people confuse these with regular chicken wings, but drumettes are specifically that first segment of the wing that connects to the chicken’s body. They’re super popular for parties, game days, and anytime you want some finger-licking good food!

Best Places to Buy Chicken Drumettes

1. Target

Target is one of my go-to places when I need to grab chicken drumettes. They offer various brands and options in their meat department and frozen food section. You can find them by:

• Visiting your local Target store
• Checking the refrigerated meat section
• Looking in the frozen foods area
• Searching “chicken drumettes” on their website or app

Target’s selection usually includes both fresh and frozen options, giving you flexibility depending on when you plan to cook them. They sometimes carry seasoned or marinated drumettes too, which can save you some prep time!

2. Publix

Publix is another excellent option for finding high-quality chicken drumettes. They offer their Publix brand USDA Premium Chicken Drummettes that are 100% natural and never frozen.

What I love about Publix chicken is:

• It’s always fresh, never frozen
• The 100% natural quality really makes a difference in taste
• They’re super versatile – you can broil, grill, fry, sauté, bake, roast, or stir-fry them

Publix also has helpful staff who can assist if you need a specific amount or have questions about preparation. Their meat department is usually well-stocked and maintains high standards for freshness.

3. Instacart

Don’t have time to run to the store? Instacart is a lifesaver! You can order chicken drumettes from various stores through the Instacart app or website and have them delivered right to your door.

With Instacart, you can:

• Compare prices across different stores
• Check availability before placing your order
• Get same-day delivery in many areas
• Save time by not having to visit multiple stores

I’ve personally used Instacart many times when I’m hosting last-minute gatherings, and it’s super convenient for getting exactly what you need without leaving home.

4. Local Butcher Shops

If your looking for the absolute BEST quality, nothing beats a local butcher shop. These small businesses often provide:

• Superior quality meat
• Custom cuts upon request
• Expert advice on preparation
• Locally sourced options in many cases

The butchers can often tell you exactly where their chicken comes from and might even share their favorite recipes or cooking tips. Plus, you’re supporting a local business, which always feels good!

5. Major Grocery Chains

Almost all major grocery stores carry chicken drumettes, including:

• Kroger
• Walmart
• Safeway
• Albertsons
• Whole Foods
• Trader Joe’s

These stores typically stock both fresh and frozen options, and many have store brands that offer good value while maintaining decent quality.

6. Specialty Meat Delivery Services

For those who want premium quality delivered to their doorstep, consider specialty meat delivery services like:

• Butcher Box
• Omaha Steaks
• Perdue Farms
• Porter Road

These services often provide higher-quality, ethically raised chicken that might not be available in your local stores. The downside? They’re usually more expensive than conventional grocery store options.

Fresh vs. Frozen: Which Should You Choose?

This is a question I get alot! Both fresh and frozen drumettes have their advantages:

Fresh Drumettes:

• Ready to cook immediately
• Often have better texture
• Usually more tender
• Need to be used within a few days

Frozen Drumettes:

• Longer shelf life
• Can stock up during sales
• Sometimes more affordable
• Need to be thawed before cooking

I usually prefer fresh when I’m cooking right away, but I always keep a bag of frozen drummettes in my freezer for those unexpected cravings or last-minute guests!

What to Look for When Buying Chicken Drumettes

Not all drumettes are created equal! Here’s what I check before purchasing:

• Color: Look for pinkish-peach color without dark spots
• Smell: Fresh chicken should have minimal odor
• Packaging: Ensure there’s no excessive liquid in the package
• Sell-by date: The fresher, the better!
• Size consistency: Uniform pieces will cook more evenly

For frozen options, check for ice crystals or freezer burn, which can indicate the product has been thawed and refrozen or stored too long.

How Much Do Chicken Drumettes Cost?

Prices vary depending on where you shop, but here’s a general idea:

Prices fluctuate based on season, location, and whether you’re buying fresh or frozen. I’ve noticed that drumettes are often on sale around major sporting events or holidays!

My Go-To Quick and Easy Drumette Recipe

Since we’re talking about where to buy chicken drumettes, I thought I’d share my super simple go-to recipe that never fails to impress:

Simple Baked Honey Garlic Drumettes

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs chicken drumettes
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/3 cup honey
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F
2. Mix all ingredients (except drumettes) in a bowl
3. Toss drumettes in the mixture until well coated
4. Arrange on a baking sheet lined with foil
5. Bake for 35-40 minutes, turning halfway
6. Brush with remaining sauce during the last 5 minutes

These come out sticky, sweet, and absolutely irresistible every time!

Are Chicken Drumettes Healthy?

This is something I wonder about sometimes when I’m on my third drumette! The truth is, it depends on how you prepare them:

• Chicken drumettes are high in protein
• They contain essential vitamins and minerals
• They do have higher fat content than breast meat
• Cooking methods like frying add significant calories
• Removing the skin reduces fat content considerably

If your watching your diet, try baking or air-frying instead of deep-frying, and use spice rubs rather than heavy sauces to reduce calories while keeping the flavor.

Bulk Buying Options

If you’re planning a big party or just want to stock up, consider buying in bulk:

• Warehouse clubs like Costco and Sam’s Club offer large packages at better per-pound prices
• Restaurant supply stores sometimes sell to the public and offer bulk packages
• Butcher shops might give discounts for large orders placed in advance
• Online meat retailers often have bulk pricing options

I usually go the Costco route when I’m hosting more than 8 people – the savings are significant, and the quality is consistent.

Seasonal Availability and Pricing

Like many food items, chicken drumettes have seasonal pricing patterns:

• Summer: Prices often rise due to grilling season demand
• Football season: Expect higher prices and occasional shortages around Super Bowl
• Holiday seasons: Both demand and prices typically increase
• Spring: Often the best time to find deals as demand decreases

I try to stock up when I see good deals, especially if I can freeze them for later use.

After years of wing-eating experience (it’s a tough job, but somebody’s gotta do it!), here’s my personal ranking of where to buy chicken drumettes:

1. Local butcher shop – For special occasions when quality matters most
2. Publix – For reliable, fresh, never-frozen options with great flavor
3. Target – For convenience and decent selection
4. Instacart – When I need them delivered fast
5. Warehouse clubs – For the best value when buying in bulk

Remember that availability and quality can vary by location, so don’t be afraid to try different sources until you find your favorite!

Chicken drumettes are one of those foods that bring people together – whether your watching the game, celebrating with friends, or just enjoying a tasty dinner. Now that you know where to find them, all that’s left is deciding how you’ll cook ’em!

What’s your favorite way to prepare chicken drumettes? Do you have a secret source for getting the best ones? I’d love to hear about it!

Drumettes and wings are both parts of a chicken wing, but they refer to different sections: drumettes are the thick, single-bone sections resembling a mini drumstick, while wings (specifically wingettes or flats) are the longer, flatter sections with two bones and more skin. The choice between them often comes down to personal preference for meat texture, eating experience, and meat-to-bone ratio.

The drumette is the first, meaty section of the chicken wing that connects to the bird’s body, resembling a mini version of a chicken’s drumstick and containing one central bone. It’s the upper, bicep-like portion of the whole wing, distinct from the middle “flat” and the pointed “tip”.