I ate chicken wings from 5 major chains, and a little-known newcomer beat out all the classics (2024)

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BUFFALO WILD WINGS — A small order of traditional wings cost me $12 plus tax at the Brooklyn location I went to. I got two kinds of sauce: Buffalo wild, and spicy garlic. I couldn't tell which flavor was which just by looking at them. The wings kind of looked the same. I picked up one at random and sniffed it. I never thought I could be disgusted by garlic, but this spicy garlic sauce smelled as if it had been made with blended dried garlic. It was pungent yet lifeless. There was a decent crisp on the skin, but that was about it. The garlic sauce was noxious, and I don't often say that about garlic sauces. It tasted primarily of vinegar and salt —and copious amounts of both. Inside, the chicken was tough and overcooked. It had a slightly fishy taste. The Buffalo-wild flavor was wonderfully spicy but tasted like actual nail-polish remover. The only way I could tolerate them was by drenching them in ranch, which improved their flavor thousandfold. With the addition of ranch, the wings went from really bad to just OK. I made the mistake of trying a desiccated "carrot" stick. Never again. The french fries, though, were actually decent. They tasted kind of like McDonald's fries back when they were fried in beef tallow. HOOTERS — After much internal debate over whether I should set foot in a "breastaurant," I ended up at the Hooters in Manhattan, where I ordered 10 Daytona Beach-style wings for $20 plus tax. These wings are deep-fried, tossed in sauce, and put back on the grill for an extra crisp. My server, Diana, had recommended this style of wings to me. They took 40 minutes to arrive, but they were worth the wait. I was surprised by how tasty these were. The sauce was sweet and a tiny bit spicy, and the skin was fatty and packed a decent crisp. These wings were small, but juicy and flavorful. Unlike the wings at Buffalo Wild Wings, these were not in the least bit oversalted, tough, or soggy. They had clearly been freshly cooked. Since I ate my first wing naked, I dipped my second in the accompanying ranch sauce. It was also good with ranch, but not better than without it — the true marker of a good wing. I also noticed that my 10-piece order of wings had, in fact, 13 wings. Was this a mistake? An intentional one? Either way, I wasn't complaining. I did pay 20 bucks for these wings, and they were delicious. I'll take my free extra chicken where I can get it. Hooters' wings were fresh, not too greasy, and perfectly sauced. They were all too easy to eat by the platter. TGI FRIDAYS — A 10-piece order of traditional wings in Buffalo sauce ran me $14 at the Manhattan location I went to. The wings were presented in a faux-cast-iron skillet, which seemed inappropriate. Wings aren't traditionally cooked in skillets, and these ones certainly weren't. The wings were fragrant and so piping hot that they were practically gushing steam. I suspected that they had spent a couple of minutes rotating in the kitchen microwave. The sauce was the highlight: Spicy and tangy, it was your classic Buffalo sauce. But it all went downhill from there. Nothing could have prepared me for just how bad these wings were. They were tough and dry, and they tasted as if they'd spent eons in a freezer, then in a microwave. Their skin was soggy, and the chicken itself tasted fishy. Chicken should never taste fishy. After one wing, I had no desire to keep eating. But the meal must go on. The second time around, I dipped my drumstick into ranch dressing in hopes of making the meat more palatable. The watery ranch did little to subdue the fishy flavor of the dreadfully dry chicken. I gave up on these after just two wings and a tiny bite of a third. BONCHON — At the Bonchon restaurant in Manhattan I went to, an order of 10-piece wings cost $14. I ordered two flavors: spicy, and soy garlic. Bonchon was the only restaurant that didn't serve dipping sauce with its wings. I was a little disappointed, but I later understood why. I started with a spicy wing. The skin was crunchy and bursting with flavor. It was like savory, spicy, tangy candy. The chicken inside was juicy and fatty. Instead of celery or carrot sticks, Bonchon gives you a side of pickled radish or coleslaw with your wings. Crunchy, vinegary, and slightly sweet, these were a refreshing break from the flavor-packed wings. Next, I tried a soy-sauce drumstick. Even though the skin was crisp and the chicken was consistently good, the soy-sauce flavor was a little too salty for me. These were very heavy. After about six or seven, I couldn't go on. My stomach felt clogged. I downed an entire glass of water. Still, it didn't turn me off. I had eaten a lot of wings, and Bonchon's were perfect in pretty much every single way. WINGSTOP — I went to the Wingstop in downtown Brooklyn, where a 10-piece order of bone-in wings cost $15. This was a combo, though, with two flavors of wings, a side of fries, and a fountain drink. I ordered half original-hot-classic wings and half Korean-barbecue wings, in a nod to Bonchon. These were hot and fresh from the fryer. The skin was not quite as crispy as it could have been, but the crisp wasn't entirely missing. As far as sauces go, "original hot classic" was your traditional Buffalo sauce. It wasn't quite as spicy as I would have liked, but it was well balanced. The chicken inside was just OK; it didn't compare to the chicken at Hooters or Bonchon. I did like that it wasn't at all greasy. The overall taste profile was much lighter than at some of the other wing chains, and that wasn't a bad thing. The Korean-barbecue flavor tasted mostly just like soy sauce and garlic, which I guess are flavors that exist in Korean barbecue. Still, it didn't hold up to the depth of Bonchon's soy-sauce flavor. My main gripe with this flavor is that it wasn't very spicy. I suppose it doesn't claim to be, so I have no right to be disappointed. However, I found that I much preferred the original-hot-classic wings. They paired especially well with ranch. And Wingstop's ranch was the real stuff — none of that TGI Fridays watery nonsense. It's worth mentioning that the fries that come with the wings combo were possibly even more delicious than the wings. They were fresh, crispy, and salty, as if they were made to be dipped in ranch. They probably were. Wingstop is a solid choice for anyone who wants to satisfy a wing craving and get a full meal for a decent value. Its wings may not be perfect, but they are pretty good. And so is everything else. If we're talking about who does chicken the best — the crispiest skin, the juiciest meat, the sauciest sauces — the winner is clearly Bonchon. This Korean import is rapidly growing its US presence, but it's already around the world for a good reason: It really is the gold standard for fried chicken. However, Hooters offered the best traditionally American-style wing. Sure, the skin has less of a crunch, and maybe the sauce didn't have as much of a kick as Bonchon's wings. And sure, you might be forced to consider your morals. But if you crave a greasy, meaty bite of chicken that slides right off the bone, Hooters is your destination. FAQs References

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Irene Jiang

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2020-07-06T14:47:00Z

I ate chicken wings from 5 major chains, and a little-known newcomer beat out all the classics (1)

Chicken wings are always in season.
I tried the wings at Buffalo Wild Wings, Hooters, TGI Fridays, Bonchon Chicken, and Wingstop to see who had the best chicken wings.
Turns out the Korean import Bonchon had the best chicken wings: immaculately crispy and bursting with flavor.
However, Hooters was a close second, offering the best chicken wings with a more traditional American flavor profile.
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Chicken wings are never out of season.

There are enough sports seasons to make them relevant year-round. Football season? Wings. Baseball season? Wings. Basketball? Wings. Just craving wings? Wings.

As Business Insider's resident taste-tester, I had a sacred duty to try all the wing chains within a reasonable travel distance from our office to find the best chicken wings.

Over a week, I ate wings from Buffalo Wild Wings, Hooters, TGI Fridays, Bonchon Chicken, and Wingstop to see who had the crispiest, sauciest, juiciest chicken.

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I never want to smell another chicken wing again. But my sacrifice was not for naught: After dozens of wings, dreadful and delicious, I found the holy grail of chain-restaurant wings.

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BUFFALO WILD WINGS — A small order of traditional wings cost me $12 plus tax at the Brooklyn location I went to. I got two kinds of sauce: Buffalo wild, and spicy garlic.

I ate chicken wings from 5 major chains, and a little-known newcomer beat out all the classics (6)

I couldn't tell which flavor was which just by looking at them. The wings kind of looked the same.

I ate chicken wings from 5 major chains, and a little-known newcomer beat out all the classics (7)

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I picked up one at random and sniffed it. I never thought I could be disgusted by garlic, but this spicy garlic sauce smelled as if it had been made with blended dried garlic. It was pungent yet lifeless.

I ate chicken wings from 5 major chains, and a little-known newcomer beat out all the classics (8)

There was a decent crisp on the skin, but that was about it. The garlic sauce was noxious, and I don't often say that about garlic sauces. It tasted primarily of vinegar and salt —and copious amounts of both.

I ate chicken wings from 5 major chains, and a little-known newcomer beat out all the classics (9)

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Inside, the chicken was tough and overcooked. It had a slightly fishy taste.

I ate chicken wings from 5 major chains, and a little-known newcomer beat out all the classics (10)

The Buffalo-wild flavor was wonderfully spicy but tasted like actual nail-polish remover.

I ate chicken wings from 5 major chains, and a little-known newcomer beat out all the classics (11)

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The only way I could tolerate them was by drenching them in ranch, which improved their flavor thousandfold. With the addition of ranch, the wings went from really bad to just OK.

I ate chicken wings from 5 major chains, and a little-known newcomer beat out all the classics (12)

I made the mistake of trying a desiccated "carrot" stick. Never again. The french fries, though, were actually decent. They tasted kind of like McDonald's fries back when they were fried in beef tallow.

I ate chicken wings from 5 major chains, and a little-known newcomer beat out all the classics (13)

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HOOTERS — After much internal debate over whether I should set foot in a "breastaurant," I ended up at the Hooters in Manhattan, where I ordered 10 Daytona Beach-style wings for $20 plus tax.

I ate chicken wings from 5 major chains, and a little-known newcomer beat out all the classics (14)

Read more: I'm a feminist millennial woman who just ate at Hooters for the first time. Here's why I'd definitely go back.

These wings are deep-fried, tossed in sauce, and put back on the grill for an extra crisp. My server, Diana, had recommended this style of wings to me.

I ate chicken wings from 5 major chains, and a little-known newcomer beat out all the classics (15)

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They took 40 minutes to arrive, but they were worth the wait. I was surprised by how tasty these were.

I ate chicken wings from 5 major chains, and a little-known newcomer beat out all the classics (16)

The sauce was sweet and a tiny bit spicy, and the skin was fatty and packed a decent crisp.

I ate chicken wings from 5 major chains, and a little-known newcomer beat out all the classics (17)

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These wings were small, but juicy and flavorful.

I ate chicken wings from 5 major chains, and a little-known newcomer beat out all the classics (18)

Unlike the wings at Buffalo Wild Wings, these were not in the least bit oversalted, tough, or soggy. They had clearly been freshly cooked.

I ate chicken wings from 5 major chains, and a little-known newcomer beat out all the classics (19)

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Since I ate my first wing naked, I dipped my second in the accompanying ranch sauce.

I ate chicken wings from 5 major chains, and a little-known newcomer beat out all the classics (20)

It was also good with ranch, but not better than without it — the true marker of a good wing.

I ate chicken wings from 5 major chains, and a little-known newcomer beat out all the classics (21)

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I also noticed that my 10-piece order of wings had, in fact, 13 wings. Was this a mistake? An intentional one?

I ate chicken wings from 5 major chains, and a little-known newcomer beat out all the classics (22)

Either way, I wasn't complaining. I did pay 20 bucks for these wings, and they were delicious. I'll take my free extra chicken where I can get it.

I ate chicken wings from 5 major chains, and a little-known newcomer beat out all the classics (23)

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Hooters' wings were fresh, not too greasy, and perfectly sauced. They were all too easy to eat by the platter.

I ate chicken wings from 5 major chains, and a little-known newcomer beat out all the classics (24)

TGI FRIDAYS — A 10-piece order of traditional wings in Buffalo sauce ran me $14 at the Manhattan location I went to.

I ate chicken wings from 5 major chains, and a little-known newcomer beat out all the classics (25)

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The wings were presented in a faux-cast-iron skillet, which seemed inappropriate. Wings aren't traditionally cooked in skillets, and these ones certainly weren't.

I ate chicken wings from 5 major chains, and a little-known newcomer beat out all the classics (26)

The wings were fragrant and so piping hot that they were practically gushing steam. I suspected that they had spent a couple of minutes rotating in the kitchen microwave.

I ate chicken wings from 5 major chains, and a little-known newcomer beat out all the classics (27)

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The sauce was the highlight: Spicy and tangy, it was your classic Buffalo sauce. But it all went downhill from there.

I ate chicken wings from 5 major chains, and a little-known newcomer beat out all the classics (28)

Nothing could have prepared me for just how bad these wings were. They were tough and dry, and they tasted as if they'd spent eons in a freezer, then in a microwave. Their skin was soggy, and the chicken itself tasted fishy. Chicken should never taste fishy.

I ate chicken wings from 5 major chains, and a little-known newcomer beat out all the classics (29)

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After one wing, I had no desire to keep eating. But the meal must go on.

I ate chicken wings from 5 major chains, and a little-known newcomer beat out all the classics (30)

The second time around, I dipped my drumstick into ranch dressing in hopes of making the meat more palatable.

I ate chicken wings from 5 major chains, and a little-known newcomer beat out all the classics (31)

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The watery ranch did little to subdue the fishy flavor of the dreadfully dry chicken. I gave up on these after just two wings and a tiny bite of a third.

I ate chicken wings from 5 major chains, and a little-known newcomer beat out all the classics (32)

BONCHON — At the Bonchon restaurant in Manhattan I went to, an order of 10-piece wings cost $14. I ordered two flavors: spicy, and soy garlic.

I ate chicken wings from 5 major chains, and a little-known newcomer beat out all the classics (33)

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Bonchon was the only restaurant that didn't serve dipping sauce with its wings. I was a little disappointed, but I later understood why.

I ate chicken wings from 5 major chains, and a little-known newcomer beat out all the classics (34)

I started with a spicy wing.

I ate chicken wings from 5 major chains, and a little-known newcomer beat out all the classics (35)

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The skin was crunchy and bursting with flavor. It was like savory, spicy, tangy candy. The chicken inside was juicy and fatty.

I ate chicken wings from 5 major chains, and a little-known newcomer beat out all the classics (36)

Read more: I ate 8 chicken sandwiches from fast-food chains, and the best was also the cheapest

Instead of celery or carrot sticks, Bonchon gives you a side of pickled radish or coleslaw with your wings.

I ate chicken wings from 5 major chains, and a little-known newcomer beat out all the classics (37)

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Crunchy, vinegary, and slightly sweet, these were a refreshing break from the flavor-packed wings.

I ate chicken wings from 5 major chains, and a little-known newcomer beat out all the classics (38)

Next, I tried a soy-sauce drumstick. Even though the skin was crisp and the chicken was consistently good, the soy-sauce flavor was a little too salty for me.

I ate chicken wings from 5 major chains, and a little-known newcomer beat out all the classics (39)

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These were very heavy. After about six or seven, I couldn't go on. My stomach felt clogged. I downed an entire glass of water.

I ate chicken wings from 5 major chains, and a little-known newcomer beat out all the classics (40)

Still, it didn't turn me off. I had eaten a lot of wings, and Bonchon's were perfect in pretty much every single way.

I ate chicken wings from 5 major chains, and a little-known newcomer beat out all the classics (41)

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WINGSTOP — I went to the Wingstop in downtown Brooklyn, where a 10-piece order of bone-in wings cost $15. This was a combo, though, with two flavors of wings, a side of fries, and a fountain drink.

I ate chicken wings from 5 major chains, and a little-known newcomer beat out all the classics (42)

I ordered half original-hot-classic wings and half Korean-barbecue wings, in a nod to Bonchon.

I ate chicken wings from 5 major chains, and a little-known newcomer beat out all the classics (43)

Read more: I compared the legendary McChicken with 4 cheap sandwiches from other fast-food chains, and it proved the original is still the best

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These were hot and fresh from the fryer.

I ate chicken wings from 5 major chains, and a little-known newcomer beat out all the classics (44)

The skin was not quite as crispy as it could have been, but the crisp wasn't entirely missing. As far as sauces go, "original hot classic" was your traditional Buffalo sauce. It wasn't quite as spicy as I would have liked, but it was well balanced.

I ate chicken wings from 5 major chains, and a little-known newcomer beat out all the classics (45)

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The chicken inside was just OK; it didn't compare to the chicken at Hooters or Bonchon. I did like that it wasn't at all greasy. The overall taste profile was much lighter than at some of the other wing chains, and that wasn't a bad thing.

I ate chicken wings from 5 major chains, and a little-known newcomer beat out all the classics (46)

The Korean-barbecue flavor tasted mostly just like soy sauce and garlic, which I guess are flavors that exist in Korean barbecue. Still, it didn't hold up to the depth of Bonchon's soy-sauce flavor.

I ate chicken wings from 5 major chains, and a little-known newcomer beat out all the classics (47)

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My main gripe with this flavor is that it wasn't very spicy. I suppose it doesn't claim to be, so I have no right to be disappointed.

I ate chicken wings from 5 major chains, and a little-known newcomer beat out all the classics (48)

However, I found that I much preferred the original-hot-classic wings.

I ate chicken wings from 5 major chains, and a little-known newcomer beat out all the classics (49)

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They paired especially well with ranch. And Wingstop's ranch was the real stuff — none of that TGI Fridays watery nonsense.

I ate chicken wings from 5 major chains, and a little-known newcomer beat out all the classics (50)

It's worth mentioning that the fries that come with the wings combo were possibly even more delicious than the wings. They were fresh, crispy, and salty, as if they were made to be dipped in ranch. They probably were.

I ate chicken wings from 5 major chains, and a little-known newcomer beat out all the classics (51)

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Wingstop is a solid choice for anyone who wants to satisfy a wing craving and get a full meal for a decent value. Its wings may not be perfect, but they are pretty good. And so is everything else.

I ate chicken wings from 5 major chains, and a little-known newcomer beat out all the classics (52)

If we're talking about who does chicken the best — the crispiest skin, the juiciest meat, the sauciest sauces — the winner is clearly Bonchon. This Korean import is rapidly growing its US presence, but it's already around the world for a good reason: It really is the gold standard for fried chicken.

I ate chicken wings from 5 major chains, and a little-known newcomer beat out all the classics (53)

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However, Hooters offered the best traditionally American-style wing. Sure, the skin has less of a crunch, and maybe the sauce didn't have as much of a kick as Bonchon's wings. And sure, you might be forced to consider your morals. But if you crave a greasy, meaty bite of chicken that slides right off the bone, Hooters is your destination.

I ate chicken wings from 5 major chains, and a little-known newcomer beat out all the classics (54)

FAQs

Why shouldn't you eat chicken wings? ›

They're coated in batter, high in salt and carbohydrates, then deep-fried, adding more fat and oil to an already fatty piece of chicken (5). Chicken wings with no coating but the skin on contain approximately 89 calories and 6.3 grams of fat, which is a lot for a small piece of meat that is far from satisfying (6).

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How long does it take to get food poisoning from chicken wings? ›

The symptoms of food poisoning from meat generally occur within seven days after eating. Accordingly, there is little need to worry if you experience no changes in health within seven days after eating undercooked meat.

How unhealthy are chicken wings? ›

A single, average-sized fried wing has 100 calories and 7 grams of fat (including 2 grams of saturated fat) and that's before it's tossed in any sauce or dipped in blue cheese! Once you dunk that wing in a creamy dressing, you add another 76 calories and 8 grams of fat per tablespoon!

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Are chicken wings considered junk food? ›

While the standard recipe chicken wings from your local wing joint may not be considered healthy, especially if they're deep fried or coated in an msg-laden dry rub or a sauce containing unhealthy oils, it is possible to modify this popular dish to fit a healthy diet and lifestyle.

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Is chicken wings good for the body? ›

Chicken Wings Are High In Protein And Other Nutrients

They also have a wide range of minerals, including potassium, phosphorus, magnesium, zinc, iron, calcium, iodine, selenium, chromium, and copper. You can even include a salad to enjoy with your chicken wings for more nutritional value.

Are air fried chicken wings bad for you? ›

Air fryers may be better for you than deep fryers, but they're only as healthy as the food you put inside. They won't magically remove the saturated fat from bacon or the trans fats from a bag of processed chicken wings. To reap the benefits, reach for better-for-you options like vegetables and lean proteins.

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What are the first signs of food poisoning from chicken? ›

The most common symptoms of food poisoning include diarrhea, stomach pain or cramps, nausea, vomiting, and fever. Signs of severe food poisoning include bloody diarrhea, diarrhea that lasts more than 3 days, fever over 102°F, vomiting so often that you cannot keep liquids down, and signs of dehydration.

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Why do I get sick after eating chicken wings? ›

In the United States, people eat chicken more than beef, pork, or turkey. When cooked, chicken can be a nutritious choice, but raw chicken can be contaminated with Campylobacter, Salmonella, or Clostridium perfringens germs. If you eat undercooked chicken, you can get a foodborne illness, also called food poisoning.

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How long after eating bad chicken will your stomach hurt? ›

Cramps in your stomach and gut, diarrhea, and vomiting may start as early as 1 hour after eating tainted food and as late as 10 days or longer. It depends on what is causing the infection. Some other possible, common symptoms of a variety of food poisonings might include: Bloating and gas.

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Are chicken wings less healthy than breast? ›

The chicken breast is lean and has the most protein by weight, making it ideal for people who want to lose weight, maintain muscle mass and improve recovery. Fattier cuts like the thigh, drumstick and wings have more calories, which make them better for people wanting to build muscle or gain weight.

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Is pizza or wings healthier? ›

Some buffalo wings will be lower in calories, carbs and fats than pizza, but the nutrition provided by one or the other also depends on serving size. When purchased in a restaurant or as takeout, both pizza and buffalo wings are likely to be high in refined carbohydrates and unhealthy fats.

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Are wings or drumsticks healthier? ›

Drumsticks have less calories and saturated fats due to having more meat and less skin. Flats, and wings in general, have more protein than in drumsticks.

Learn More ›

How unhealthy is KFC chicken wings? ›

One Original Recipe Chicken Wing provides 130 calories, 8g fat, 2g saturated fat, 380 mg sodium, 3g carbohydrate, 0g sugar, and 10g protein. Eating three wings provides the same amount of calories, sodium, and more fat than one chicken breast.

Tell Me More ›

Is Chinese food considered junk food? ›

Although some takeout options at Chinese restaurants are deemed unhealthy, there are healthy choices as well. Stir-fries are a great option because they contain protein from meat or tofu, as well as vegetables, which add fiber and nutrients.

Can you eat wings with high blood pressure? ›

If you have high blood pressure, you should limit the ten categories of food outlined in this article to reduce your risk of hypertension and lower your blood pressure. These include: Fried foods such as wings and French fries. Saturated fats such as chocolate and full-fat daily products.

Get More Info Here ›

Is it safe to eat the bone of a chicken wing? ›

Is It Safe To Eat Chicken Bones That Have Been Cooked? No, it is not safe to eat chicken bones, even if they have been cooked. Cooked bones can still cause serious health problems if they are not chewed properly or are swallowed whole.

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Are bone-in wings healthy? ›

Are Bone In or Boneless Wings Healthier? Boneless wings appear healthier than bone-in varieties because they're made of lean chicken breast meat and don't contain high-fat chicken skin.

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Are chicken wings bad for your heart? ›

Fried Foods – Foods that have been deep-fried in oil, like French fries and chicken wings, are among the worst high-cholesterol foods. This is because they are loaded with saturated fat and cholesterol. Baked foods are a far better and healthier option.

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Are chicken wings or pizza worse for you? ›