Where to Buy Chicken Wings in Bulk

Chicken wings are a staple food for many restaurants, bars, caterers, and home cooks. Buying chicken wings in bulk allows you to save money while always having a crowd-pleasing appetizer on hand. But finding a quality wholesale chicken wing supplier can be tricky. This article will go over everything you need to know about buying chicken wings in bulk, from how many you need to where to find the best deals.

Why Buy Chicken Wings in Bulk?

There are several key benefits to buying chicken wings in bulk:

• Save money – Buying larger volumes usually results in discounted wholesale pricing per pound or per case. This adds up, especially for restaurants and caterers who serve a lot of wings.

• Convenience – Having a steady inventory of wings on hand means you won’t run out or have to make frequent small purchases. Great for busy restaurants.

• Flexibility – Bulk wings are perfect for preparing ahead of time or cooking to order. You can bread, sauce, and season them to your liking.

• Different kinds—When you buy in bulk, many places offer a range of portion sizes, cuts, and flavors. You can stock up on exactly what you need.

For the best value, look for specials on 40 lb or higher case quantities of fresh or frozen wings. Focus on the cost per pound or per wing rather than total case price.

How Many Wings to Buy

If you’re wondering how many chicken wings to buy in bulk here are some guidelines for restaurants and caterers

• Appetizer portions are typically 5-10 wings
• Average wing consumption is around 2 lbs (10 wings) per person
• For big events like sports games, plan for at least 5 lbs of wings per 10 guests
• Have at least 200 wings (40 lbs) on hand for wing night specials or game days

Plan ahead for your busiest nights and order 15-20% more than you expect to serve. Running out of one of your most popular menu items can be devastating!

Where to Buy Chicken Wings in Bulk

Here are the best places to buy chicken wings in bulk for restaurants and caterers:

Foodservice Distributors

Commercial foodservice distributors like US Foods, Sysco, and Gordon Food Service all carry large quantities of fresh and frozen chicken wings at wholesale prices. Expect 40+ lb cases and bulk discounts. Delivery is included with regular orders.

Warehouse Clubs

Warehouse clubs like Costco, Sam’s Club, and BJ’s Wholesale Club sell decent quality wings in large frozen cases. Prices tend to be a bit lower than foodservice distributors You’ll need a paid membership to shop here

Specialty Meat Markets

Independent meat markets and butchers sometimes offer great deals on fresh, never frozen wings bought in bulk. Support local when you can! Ask about their weekly deliveries and pricing on cases of wings.

Online Stores

Websites like WebstaurantStore.com are like warehouse clubs, but they have a lot more products and let you order them online, so you can search for “chicken wings” and sort the results by case quantity. Delivery takes one to two days.

Direct from Plants

Sourcing right from poultry processors gets you the best price, but often requires massive orders or commitments. Check local plants for requirements and pricing.

When comparing chicken wing suppliers, look at the cost per pound, minimum order sizes, delivery fees, and product details like fresh vs frozen. Prioritize food safety from reputable providers.

Buying Frozen vs Fresh Wings in Bulk

Frozen wings – More budget friendly, extended shelf life. Need to thaw before breading or saucing.

Fresh wings – More premium product, better flavor and texture. Short 1-2 week shelf life.

Frozen is ideal for having inventory always on hand. Get fresh for busier weeks or prep-to-order. A mix of both lets you balance cost savings and quality.

Portion Sizes for Bulk Chicken Wings

When buying chicken wings in bulk, you’ll see different portion or cut options:

• Whole Wings – The entire wing. Often sold in “party wings” and “jumbo” sizes.

• Drummettes – The larger meatier drum section only. Forgiving to cook.

• Flats – The middle flat section only. Can dry out if overcooked.

• Wingettes – The drum and part of the flat, with wing tip removed. Very meaty.

• Wing Sections – Wings cut into drumette, flat, and wing tip portions.

• Boneless Wings – Strips of breaded breast meat. Not real wings but cost effective!

Choose what works best for your prep and cooking methods. Mix it up by buying different cuts in bulk.

Tips for Prepping Bulk Chicken Wings

Once you’ve purchased wings in bulk, here are some tips for prepping and cooking them in a commercial kitchen:

• Thaw properly – For food safety, thaw frozen wings overnight in the fridge or under running cold water. Never at room temperature.

• Divide up the food ahead of time; weigh out separate batches for each flavor of seasoning or sauce. Makes service much easier.

• Bread then freeze – For convenience, bread large batches then re-freeze until needed. Thaw breaded wings in the fridge.

• Use the oven – Baked wings are healthier. Use sheet pans or racks and toss a few times during baking.

• Be careful when you fry. Use a thermometer and fry in small groups at 350°F to keep things from getting too crowded. Let excess oil drain off.

• Toss in sauce – Always toss cooked wings in sauce rather than coating raw wings which can create a gummy texture.

With the right chicken wing supplier and some smart prep, you can serve incredibly delicious wings while keeping food costs in check. Let us know if you have any other tips for buying and prepping wings in bulk!

A 10-pound bag of frozen Kirkland Signature chicken wings from Costco typically contains about 100 pieces, or about 45-50 whole wings. These are usually a mix of wingettes and drumettes. A 7-pound pack of Kirkland Signature Chicken Party Wings is also available.

For 50 people, you should plan to have between 300 and 600 chicken wings, depending on whether they are the main course or a side, and whether other food is being served. If wings are the main focus, aim for 10-12 per person, which would be 500-600 wings.