Wings are a popular appetizer and finger food, often served at parties and gatherings. When hosting a larger group, it’s important to order enough wings so everyone can enjoy them. But how do you determine the right amount? Here are some tips for calculating how many wings to buy when feeding a crowd.
Consider How Many Wings Each Person Will Eat
As a general rule of thumb, plan on each person eating an average of 6-12 wings. However, appetites can vary quite a bit depending on the individual. Teenage boys and hungry athletes may be able to put away 15 wings or more, while older adults and lighter eaters may only eat 3-4 wings each. Think about the demographics of your group and adjust accordingly. For a typical mixed crowd of family and friends, 9 wings per person is a safe bet.
Factor In Any Other Foods Being Served
Keep in mind that wings are usually served along with other appetizers, sides, and entrees. If you’re serving a full meal, each person will likely eat fewer wings than if wings are the primary focus. In a hearty buffet scenario, plan on each person eating 6-8 wings. For an appetizer-focused gathering, increase the amount to 10-15 wings per guest. If wings are the star of the show, allowing 12-18 per person will ensure everyone gets their fill.
Buy Extra Wings
It’s always better to have leftover wings than to run out! Buy 10-15% more wings than your estimated amount per person. This covers any unexpected big eaters in the group, as well as seconds. Plus, leftover wings make great next day snacks or additions to salads and pasta dishes.
Order a Variety of Flavors
Provide a mix of at least 3-4 different wing flavors and sauces. Classic buffalo, barbecue, teriyaki, and lemon pepper are crowd pleasers. This satisfies guests with different tastes, and allows people to sample multiple flavors. Take any dietary restrictions into account too.
Estimate Based on Group Size
Here are some ballpark wing amounts for different sized gatherings:
- For 10 people – order 80-150 wings
- For 15 people – order 120-225 wings
- For 20 people – order 160-300 wings
- For 30 people – order 240-450 wings
- For 40 people – order 320-600 wings
These ranges account for variable appetites and leftovers. For a casual appetizer setting with other foods, start with the lower amount. If wings are the main focus, go with the higher quantity.
Use a Wing Calculator
For a more precise estimate, use an online wing calculator. You simply input the number of people and the calculator will recommend the amount of wings to buy based on average consumption. Here’s an example calculation:
| Number of People | Wings Needed |
|---|---|
| 10 | 90 wings |
| 15 | 135 wings |
| 20 | 180 wings |
| 25 | 225 wings |
These amounts are for a semi-formal group dinner where wings are one of several appetizer choices. Add 20-30 wings if serving wings alone. Always round up to the nearest 5 or 10 wings for easiest ordering.
Order Wings in Increments of 10
When purchasing wings from a restaurant or food supplier, you’ll get the best value by ordering in increments of 10. Most places only sell wings by the 10-piece serving. Ordering 180 wings instead of 183 will maximize your budget.
Allow 4-6 Wings Per Pound
As a general rule when buying wings, expect around 4-6 whole wings per pound. The exact amount depends on the size of the wings. Smaller wing sections contain more wings per pound. Here’s a rough guide:
| Wing Size | Wings per Pound |
|---|---|
| Small | 6 wings |
| Medium | 5 wings |
| Large | 4 wings |
You can estimate how many pounds of wings to buy by dividing the total wings needed by 5 wings per pound. Then round up to the nearest 0.5 pound increment.
Order Drumettes and Flats
Another option is ordering wings divided into drumettes (the meatier drum section) and flats (the thinner middle wing section). Each full wing contains 1 drumette and 1 flat. So for 100 whole wings, order 50 drumettes and 50 flats. The advantage is guests can choose their favorite wing piece.
Pick Up Wings Just Before the Event
Freshness is key when serving wings. Pick up wings no more than 1-2 hours before guests arrive so they’ll be piping hot. Request breading and sauce on the side to prevent wings from getting soggy. To keep wings warm and crispy, transfer them to a slow cooker or chafing dish when you get home.
Allow Time to Cook Raw Wings
If preparing raw wings at home, make sure to leave ample time for roasting or frying. Baked wings need 45-60 minutes in a 425°F oven. Fried wings cook for 12-15 minutes at 350°F. Undercooking can lead to a salmonella risk. Set a timer and test wings for doneness before serving.
Have Plenty of Napkins and Wet Wipes
Wings can get messy, so provide lots of napkins for wiping fingers and mouths. Keep wet wipes on hand for cleaning up sauce-covered hands and faces too. Supply a roll of paper towels on tables for quick spills and drips.
Serve Wings With Cooling Foods
Balance the heat of spicy wings with cooling dips and sides like ranch, blue cheese, creamy dill, veggie sticks, coleslaw, and lighter salads. Have plenty of water and chilled beverages available to put out wing-lovers’ mouths!
Send Leftovers Home
Pack up any leftover wings in disposable foil containers so guests can take them home. Wings keep 3-4 days refrigerated and are great for quick lunches and snacks. Share recipes for using up extra wings in casseroles, pastas, pitas, and sandwiches.
Order Take Out vs. Delivery
Takeout wings save you the delivery fee, but do require picking up the order yourself. Delivery is convenient but often costs $5 or more extra. For very large wing orders, delivery may be worth the expense so you don’t have to transport all those wings yourself. Just be sure to factor the delivery cost into your total budget.
Compare Prices Between Restaurants
Wing prices can vary greatly depending on the restaurant. Fast food chains like Domino’s or Pizza Hut often have the lowest wing prices at around $6-7 per dozen. At wing-centric chains like Buffalo Wild Wings or Wingstop, expect to pay $8-12+ per dozen wings. Local bars and taverns offer good happy hour wing deals too. Don’t assume – compare menu prices to find the best value.
Buy Boneless Wings for Less Mess
Boneless “wings” make a cleaner, easier alternative for groups with kids or picky eaters. They’re just as tasty, without the mess of bones and gristle. Approximately 3-4 boneless wings equals one traditional bone-in wing in terms of size. Order an extra 20-30% more boneless wings than you would bone-in to ensure enough meat.
Check Coupons and Loyalty Programs
Many wing restaurants offer email coupons for free wings on your birthday or wing discounts every week. Sign up for mailing lists to take advantage! You can also join loyalty programs to earn points towards free wings and save money.
Save With Wing Party Packs
For feeding really large groups, wing party packs offer serious savings. These bulk packages provide around 5-7 wings per person at only $3-4/dozen. Just be sure your group is big enough to finish all those wings!
Conclusion
Figuring out the right number of wings to order for a party takes a little math and planning. In general, allow 9-15 wings per adult depending on the meal context, and add extra for safety. Use wing calculators, per person estimates, and bulk ordering to get the best value. Serve plenty of cold dipping sauces and napkins to satisfy your hungry crowd. Follow these tips and your group will be fully sated with delicious wings!
