Wing Prices Soar, Operators Go Boneless

In the wake rising prices for chicken wings, some chefs and operators are opting to menu boneless chicken “wings” (sliced and fried breast meat). During September, prices for whole chicken wings were $1.48/lb. in the Northeast while boneless, skinless chicken breasts were going for $1.21/lb. Breast meat has traditionally fetched a higher price than wings.

The cause of this turnabout is increased demand for wings across the board coupled with decreased orders for breast meat, mainly due to the recession and subsequently fewer consumer food dollars going to restaurants.

Wing specials are popular bar and restaurant draws during football season, but with the escalating prices, some operators have been forced to promote alternate offers. Although boneless “wings” have found some demand, many wing purists demand the real thing.

Analysts predict wing prices will continue to rise at least through February and the end of the football season—and maybe beyond, considering the strong market for traditional wings in foodservice today.