How to Trim Whole Chicken Wings into Party Wings (Step-by-Step)
How to Trim Whole Chicken Wings into Party Wings (Step-by-Step)
If you’ve ever bought whole chicken wings and wondered how they turn into party wings at the store, the good news is it’s simple. Once you learn where to cut, breaking down wings yourself saves money, gives you better-looking wings, and gives you more control over what goes on the smoker or grill.
In this guide, we’ll walk through exactly how to trim whole chicken wings into party wings using clean cuts at the joints.
A sharp boning or fillet knife makes it easy to feel the joints and cut cleanly without hacking through bone.
Boning / Fillet Knife
Know the Parts of a Chicken Wing
A whole chicken wing has three sections:
- Drumette – looks like a mini drumstick
- Flat (wingette) – the section with two thin bones
- Wing tip – mostly skin and bone
Party wings are simply the drumette and flat, separated cleanly at the joints.
Step 1: Remove the Wing Tip
Lay the wing flat on the cutting board and stretch it out so you can see where the wing tip meets the flat. There’s a natural joint here — slice through the joint, not the bone.
If your knife is sharp, it should glide through easily with very little pressure.
Step 2: Separate the Flat and Drumette
Next, bend the wing slightly where the flat meets the drumette. You’ll see the joint pop up — that’s your cut line. Slice straight through the joint.
You should now have one drumette and one flat.
Step 3: Optional Cleanup
Some wings will have loose skin or excess fat. Trimming it is optional, but cleaning it up slightly helps with presentation and more even cooking. Don’t over-trim — the skin helps protect the meat.
Finished Party Wings
Once you get the feel for the joints, the rest of the wings go fast. After a few, you’ll be breaking them down almost automatically.
What to Do with Wing Tips
Don’t toss the wing tips unless you want to. They’re great for:
- Chicken stock or broth
- Gravy bases
- Extra flavor additions for soups
Once your wings are trimmed into party wings, season them with BBQ by Biggs Smokin’ Sweet Heat Rub. The sweet heat profile works perfectly on chicken wings and really shines whether you grill or smoke them.
Grab Smokin’ Sweet Heat Rub
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Final Thoughts
Breaking down whole chicken wings into party wings is a simple prep skill that pays off every time you fire up the smoker or grill. Cleaner cuts, better value, and better-looking wings — all with about a minute of extra prep.
Once you do it a couple times, you’ll never go back to pre-cut wings.
Thanks for reading, Biggs Crew!
If you enjoyed this guide, leave a comment and let us know how you prep your wings.
Until next time — keep the fire lit and the smoke rollin’.
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Chicken Wing Prep Questions
What are party wings?
Party wings are chicken wings that have been trimmed into drumettes and flats, with the wing tip removed. This is how wings are typically served at restaurants.
Do I need a special knife to cut chicken wings?
No special knife is required, but a sharp boning or fillet knife makes it much easier to feel the joints and make clean cuts without forcing through bone.
Should I throw away wing tips?
No. Wing tips are great for making chicken stock, broth, or gravy bases. You can freeze them until you’re ready to use them.
Is it cheaper to buy whole chicken wings?
Yes. Whole wings are usually less expensive than pre-cut party wings, and trimming them yourself only takes a minute or two per pack.