Learning how to prepare chicken wings can be a little intimidating if you have never done it before. In this easy-to-follow video, I'll show you just how easy preparing wings can be. All you need is a sturdy cutting board, sharp knife and good wings!

How to Prepare Chicken Wings Like a Pro

When I bought my first package of raw chicken wings, I had no idea that they were going to come fully assembled. My thought was simple: buy wings, cook wings, enjoy wings. Nobody told me that they needed to be chopped apart first.

My first thought was to use my gigantic Shun cleaver. I never really had an opportunity to use it before and slicing through bone is kind of its job... right? Do me a huge favor and never, ever use a cleaver to try to slice chicken wings. All it does is make a mess.

Figuring out how to prepare chicken wings took me a little time, but eventually I got the hang of it. Now, after slicing through several thousand wings, I'm happy to be able to show you how to do it as well.

The Best Way To Prepare Chicken Wings

Follow these easy steps to learn how to prepare chicken wings:

1. Equipment: You'll need a good cutting board and a sturdy, sharp knife. I use a boning knife, but a utility or chef knife will work well.
2. Wings: Look at the wings before you buy them. Get the package with the least feathers and the most meat. Wings come in standard packages. Buy the heaviest one.
3. Process: Place the wing upside down on your cutting board. Find the joint between the drum and the flat. Slice through the joint.
   1. If your wing has a tip, find the joint between the flat and the tip. Slice down through the joint and remove the tip.
   2. After the wing has been separated, slice of any remaining feathers.
   3. Slice off any extra skin. I like to slice off the skin flap from the leading edge of the flat.
4. Seasoning: If you are going to bake or grill the wings, liberally salt and pepper the wings before cooking.

How to prepare frozen chicken wings

You have to let the wing thaw first prior to preparing the wing.

Once the wing has thawed, follow the instructions above.

How long will chicken wings last?

Everything depends on when you bought the wing and when it was packaged. A good rule of thumb is to follow the expiration date on the package.

All too often, however, the expiration date is wrong.

Here are some good indications that your raw chicken wings have spoiled:

• Smell: If they smell terrible when you open the package, they are bad. Raw chicken should have a neutral or slightly sweet smell.
• Feel: If your wings feel slimy and are sticking to one another, they are bad. Raw chicken wings should feel damp to the touch, never sticky.
• Sight: If your wings have a gray or greenish tint to them, they are bad. Uncooked chicken wings should be white or slightly yellow, dependent on the chicken varietal.

Recipes for Chicken Wings:

Grilled Chicken Wings
Crispy Baked Chicken Wings
Smoked Chicken Wings
Thai Sweet Chili Wings
Spicy Hot Wing Recipe

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