The ongoing debate over whether chicken wings are best served as an appetizer or as an entree has been a topic of discussion for years. The classic finger food has traditionally been featured on the appetizer side of menus, but in recent years, it has increasingly become a main dish. Wing-centric chains like Buffalo Wild Wings and Wingstop have put chicken wings front and center, and many Americans now devour them as an entree regardless of how they’re classified on a menu.
This shift in perception was evident when Chili’s added wings to its menu last year. Customers started ordering wings as their meal instead of as a starter, resulting in lower overall spending. In response, Chili’s has made efforts to reverse this trend by no longer prominently displaying wings on its menu. This confusion over whether wings are an appetizer, entree, or something entirely different continues to bedevil many other restaurants.
On Super Bowl Sunday, however, the distinction between appetizer and entree seems meaningless. 1.45 billion wings are expected to be eaten on that day alone, making it the biggest day for wing consumption in America. But during the rest of the year, confusion reigns. Some argue that wings are worthy of being an entree and can’t be overshadowed by any other food when it comes to mealtime. Others feel that a few wings make for a satisfying starter and prefer to keep them in that category.
Restaurant owners have mixed opinions on the matter. Some encourage customers to eat what they want and don’t mind if they order wings as their main course. They recognize that wings, often spicy, pair well with drinks and can lead to increased alcohol sales. This connection between wings and alcohol dates back to the dish’s origins as a low-cost bar food.
The Buffalo-style version of wings is often credited to the Anchor Bar in Buffalo, New York. Wings were initially tied to boozy beverages and served as a free bar snack to make patrons thirsty. Eventually, wings made their way into restaurants and became a popular shareable appetizer.
The rise of wing-centric restaurants like Buffalo Wild Wings played a significant role in wings crossing over into the entree territory. Once these establishments made wings their focus, it signaled that wings could stand on their own as a main dish. Other factors contributing to wings becoming entrees include the rising cost of eating out and the preferences of younger diners, who are more likely to build a meal around what they want rather than following traditional rules.
Restaurants now face challenges when putting wings on their menus. Wings are a cheaper meal compared to other options, which can impact profit margins. Some restaurants may package wings with other low-cost items or offer them in smaller quantities to maintain their appetizer status. Others may de-emphasize wings altogether due to price fluctuations and lower profit margins.
Despite these challenges, the demand for chicken wings remains high. They continue to be a popular choice for Super Bowl parties and are considered a satisfying meal by many. Whether they’re classified as an appetizer or entree, one thing is certain: Americans love their chicken wings.
