The chicken wing phenomenon has gained such popularity that even pizza joints have jumped on the trend.
It so happens that pairing saucy slices with a little bit of protein is a winning combination.
Here’s how each chain ranked from my least favorite to the overall best.
Photo: Shutterstock. Design: Eat This, Not That!
The wings have gone through several batches of upgrades.
Both eight-piece orders cost me $9.99 each.
The mango habanero fared better, coated in a light brown honey-like glaze.
Photo: Megan Hageman, Eat This, Not That!
Hooters vs. Twin Peaks: Which Chain Has the Best Chicken Wings?
Papa Johns
Papa started out by whipping up flavors of Spicy Buffalo and Mild Chipotle Barbecue.
Today, there are four sauce options including standard Buffalo, BBQ, honey chipotle, and garlic parmesan.
Photo: Megan Hageman, Eat This, Not That!
Plus, you have the option to go without sauce on oven-baked traditional or boneless wings.
The look:Slightly larger than Domino’s but not by much and sauced in the same lazy manner.
The taste:Not bad, not outstanding.
Photo: Megan Hageman, Eat This, Not That!
But alas, they are fairly standard on all fronts.
The Buffalo sauce is a bit bland.
However, I was still dreaming of plumper wings where the chicken inside really has a chance to crow.
The 66-year-old chain officially dipped its toes into the world of chicken wings in 1995.
This new entity was born in Dallas and has since grown to over 1,000 locations.
The wings are also said to stand out because they are deep-fried on-site.
The look:Noticeably larger than the restnot quite double the size but pretty dang close.
It was difficult to tell the two flavors apart.
The top-notch quality of the poultry is what really won me over.
But, the sauces are something to squawk about as well.
More of a thicker hot sauce rather than a creamy Buffalo, the standard medium offers gusto and zest.
