Additional Coverage:
- I tried boneless wings from 5 chain restaurants and ranked them from worst to best (businessinsider.com)
Chili’s Crowned King of Boneless Wings in Local Taste Test
As football season heats up, the quest for the ultimate game-day snack intensifies. Our local food correspondent embarked on a delicious mission, sampling boneless wings from five popular chain restaurants to determine which one truly takes the trophy.
The verdict? Chili’s soared to victory, impressing with both flavor and value.
The contenders for this highly anticipated taste test included Buffalo Wild Wings, TGI Fridays, Wingstop, Applebee’s, and the eventual champion, Chili’s. Each chain’s boneless offerings were evaluated on taste, texture, and overall value, with our correspondent focusing on three classic flavors: Buffalo, garlic Parmesan, and barbecue.
Coming in last, much to the surprise of many, was Buffalo Wild Wings. Despite their reputation, their boneless wings were described as more akin to chicken nuggets, smaller than competitors, and with a garlic Parmesan that lacked punch. While the honey barbecue offered a sticky, sweet reprieve, the overall experience left something to be desired.
TGI Fridays landed in fourth place. While their Buffalo wings, featuring Frank’s Red Hot, were decent, the Parmesan garlic and apple-butter barbecue flavors were the real standouts, offering crispy textures and distinct, enjoyable sauces. However, the chicken itself was noted for relying heavily on the sauces for flavor.
Mid-pack honors went to Wingstop. While their traditional bone-in wings remain their most popular item, their boneless counterparts delivered a satisfying experience.
The Original Hot (their take on Buffalo) was praised for its buttery spice, and the hickory-smoked barbecue was a winner, perfectly complementing their creamy ranch. Though smaller, the wings were thick and offered good value.
Claiming the second spot was Applebee’s. As the official grill and bar sponsor of the NFL, expectations were high, and Applebee’s largely delivered on flavor.
Their Buffalo wings were the spiciest and most flavorful of the bunch, and the garlic Parmesan was a rich, savory hit. The honey barbecue also impressed with its sweet and smoky balance.
The only drawback was the higher price point for multiple flavors, though their Ultimate Combo now offers a more economical option.
Finally, soaring to first place was Chili’s. Their boneless wings, ordered as part of the popular Triple Dipper appetizer combo, provided an unbeatable combination of flavor, size, and value.
The wings were noted as the largest among all the chains, with a sweet and slightly spicy Buffalo sauce that hinted at citrus. The garlic Parmesan was a standout, offering a savory garlic kick with a moist yet crispy texture.
Even the smoky barbecue, while a touch dry to the touch, was drenched in a flavorful sauce. For under $20, the generous portion of high-quality, flavorful wings made Chili’s the clear winner for game day gatherings.
It’s no wonder this menu item has become a viral sensation and a key driver of Chili’s recent success.
Read More About This Story:
- I tried boneless wings from 5 chain restaurants and ranked them from worst to best (businessinsider.com)