If you’re a chicken wings fan, you know they’re a crowd-pleasing favorite at parties, gatherings, and game nights. But when you’re planning to order chicken wings for a group, one of the first questions that comes to mind is, “How many chicken wings are in a full and half tray?”
In this guide, I’ll break down the chicken wings catering for you in a way that’s easy to understand so you can make sure there are enough wings to satisfy your hungry guests.
Key Takeaway
A half tray can hold 40 chicken wings to feed 4 to 6 people.
A full tray can hold 80 wings to feed about 8 to 12 people.
Yet, when served as a side dish, the feeding capacity doubles: a half tray for 8-12 people and a full tray for 16 to 24 people.
Understanding Chicken Wings Serving Per Person
The number of chicken wings per person can vary depending on several factors, including the size of the wings, whether they are served as an appetizer or a main course, and the preferences and appetites of your guests. However, here are some general guidelines to help you estimate:
As an Appetizer
If you’re serving chicken wings as an appetizer or part of a larger spread, you can estimate about 3 to 5 wings per person. This allows guests to enjoy a moderate portion alongside other dishes.
As a Main Course
If chicken wings are the main course of your meal, offer a larger portion. In this case, you can estimate about 6 to 10 wings per person, assuming each person has a heartier appetite.
Bone-In vs. Boneless
Keep in mind that bone-in wings will generally have more meat than boneless wings, so guests may eat fewer bone-in wings to feel satisfied. For instance, boneless chicken wings, when served as the main course, you need 6-8 wings per person, and as a side course, 3-4 wings per person will be enough.
These are general estimates, and individual appetites can vary widely. So, it’s always a good idea to consider your guests’ preferences, the type of event you’re hosting, and whether other dishes are being served.
Understanding Tray Sizes and How Much Chicken Wing They Cater
Chicken wings are typically ordered in two standard tray sizes: half tray and full tray. These trays are commonly used for catering and are designed to hold a specific quantity of wings.
Half Tray
A half tray is a smaller option. It’s suitable for smaller groups or when serving various dishes. It can hold 40 chicken wings. Considering the wings portion size as a main course, a half tray can serve 4-6 people (or 5 people) on average. And, when served as a side course, a half tray of chicken wings should feed 8-12 people (or 10 people on average).
Full Tray
The full tray is the go-to choice for larger events, especially when chicken wings are the star of the show. A full tray can hold approximately 80 chicken wings. So, it can feed about 8-12 people when served as a main course (10 people on average) and 15-25 people when served as a side course.
Yet, for estimating the sufficiency of the wings tray, it’s best to count on the number of chicken wings and your guests according to their appetite and multiply them. This way, you can assess how many chicken wings you need. Then, ask the caterer how many wings they get you in each tray. Before ordering wing trays of any size, you should
Factors to Consider for Catering Chicken Wings
The exact number of chicken wings you’ll get in a full or half tray can vary based on several factors:
Wing Size
Chicken wings come in various sizes, including drumettes and flats. Larger wings will naturally take up more space, so you may get fewer in a tray compared to smaller wings.
Saucing or Seasoning
If you’re ordering wings with different sauces or seasonings, the tray may contain a mix of flavors. Some guests may prefer one flavor over another.
Portion Size
Consider how many wings you plan to serve per person. If it’s the main course, you might offer more wings per guest than if they’re part of a larger spread.
Accompaniments
Think about what you’re serving alongside the wings. Fries, veggies, and dips can complement the meal.
Conclusion
In summary, when ordering chicken wings, you can consider the following estimations:
- With a half catering tray of chicken wings (having 40 wings), you can serve 5 people if serving as the main course or 10 people if serving with sides.
- A full catering tray of chicken wings (having 80 wings) can satisfy approximately 10 people when served as a main dish and 20 people if served with sides or as an appetizer.
- As for boneless wings, a full tray can feed 12 people if served as the main dish and about 24 people if served with other sides.
By estimating your guest count and considering the factors discussed in this article, you can ensure you have enough chicken wings to delight your hungry guests. Whether you’re hosting a game day gathering or a casual party, a tray of delicious wings will surely be a hit. So, order your wings, set up a dipping station, and get ready to enjoy some finger-licking goodness with your friends and family!
