Wellsley Farms Chicken Wings

Chicken wings are an American favorite that can be enjoyed as an appetizer, snack, or main course. Wellsley Farms makes some of the most popular prepared chicken wings you can find in grocery stores today. If you’re looking to spice up your next gathering with crispy, juicy chicken wings, then Wellsley Farms is a fantastic option to consider.

In this complete guide, I’ll tell you everything you need to know before buying Wellsley Farms Chicken Wings including the different flavors available, where to buy them, nutrition facts, cooking instructions, and how they compare to other brands. After reading this, you’ll be a Wellsley Farms chicken wing expert!

An Introduction to Wellsley Farms Chicken Wings

Wellsley Farms is a brand by the popular warehouse chain, BJ’s Wholesale Club. They offer a wide variety of high-quality, affordable frozen foods from appetizers to desserts. Their chicken wings come fully-cooked so all you need to do is heat and serve.

The wings are hand-trimmed and made with premium chicken. Wellsley Farms simulates a fried taste and texture without deep frying so the wings are crunchy on the outside while juicy on the inside. The chicken is raised with no antibiotics ever and no added hormones. With natural flavors and seasonings, these wings make for a convenient and tasty snack or meal.

The Different Flavors of Wellsley Farms Chicken Wings

Wellsley Farms chicken wings come in a range of mouthwatering flavors so there’s an option for every taste. Here are the delicious flavors they offer:

• Buffalo – These are classic spicy and tangy buffalo wings made with a cayenne pepper hot sauce and butter. They have a nice balance of heat and butteriness.
• Breaded Buffalo – For an extra crunchy texture, these wings are coated in a seasoned breading and tossed in buffalo sauce.
• Sweet BBQ – If you prefer a sweet profile, the sweet BBQ wings are tossed in a rich, tomato-based barbecue sauce.
• Sweet Chili – For something savory and spicy, the sweet chili wings are coated in a sweet, slightly spicy chili sauce.
• Teriyaki – You can also get boneless wings in a sweet and salty teriyaki glaze for an Asian-inspired flavor.
• Plain – Wellsley Farms has plain chicken wings tossed in salt and spices if you want to add your own sauce.

No matter your tastes, there’s bound to be a Wellsley Farms chicken wing flavor you and your guests will love. The sauce helps add lots of flavor so all you have to do is bake and enjoy.

Are Wellsley Farms Chicken Wings Raw or Fully Cooked?

A major benefit of Wellsley Farms chicken wings is that they come fully cooked so they just require reheating. Other raw chicken wings need to be fried or baked for up to an hour, but Wellsley Farms wings just require about 20 minutes in the oven since they are pre-cooked.

The wings are cooked sous-vide to lock in moisture and flavor. Then, they bread or sauce them before flash freezing so they are ready to heat and eat. This makes Wellsley Farms wings extremely convenient whether you’re prepping for a party or want a quick dinner for the family.

Where to Buy Wellsley Farms Chicken Wings

Since Wellsley Farms is the signature frozen food line for BJ’s Wholesale Club, your best bet for finding Wellsley Farms chicken wings is at BJ’s locations. You can either shop in-store at one of their chains primarily located on the U.S. East Coast, or order online and get Wellsley Farms wings shipped right to your door.

A pack of 24-28 wings ranges from $13.99-$19.99 on the BJ’s website depending on the flavor. You’ll get the best value buying in bulk at BJ’s, especially if you stock up when they’re on sale or use a coupon code.

Wellsley Farms products are exclusive to BJ’s, so you won’t find them at big box stores like Costco, Sam’s Club, or Walmart. Check the BJ’s store locator to find a club near you if you want to pick them up in-person to select the freshest package.

The Cost of Wellsley Farms Chicken Wings

One of the advantages of Wellsley Farms chicken wings is that they provide an affordable, convenient option compared to getting takeout wings. You’ll typically pay around $0.60-$0.75 per wing. Here’s an overview of the cost of Wellsley Farms wings:

• 24 count wings range from $13.99-$16.99
• 28 count wings range from $15.99-$19.99
• Larger party wings packs (48-100 count) range from $26.99-$47.99

The per wing cost decreases the more you buy in bulk. For example, the cost per wing drops to around $0.50 each if you buy a value pack of 100 wings. Watch for sales when you can snag jumbo packs for as low as $0.40 per wing.

Compared to ordering a dozen wings from a restaurant at $10-$15, Wellsley Farms wings offer big savings, especially when feeding a crowd. The prep is also faster than frying or baking raw wings yourself. So you get restaurant-quality wings for a fraction of the price.

Availability at BJ’s Wholesale Club

Since Wellsley Farms is a signature brand at BJ’s Wholesale Club, they offer the most selection of Wellsley Farms chicken wings. You’ll find a variety of flavor options as well as combo party wings packs.

Some of the chicken wing choices at BJ’s include:

• 28 count boxes of breaded buffalo, sweet chili, sweet BBQ, or plain
• Value pack of 48 breaded buffalo wings
• Party wings variety pack with flavors like buffalo, sweet BBQ and breaded buffalo

BJ’s often puts Wellsley Farms wings on sale for $2-$3 off per box. They also periodically offer coupons to save $5-$10 on larger party wings packs and combo packs.

The best value is to stock up when you see promotions on wings so you always have them in the freezer. Then you can pull them out whenever you need an easy appetizer or meal. Check the weekly BJ’s ad or their mobile app to stay on top of deals.

Are the Wings Frozen or Fresh?

Wellsley Farms chicken wings are frozen when you purchase them from BJ’s. Freezing locks in freshness and maintains the quality after cooking. It helps prevent spoilage so the wings have a longer shelf life compared to refrigerated wings.

The advantage of frozen wings is that you can keep a stash in your freezer to bake up anytime. Thaw them overnight in the fridge or microwave for a minute or two if you’re in a pinch.

I recommend letting the wings fully thaw before cooking for the juiciest texture. Partial thawing can lead to uneven cooking. Take the wings out of the packaging and place on a baking sheet lined with foil or parchment paper before putting them in the oven.

The high-quality freezing process helps preserve the crunchy breaded coating and saucy flavor of Wellsley Farms wings after cooking. It’s hard to tell a difference from freshly fried wings!

How to Bake Wellsley Farms Chicken Wings to Perfection

The ease of preparing Wellsley Farms wings is one of their biggest benefits. Since they are fully cooked, all you need to do is bake or air fry them to heat through until hot and crispy. Here is a simple method for how to bake Wellsley Farms chicken wings:

Ingredients:

• Wellsley Farms chicken wings (thawed if frozen)
• Cooking spray or oil (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 425°F. Line a large baking sheet with foil or parchment paper. Lightly coat with nonstick spray or vegetable oil if desired.
2. Arrange the wings on the baking sheet in a single layer, spacing them evenly apart. Make sure they are not overlapping.
3. Bake for 18-22 minutes, flipping the wings halfway during cooking. The wings are fully cooked when the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
4. Optional – Increase oven heat to broil for 1-2 minutes at the end to make the wings extra crispy. Keep an eye on them when broiling to avoid burning.
5. Toss in your favorite sauce, if desired. Enjoy hot out of the oven! Refrigerate any leftovers.

That’s all it takes to make restaurant-quality wings right from your own oven! The breaded coating gets nice and crunchy while the meat stays juicy.

Pro Tip: Line the baking sheet for less mess and easy clean-up. Don’t overload the pan so the wings get evenly cooked.

Air Fryer Instructions for Extra Crisp Wings

For wings with an extra crunch factor, I recommend cooking them in the air fryer. Air frying uses super hot circulating air to create a crispy, fried texture without all the oil. Here’s how to make Wellsley Farms wings in an air fryer:

1. Preheat air fryer to 400°F.
2. Place wings in air fryer basket in a single layer, not overcrowded.
3. Air fry for 14-18 minutes, shaking basket halfway through.
4. Check temperature to confirm wings are 165°F internally.
5. Finish under broiler if desired to crispen the skin.
6. Toss wings in sauce if using. Enjoy!

The air fryer really locks in the crispiness of the breaded coating on the wings. Just be careful not to overfill the basket or they won’t get perfectly browned and cooked. Air fried Wellsley Farms wings are always a hit whenever I’m hosting game day!

Cooking Time for Wellsley Farms Chicken Wings

One of the convenient aspects of Wellsley Farms wings is that they cook up fast since they are already fully cooked. Here are the approximate cooking times:

Oven: 18-22 minutes at 425°F

Air Fryer: 14-18 minutes at 400°F

Grill: 8-12 minutes, flipping occasionally

Deep Fryer: 2-3 minutes at 375°F until heated through

For safety, always cook wings until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F. Actual cooking times can vary based on amount of wings and your appliance.

I don’t recommend microwaving the wings since they can turn out rubbery. Oven baking or air frying results in the crispiest texture. But grilling or even quick deep frying in oil are other fast, easy methods.

No matter which cooking method you use, Wellsley Farms wings cook up much quicker than raw wings that can take 50-60 minutes to bake. Their pre-cooked preparation saves lots of time!

Are Wellsley Farms Chicken Wings Gluten-Free?

If you follow a gluten-free diet, you’ll be happy to know Wellsley Farms plain chicken wings are gluten-free. Wellsley Farms indicates this directly on the packaging of the plain wings.

However, some varieties like the breaded wings contain gluten from breading and batter ingredients. If gluten is a concern, make sure to double check the packaging or contact Wellsley Farms to confirm which flavors are gluten-free.

I love that they specifically offer a gluten-free plain wing option. Many brands only coat their wings in sauces that can contain gluten. The plain wings allow you to add your own gluten-free sauce at home if needed.

Overall, Wellsley Farms is a good option for those with food sensitivities since their wings contain no antibiotics or hormones. Just check labels for allergen information.

Nutritional Information on Wellsley Farms Chicken Wings

One of the benefits of buying prepared wings from Wellsley Farms is that they provide full nutritional facts. Here are the nutrition basics for 3-4 bone-in wings:

• Calories – 220-260
• Fat – 16-18g
• Carbs – 2-7g
• Protein – 14-16g

The precise nutrition varies slightly based on the flavor. For example, breaded wings have a few more carbs and calories than the plain. Buffalo wings have a touch more fat from the butter sauce. But overall, the stats are fairly comparable across the different varieties.

I like that the calories and fat are relatively reasonable for the serving size compared to deep fried restaurant wings. The prep methods help keep the wings moist while reducing excess grease.

Wellsley Farms wings make for a good high protein option after a workout. The boneless teriyaki wings are lower calorie at just 100 calories and 1g of fat each. Watching my health and waistline? Those are my go-to!

Antibiotic-Free and Hormone-Free Chicken

One mark of quality of Wellsley Farms chicken wings is that they are made with chicken raised with no antibiotics ever and no added hormones. This is clearly stated right on the packaging.

Many brands source inexpensive chicken raised with antibiotics to promote growth or prevent disease in crowded barns. The overuse of antibiotics allows resistant bacteria to develop, which is concerning for human health.

By using antibiotic-free chicken, Wellsley Farms avoids this issue. Their chicken is raised in better conditions for a more wholesome, natural meal. The chickens eat vegetarian feed with no animal by-products as well.

You can feel good about serving Wellsley Farms wings made from chickens raised the right way without medication or hormones. The enhanced standards provide better flavor too!

Do Wellsley Farms Wings Contain Preservatives?

According to the ingredients list, Wellsley Farms chicken wings contain no artificial preservatives or colors. They use natural flavors and spices to season the wings.

The cooking methods help preserve the wings so extra preservatives aren’t needed. They are cooked sous-vide, then flash frozen, and packaged to lock in freshness.

Of course, they contain preservatives in the sense that freezing preserves the wings to prevent spoilage. But you can feel confident there are no sketchy artificial preservatives included. Just quality ingredients like chicken, water, sea salt, spices, and natural flavors.

How Many Chicken Wings in a Package

Wellsley Farms chicken wing packages contain the following wing counts:

• 24 count – Great for snacking, apps, or 2-4 people
• 28 count – Feeds 3-5 people for a meal
• 48 count – For bigger groups or game day crowds
• 64-100 count – Ideal for large gatherings or parties

The wing count depends on if you get bone-in or the boneless teriyaki wings. You get a few more boneless wings in a bag since there’s no bones.

I like grabbing either a 24-pack for the family or the bigger 100 count combo party pack when we host Friendsgiving or the Super Bowl. It leaves us with plenty of leftovers!

Keto and Low-Carb Diet Approved

Chicken wings are naturally low in carbs, so Wellsley Farms wings can fit into a keto, Atkins, or low-carb diet. Three plain wings have only around 1g of carbs. Even the saucy buffalo wings have just 3g net carbs per serving.

What pushes the carb counts slightly higher is the batter used for the breaded wings. But at 5-7g carbs, the breaded wings can still work for low-carb diets in moderation. Just account for the extra carbs when planning your day.

I love whipping up crunchy breaded wings in the air fryer with ranch dressing for a tasty low-carb football feast. Wellsley Farm wings pack lots of flavor while allowing me to stick to my diet!

Are Sauces Included or Sold Separately?

A major perk of Wellsley Farms wings is that the sauces and seasonings come already tossed on the wings, so they are ready to cook and eat. You don’t have to buy and prepare your own sauces.

Depending on the variety, the wings are pre-coated in flavors like buffalo, BBQ, sweet chili, teriyaki, or just salt and spices. All you have to do is open the bag and bake them up!

Of course, you can always toss the plain wings in your own homemade sauce or dressing if you want total control over the flavor. But for convenience, I love that sauces are included to cut down on prep work.

How Wellsley Farms Wings Compare to Other Brands

Wellsley Farms wings stand out from other frozen wings in several ways:

Tyson – Similar fully cooked wings but smaller bags without flavor choices. More processed taste.

Foster Farms – Raw wings that take over an hour to bake. Less consistent results.

Perdue – Comparable in quality but only available sauced flavors. Pricier per wing.

Costco – Kirkland raw wings are lowest price but require lengthy prep. Messier experience.

By comparison, Wellsley Farms wings offer the following advantages:

• Fully cooked for convenience
• Delicious sauces and rubs included
• Larger bulk packs for savings
• Raised without antibiotics or hormones
• Crunchy breaded varieties available
• Exclusive to BJ’s Wholesale Club

Overall, they hit the sweet spot of quality, value, and ease – perfect for parties or everyday meals!

Spice Level – Mild or Extra Hot and Spicy

Here is a quick overview of the spice levels you can expect from the various Wellsley Farms chicken wing flavors:

• Plain – Completely mild with just salt and spices. Great for kids or picky eaters.
• Sweet Chili – Subtly spicy from chili peppers but tempered by sweetness. More tingly than hot.
• Sweet BBQ – Sweet and tangy BBQ flavor, not spicy.
• Teriyaki – Savory and sweet glaze, no spice.
• Buffalo – Classic buffalo sauce flavor that’s moderately spicy from cayenne and vinegar. Better than a fast food joint but not extreme heat.
• Breaded Buffalo – Same medium buffalo spice but extra crispy from the batter.

Overall, none of the varieties are excessively spicy, just pleasantly seasoned. The buffalo packs the most punch but isn’t overpowering. Adjust the quantity of sauce as desired when reheating if you want to dial up the heat.

Grilling Method for Wellsley Farms Wings

Besides baking or air frying, another quick and easy way to prepare Wellsley Farms chicken wings is by grilling. The high heat helps render the fat to make them crispy outside and luscious inside.

Here is a simple grilling method:

1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat. Lightly oil grates.
2. Place wings directly on oiled grates and grill for 8-12 minutes total, flipping occasionally.
3. Brush with sauce in last 2-3 minutes if using.
4. Grill until wings are sizzling and reach 165°F internally.
5. Transfer to platter and toss with more sauce, if desired. Enjoy!

I like to finish grilled wings under the broiler for 1 minute to caramelize any sauce. The grill adds great smoky flavor and char. Just watch for flare-ups if using sugary BBQ sauce.

What Do Customers Have to Say in Their Wellsley Farms Chicken Wing Reviews?

Overall, customers rave about Wellsley Farms wings in online reviews. They are consistently one of the highest rated frozen appetizers from Wellsley Farms.

Here’s what people love:

• “Taste like you deep fried them at home…so juicy.”
• “Better than any wings from a restaurant!”
• “Crispy outside and perfectly cooked inside.”
• “The sauces are so delicious.”
• “Cook up super quick.”
• “Good size wings with lots of meat.”
• “Totally addicting. My family inhales them!”
• “Great price for the quality.”

The most common negatives reported are receiving burnt or undercooked wings if oven instructions aren’t followed properly. Be sure to use recommended cook times and flip wings during baking.

Overall though, the reviews are overwhelmingly excellent and confirm these are restaurant-worthy wings worth getting again and again!

The Verdict: Are Wellsley Farms Wings Worth Buying?

After breaking down all the need-to-know details about Wellsley Farms chicken wings, my verdict is that they are absolutely worth buying, especially for those with access to BJ’s Wholesale Club.

Compared to raw wings, the fully cooked preparation saves loads of time while still delivering that satisfying crunch you crave. You get juicy, saucy flavor in every easy-to-eat bite.

What seals the deal for me is that you can serve restaurant-quality wings without all the work of battering and frying at home. Wellsley Farms lets you conveniently enjoy favorites like breaded, buffalo, or BBQ right from your oven or air fryer.

So next time you’re hosting friends or family, skip the takeout and grab a party pack of Wellsley Farms wings from BJ’s instead. I promise you won’t miss the greasy delivery wings after tasting how delicious these are. Just be prepared for everyone to come back wanting more!