You may have seen it on the news, a story about a chicken wing shortage 2021. Restaurants have been feeling the pinch for several months, and now consumers see the effects. Our beloved comfort food has had a significant price increase in the past year due to supply and demand issues.
Want to learn just what is causing the chicken wing shortage 2021 and, more importantly, what can we do about it?
Let’s go to The Chalkboard.
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Why Is There A Chicken Wing Shortage 2021?
It’s worth noting that, while several reports call it a shortage, the chicken producers insist that production is flat. There aren’t fewer wings on the market. Instead, demand is simply outpacing supply. Others insist that the once-in-a-lifetime storm that ravaged Texas in February is partially to blame. The U.S. has the lowest stock of wings since 2011, according to Newsweek.
As the pandemic hit, Americans relied on comfort food. Wings, with their crispy coating and great flavor, fit that bill. Chicken Wings were already on takeout menus since they traveled well and maintained their taste, so they have been in demand since March 2020. Typically prices for this piece of the bird rise as the Super Bowl approaches and then fall. That hasn’t been the case this year. Prices have remained high since February 2020.
Chicken Wing Prices 2021
The price for wings has fluctuated week to week. Restauranters notice the impact immediately. Consumers may see a slow rise in costs.
In February, the average price for a pound of chicken wings was $2.65; this is 10 cents more than the week before. 2021 began with wings costing $2.27 per pound. Compare this to February 2020, when wings were available for an average price of $1.81 a pound.
This is more than a 30 percent increase!
Chicken Wing Alternatives
So what is a wing lover to do? You could shell out some extra dough, but we love saving money here at The Kitchen Chalkboard and, there’s no need to sacrifice in your cooking. Here are three excellent alternatives to help get you through the chicken wing shortage 2021.
Boneless Chicken Wings
Boneless chicken wings aren’t wings at all. They are chicken breast chopped and enrobed in chicken wing coating and flavor. If you can’t imagine your favorite appetizer without chicken, this is a viable alternative. We recommend using chicken tenders which will help to avoid the dreaded rubbery chicken. Dinner Then Dessert has a simple recipe that you will have you wanting more.
Chicken Legs
The closest thing to a chicken wing is likely the chicken leg. It has the skin, the bone, and the flavor of chicken just on a larger scale. Drumsticks aren’t expensive and haven’t had a significant price increase. You can use your favorite chicken wing recipe and simply increase the cooking time. This one from Lily In Kitchen is our favorite. We make it all the time. The secret is Louisiana hot sauce which adds a tiny bit of smokiness that is lacking with Frank’s. Try it!
Cauliflower Wings
Now, I know you may be thinking, a vegetable cannot possibly take the place of a meaty chicken wing. But vegans may be on to something. The sturdy cauliflower is pretty close to the real thing. It has a neutral flavor that doesn’t compete with the buffalo sauce, and its structure holds up well to any coating. Try this recipe from Gimme Delicious; it’s a great alternative!
What Do You Think?
Have you experienced the chicken wing shortage 2021? What have you done about it? Let me know any tips or tricks; I’d love to hear.
The chicken wing shortage 2021 isn’t the only food affected by the pandemic. Parmesan cheese prices have exploded. Don’t worry, we’ve got alternatives for that, too.
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