We're Solving the Chicken Wing Dilemma

When It's Okay to Eat with Your Hands and When It's Not.

At a recent dining etiquette workshop, A participant asked a great question that made the whole room lean in:

"Is it okay to eat this chicken drumette with my fingers at a formal dinner?"

It was a great question and a very real one. This is where etiquette comes in; not to judge but to equip. Because let's be honest, sometimes what tastes good is messy. Etiquette isn't about denying yourself the joy of good food; it's about refinement and recognizing the setting you're in and navigating it with confidence.

In a more formal setting, what's often served is not the typical casual style wings (shown above), but rather the breast and drumette portion, Airline chicken breast (shown below) composed on a plated dish. This is more refined in presentation, but still tricky for those unfamiliar with how to eat it gracefully.

You can let out a sigh of relief now.

The workshop participant was honest and relatable. He stated, I didn't want to leave it, but I wasn't sure how to eat it"

Since we're training for a formal setting in this case, cutting away then picking up the drumette portion with your fingers would not be appropriate.

Instead, use your fork to pierce the meatier or fleshiest part of the drumette to stabilize it. Use your knife to cut behind behind the bone separating a manageable portion. If it proves to be too tricky, cut away what you can and leave the rest. Refinement is not about cleaning the plate, but about navigating the moment with grace.

Yes, chicken wings are delicious but they are also messy. Formal settings don't always come with a wet towelette or time to freshen up before the next handshake. That matters. You'll certainly have your moments in more casual settings to dig in, have fun and enjoy every flavorful bite. But in more refined environments, less is more.

Personally, I tend to stick with the fork as my companion regardless of the setting I'm in. At he end of the day, etiquette is more than rules, it's awareness in action. And remember, practice makes polished. So the next time you find yourself in front of plated wings, try reaching for the cutlery first. You just might surprise yourself!

xoxo-Sherri B.