The pandemic is still disrupting young people’s careers 
How to support someone who is grieving: five research-backed strategies 
The Beauty Beneath the Expressway: A Journey from Self to Service 
Parents abused by their children often suffer in silence – specialist therapy is helping them find a voice 
Stuck in a creativity slump at work? Here are some surprising ways to get your spark back 
Canada’s local food system faces major roadblocks without urgent policy changes 
Debate over H-1B visas shines spotlight on US tech worker shortages 
Youth are charting new freshwater futures by learning from the water on the water 
Office design isn’t keeping up with post-COVID work styles - here’s what workers really want 
Britain has almost 1 million young people not in work or education – here’s what evidence shows can change that 
6 simple questions to tell if a ‘finfluencer’ is more flash than cash 
Disaster or digital spectacle? The dangers of using floods to create social media content 
Why have so few atrocities ever been recognised as genocide? 
Can your cat recognise you by scent? New study shows it’s likely 
Many fast-food chains have dabbled in serving chicken wings, but few have kept them on the menu. Chains like McDonald’s, Taco Bell, and KFC introduced wings, only to discontinue them due to fluctuating demand, menu changes, or high costs, leaving fans longing for a comeback.
While Some Chains Embrace Chicken Wings, Others Have Struggled to Keep Them on the Menu Permanently
In a recent report by Mashed, chicken wings have long held a place in fast food culture, but only some chains have been able to keep them on the menu permanently. While places like Wingstop and Buffalo Wild Wings are dedicated to serving saucy, seasoned wings, other fast-food restaurants have tested the waters with wings, only to remove them later.
Several factors contribute to the short-lived presence of wings at these establishments, from fluctuating wing prices to temporary promotions tied to the NFL season, especially around the Super Bowl. Sometimes, wings don’t sell well enough to warrant a permanent spot on the menu. Here are nine popular fast-food chains that once offered chicken wings but have since discontinued them.
From McDonald's Mighty Wings to Taco Bell's Cheesy Wings, Fast Food Chains Have Seen Wings Come and Go
McDonald's
In 1990, McDonald's introduced Mighty Wings, fried chicken wings separated into flats and drums. Though closer to fried chicken than typical wings, Mighty Wings were offered as limited-time promotions through 2003 before disappearing. They reappeared in 2013 and briefly in 2016 in select restaurants near Atlanta. Despite their cult following, Mighty Wings have not returned since. Fans still reminisce about them, with some even requesting copycat recipes online.
Taco Bell
Taco Bell’s creative approach to Mexican-American cuisine made wings an unexpected yet fitting addition to its menu. First introduced in 2022 as a limited-time item, the chain’s wings were coated in cheese-flavored seasoning and served with spicy ranch. They returned briefly in early 2023 but were phased out as Taco Bell shifted its focus to chicken nuggets, leaving wings behind.
KFC
KFC, a brand synonymous with fried chicken, is an obvious choice for serving wings. The chain offered Honey BBQ Wings in the late ’90s, gaining a dedicated fan base. In 2019, KFC brought back wings in three flavors, only to remove them again in 2023 as part of a menu streamlining effort. Wings returned in a limited Hot & Spicy flavor in late 2023 but have yet to make a permanent comeback.
Sonic Drive-In
Sonic Drive-In introduced boneless chicken wings in 2014, offering them in flavors like Buffalo and Asian sweet chili. Despite a follow-up promotion in 2017, these wings disappeared from the menu. Some believe their longer cook time clashed with Sonic’s goal of quick service, contributing to their discontinuation. Popcorn chicken remains a faster alternative on the menu.
El Pollo Loco
While El Pollo Loco still serves grilled whole chicken wings, it briefly experimented with sauced wings in 2019, offering sweet tapatio, garlic, and Cotija flavors. Though they were well-received by some customers, the wings were seen as less valuable than competitors, and the promotion ended in early 2020 without a return.
Arby's
Arby’s introduced boneless wings in 2021, available in Buffalo and Hot Honey flavors. The promotion returned in 2023 but was short-lived. Many noted that Arby’s wings were sauced chicken nuggets, which may have contributed to their lack of success.
Yoshinoya
In the U.S., Yoshinoya offered sesame wings, which were later replaced by Asian BBQ wings in 2014. Both versions were popular among some customers, but neither remained on the menu. Today, Yoshinoya focuses on rice and noodle bowls, with wings no longer a part of its offerings.
MOD Pizza
MOD Pizza, known for its customizable personal pies, briefly tested baked chicken wings in 2023 at select locations. Offered in various flavors like Buffalo and Sriracha Ranch, the wings didn’t receive rave reviews and were ultimately removed from the menu, never expanding beyond a limited test run.
Costco Canada Food Court
In Canada, Costco’s food court once offered chicken wings in 10- and 30-piece portions, much to the envy of U.S. shoppers. However, during the pandemic, many Canadian locations phased out wings. Though Costco Canada reintroduced wings in 2024, they are now sold in the rotisserie section rather than at the food court.
While these fast-food chains have had mixed success with chicken wings, their brief appearances remain fond memories for fans who continue to hope for a wing-filled comeback.
