Some of the greatest debate questions to come out of the 21st century revolve around one crucial topic: food. In this modern day, where most debates involve complex layers and deep moral questions, it can sometimes be good to return to the basics. Is water wet? Are hot dogs a sandwich? These seemingly simple questions can be the fuel for intense controversy, and this week’s question is no different, as we ask: are boneless wings the same as chicken nuggets?
The first time I saw this life-altering question was during a session of mindless scrolling through Instagram. I clicked through the stories posted by friends, family and celebrities, unknowing how my life was about to change. Then, I saw it. An Instagram poll flashing across my screen stopped me in my tracks as I grappled with the differences between boneless wings and chicken nuggets.
On instinct, it may be tempting to say that boneless wings are the same as chicken nuggets. However, while they may share the same general principles, there are distinctions that differentiate a boneless wing from a chicken nugget. In comparison, a boneless wing is an elevated form of a chicken nugget (but that doesn’t mean they’re the same thing). One could call them cousins, perhaps, but not siblings.
For one, the societal connotations of boneless wings and chicken nuggets set them apart before anything physical. In a restaurant, chicken nuggets typically belong on a kid’s menu, while boneless wings would be considered a sophisticated appetizer. However, one may ask, are these just arbitrary distinctions? This author thinks not. Chicken nuggets are widely accepted to be a quick meal, easy and well-loved by the pickiest of eaters. The majority of the time, they’re frozen and are reheated easily. Boneless wings, on the other hand, are more likely to be fresher and more complex, as they can be marinated or tossed in a variety of sauces.
In addition, chicken nuggets tend to be much more processed than boneless wings. Imagine a McDonald’s chicken nugget—what are they really made of? Little trust is given to the contents of a chicken nugget, yet the integrity of a boneless wing remains intact. This is because they generally aren’t as processed as a chicken nugget, and therefore are fresher and healthier. Also—while most fast food restaurants carry chicken nuggets, they’re less likely to carry boneless wings, more evidence pointing to the sophisticated nature of boneless wings over chicken nuggets.
At the same time, there does seem to be a solid argument that boneless wings and chicken nuggets are the same. After all, in the end, aren’t they both just lumps of chicken in bite-sized pieces? While a valid point, the fact still remains that these two foods can be found in distinctly different areas of a restaurant menu. They are very different in terms of healthiness, freshness and flavor (with this author advocating in favor of boneless wings). As such, this author must declare that boneless wings are not the same as chicken nuggets, bringing yet another hot debate to a questionable close.
