Trader Joe’s has a freezer full of quick, meaty options, and if you’re a wing fan, you’ve probably spotted the Hot & Spicy Chicken Wing Sections. Sold frozen and already fully cooked, they’re coated in a chili-spiced rub and promise a spicy, restaurant-style wing experience straight from your oven or air fryer. But do they actually deliver?
At $6.99 for a one-pound bag, these wings offer a quick and easy way to satisfy a craving but with a few caveats.
Review
The flavor definitely lives up to the name. These wings are medium, with a chili-forward spice blend that builds as you eat. They’re not saucy like Buffalo wings, but instead use a dry rub that clings to the crispy skin once baked. If you’re someone who likes spice and doesn’t mind licking your fingers, you might really enjoy these.
However, there are a few drawbacks. The portion felt a little small. For $6.99, you get a one-pound bag, but not all of that is meat—some of it is bone, skin, and smaller pieces. In my experience, I ended up with a few that were more bone than anything else. I also found they took longer to cook than the instructions suggest, especially to get the skin really crisp. And while the spice level was enjoyable, the wings were meaty, I had to hope no one asked to share.
A one-pound bag of these is good for one or two people, but if you are planning on hosting a Super Bowl party you would probably need a case of these. Or you might be better off reaching for the frozen wings that need to be cooked so you can adjust the spice level up or down.
Product Ingredients
Here are some of the key ingredients:
- Chicken wing sections (fully cooked)
- Salt
- Spices (including chili powder, cayenne, and paprika)
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Natural smoke flavor
- Vinegar powder
These wings contain no artificial preservatives, and the spice blend is made from recognizable pantry ingredients.
Calories and nutritional facts:
The following what you can expect if you are consuming these.
Cooking Directions
Oven Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F.
- Arrange wings on a foil-lined baking sheet in a single layer.
- Bake for 28 to 33 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Let cool for 2 minutes before serving.
Air Fryer Instructions (Preferred)
- Preheat air fryer to 375°F.
- Add wings in a single layer.
- Cook for 15 to 18 minutes, shaking halfway through.
- Cook longer if needed to crisp skin.
Note: In my experience, they took closer to 30+ minutes in the oven to get truly crisp, especially if starting directly from frozen. And if you don't care about crispiness, then yes, there are microwave directions.
Recipe Suggestions and Creative Uses
- Serve with a dipping sauce like ranch, blue cheese, or honey mustard to balance the heat.
- Pair with cornbread or mac and cheese for a spicy Southern-style meal.
- Chop leftovers and toss into tacos or wraps with slaw for a spicy twist.
- Serve on game day with celery sticks, carrot sticks, and cold drinks.
FAQs about Trader Joe's Chicken Wing Sections
The following are commonly asked questions about this product:
No, these are traditional bone-in wing sections.
Yes, they come fully cooked and only need to be reheated.
They’re definitely spicy, with a dry rub that builds heat. If you're spice-sensitive, you may want to pair them with something creamy to cool it down.
Final Thoughts
Trader Joe’s Hot & Spicy Chicken Wings are convenient and bring the heat, but they fell a little short for me. While the dry rub flavor is bold and satisfying, the slightly fishy taste and smaller portion size left me wanting more. The texture can be good if you’re patient with baking or air frying, but the inconsistent piece sizes and longer-than-stated cook time can be frustrating.
If you’re a die-hard spicy wing fan looking for a quick fix, they might be worth trying. Overall, not bad, but won't put your local bar or wing joint out of business any time soon.
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Trader Joe's Hot and Spicy Chicken Wings
Product Name: Trader Joe's Hot and Spicy Chicken Wings
Product Description: Trader Joe's Hot and Spicy Chicken Wings bring medium heat and are already prepared. You just need dip.
Price: $6.99
Summary
Trader Joe's Hot and Spicy Chicken Wings are a hit as long as you aren't sharing.
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Taste
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Value
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Worthy of Repurchasing
Pros
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Bold flavor: The dry rub seasoning packs real heat with smoky chili notes.
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Fully cooked: Just heat and eat—no raw meat handling needed.
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Easy to prepare: Air fryer or oven-friendly with minimal cleanup.
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No artificial ingredients: Seasoned with familiar pantry spices.
Cons
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Small portion size: One-pound bag includes bone, skin, and some small pieces.
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Inconsistent cook time: Wings often take longer than the instructions suggest.
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Off taste in some bites: Slightly fishy flavor noticeable in certain pieces.
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Not saucy: Dry rub only, so those who love sauced wings might be disappointed.
EllenLV says
These look good for a splurge. Your reviews are always so terrific, I really appreciate all your work. Thank you Brenda.
bethiebcomcastnetBeth says
My TJ's has been out of these wings for quite a while. They're the best freezer wings I've found I bought Tyson last week and won't make that mistake again - too fatty. I hope TJ's gets them back soon. I wish I knew a similar brand that's available.