3 Wings + Tots Recipe

Prep and dry

Pat the 3 chicken wings completely dry with paper towels. Removing surface moisture helps them crisp.

In a small bowl, combine 0.5 tsp kosher salt, 0.25 tsp freshly ground black pepper and 0.5 tsp aluminum-free baking powder. Toss the wings in the mixture until evenly coated. The baking powder raises pH and promotes browning and crispness.

Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C) if roasting. Alternatively, preheat a skillet with 1 tablespoon neutral oil over medium-high heat if you prefer pan-searing then finishing in oven.

To roast: place wings on a wire rack set over a rimmed baking sheet (skin side up) and roast 35–40 minutes, flipping once halfway, until skin is crisp and internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). To pan-sear: sear wings 3–4 minutes per side in hot oil until golden, then transfer to a 400°F (200°C) oven for 12–15 minutes to finish cooking.

While wings cook, make the sauce: in a small saucepan or microwave-safe bowl combine 2 tbs hot sauce and 1 tbs unsalted butter. Warm gently over low heat until butter melts and sauce is uniform (or microwave 15–20 seconds).

Stir in 0.5 tsp honey, 0.25 tsp apple cider vinegar, 0.125 tsp Worcestershire sauce, 0.125 tsp garlic powder and 0.125 tsp salt. Taste and adjust: add more hot sauce for heat, honey for sweetness, or vinegar for tang. Keep warm.

When wings are cooked, transfer them to a mixing bowl, pour sauce over the wings, and toss gently until evenly coated. Return to the oven for 2–3 minutes if you want the sauce to set slightly.

Cook 6 frozen tater tots according to package directions for best results (typically 18–22 minutes at 425°F/220°C, turning once). For a small batch and faster result: heat a nonstick skillet over medium, add 1 tsp vegetable oil, and cook tots 6–8 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden and crisp and cooked through.

Immediately season tots with 0.125 tsp salt after cooking and toss lightly to coat.

Place the 3 sauced wings and 6 hot tater tots on a small plate. Add 2 tbs ranch or blue cheese dressing in a ramekin or alongside. Sprinkle 0.5 tsp chopped parsley over wings and tots for color and aroma. Serve with half a lemon wedge to squeeze over wings if desired.

Serve immediately while wings are hot and tots are crisp. Estimated serving: 1 person as a snack or small meal.