Chicken Wings Recipe
Your choice: Spicy or BBQ. Served with Ranch or Blue Cheese
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Ingredients
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Wings
Spicy Sauce (choose if Spicy)
BBQ Sauce (choose if BBQ)
Dips (choose Ranch or Blue Cheese)
Garnish & Serving
Method
Wings Prep & Cook
- 1
Prep wings
Pat the chicken wings dry with paper towels. Trim any excess skin and remove the wing tips if not already removed. Place wings in a large bowl.
- 2
Season & coat
Sprinkle kosher salt, black pepper and baking powder over the wings. Toss thoroughly so each piece is evenly coated. The baking powder helps give a crisp skin when baked or fried.
- 3
Choose cooking method
Two options: Oven-bake (healthier, crisp) or shallow-fry (crispier). For oven: preheat to 425°F (220°C). Line a rimmed baking sheet with foil and set a wire rack on top; lightly oil the rack. Arrange wings in a single layer, spaced apart. For frying: heat 2 inches of vegetable oil in a heavy pot to 350°F (175°C).
- 4
Cook the wings
Oven-bake: Bake for 35–45 minutes, flipping once at 20–25 minutes, until skin is deep golden brown and internal temp reaches 165°F (74°C). Fry: Fry wings in batches 8–10 minutes per batch until golden and cooked through; drain on paper towels and rest briefly.
Spicy Sauce (if chosen)
- 5
In a small saucepan over low heat, melt the unsalted butter. Add the hot sauce, honey, smoked paprika and garlic powder. Whisk until combined and warmed through, about 2–3 minutes. Taste and adjust sweetness or heat. Keep warm until ready to toss.
- 6
Toss wings in sauce: Place cooked wings in a large mixing bowl. Pour the spicy sauce over the wings and toss vigorously until all wings are evenly coated. Return to the baking sheet and bake 3–5 minutes at 375°F (190°C) to set the sauce (optional) or serve immediately.
BBQ Sauce (if chosen)
- 7
Combine ketchup, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika and optional hot sauce in a small saucepan. Simmer gently over medium-low heat for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened and glossy. Adjust seasoning to taste.
- 8
Toss wings in sauce: Put cooked wings in a large bowl, pour the warmed BBQ sauce over them and toss until evenly coated. For a stickier finish, place sauced wings on the baking sheet and broil or bake at 400°F (200°C) for 3–4 minutes until sauce is tacky but not burnt. Serve immediately.
Dips & Garnish
- 9
Arrange the celery and carrot sticks on a platter with the wings. Place small bowls of Ranch and Blue Cheese dressing on the side so guests can choose. Sprinkle chopped parsley over the wings for color if desired.
- 10
Serve hot: Serve wings hot with chosen dip (Ranch or Blue Cheese). Recommend one 1/4 cup dip per 2 people as a guideline.