Chinese Chicken Wings

Whenever I think of gatherings and celebrations, the first dish that comes to mind is Chinese Chicken Wings. These tender, flavorful wings have a special place in my heart, thanks to countless family parties where they were the star of the show. I can still remember the aroma wafting through the air as my mom marinated the chicken, filling the kitchen with an enticing blend of spices and sauces that got everyone excited. Every bite was a delightful explosion of flavors, pairing perfectly with a refreshing beverage and good company. Making Chinese Chicken Wings has become a tradition for me, and each time I prepare them, I feel connected to those joyful memories. Whether it’s a weekend game night or a festive holiday party, these wings always bring people together, creating an experience that transcends just eating.

What to Buy for Chinese Chicken Wings

When preparing Chinese Chicken Wings, it’s essential to gather quality ingredients that enhance the overall flavor. Each component plays a vital role in creating that delectable taste you’ll crave time and again. From the seasoning to the glaze, these ingredients meld beautifully to deliver a memorable dish that everyone will enjoy.

• 2 lbs chicken wings (about 10-12 chicken wings) – These are the stars of the dish, providing tender meat that soaks up the marinade perfectly.
• 1/4 cup packed brown sugar – Adds a touch of sweetness that balances the savory aspects of the marinade.
• 1/4 cup reduced sodium soy sauce – Provides the necessary saltiness and umami flavor.
• 2 tablespoons lime juice (about 1 lime) – A squeeze of fresh citrus brightens the dish and adds a refreshing note.
• 1 tablespoon Chinese 5 Spice Powder – This aromatic blend adds depth and a unique flavor twist.
• 1 teaspoon EACH garlic powder, curry powder, ginger powder – These spices work together to create a flavorful backbone for the marinade.
• 1/2 teaspoon salt – Enhances the overall taste of the wings.
• 1 teaspoon Sriracha/Asian hot chili sauce – Adds a spicy kick that elevates the flavor profile.
• 2 tablespoons baking powder – Essential for achieving that irresistible crispy skin.
• 1 cup water – Used in the glaze for moisture and to help create a sticky consistency.
• 1/2 cup quality balsamic vinegar – This ingredient adds a rich, tangy flavor to the glaze.
• 1/3 cup reduced sodium soy sauce – Contributes to the glaze’s savory depth.
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar – Balances the acidity of the vinegar and adds sweetness to the glaze.
• 1/2-1 teaspoon Sriracha/Asian hot chili sauce – Adjust the amount based on your spice preference.

How to Assemble Chinese Chicken Wings

Cooking Chinese Chicken Wings is a delightful experience filled with wonderful aromas and a simple process. Follow these steps to create wings that will impress your family and friends, and keep them coming back for more.

1. Begin by combining the marinade ingredients in a large freezer bag. Add the chicken wings to the bag, ensuring they’re fully coated. Allow them to marinate in the refrigerator for 4 hours up to overnight for the best flavor. This step is crucial as it infuses the wings with all those delicious spices.
2. Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Prepare a baking sheet by lining it with foil or parchment paper for easy cleanup. Position a baking rack on top and lightly spray it with nonstick cooking spray. This setup allows the hot air to circulate around the wings, helping them cook evenly.
3. Once the marinating time is up, drain the excess marinade from the chicken wings and pat them dry with paper towels. This helps to achieve that perfect crispiness during baking. Transfer the wings back to a clean freezer bag and add the baking powder. Toss until they’re evenly coated; this magic ingredient is what gives the wings their satisfying crunch.
4. Place the wings on the prepared baking rack in a single layer, ensuring they’re not overcrowded. Bake them on the upper middle rack of the oven for about 40 minutes. Keep an eye on them, as the time may vary slightly based on your oven and the size of the wings. You want them to turn a beautiful golden brown.
5. When the baking time is nearly complete, turn your oven to broil. Broil the wings for approximately 5 minutes or until they’re crispy. Remember to watch closely to prevent burning; this step adds that irresistible crunch that everyone craves.
6. While the wings are broiling, it’s time to prepare the glaze. In a large skillet (make sure it’s not a saucepan, as it will take longer to reduce), combine water, balsamic vinegar, soy sauce, and granulated sugar. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat and let it reduce for 10 to 15 minutes. The goal here is to achieve a sticky consistency that will coat the wings beautifully.
7. Once the sauce has thickened, stir in the Sriracha to taste. This will add a kick that complements the sweetness of the glaze.
8. After the wings have finished broiling, remove them from the oven and transfer them to a large bowl. Pour the glaze over the wings, using a spatula to toss them gently until they’re evenly coated. This is where the magic happens; the wings become glistening and irresistible.
9. Serve your Chinese Chicken Wings immediately, while they’re hot and crispy. Enjoy them as they are, or pair them with your favorite dipping sauces for an extra layer of flavor. Dig in and savor every delicious bite!

How to Switch It Up

There are many ways to customize your Chinese Chicken Wings to keep things exciting. Here are some tips for switching it up:

• Experiment with Marinades: Try incorporating different flavors by adding sesame oil or honey to the marinade.
• Change the Spice Level: Adjust the amount of Sriracha or add chili flakes for a spicier kick.
• Glaze Variations: You can swap out balsamic vinegar for apple cider vinegar or rice vinegar for a different tangy flavor.
• Try Different Cooking Methods: While baking is easy, you can also grill these wings for a smoky flavor or use an air fryer for even quicker results.
• Garnish Creatively: Top your wings with chopped green onions or sesame seeds to elevate the presentation.
• Serving Styles: Serve the wings with a variety of dipping sauces such as ranch, blue cheese, or a spicy mayo to cater to different tastes.

Side Dish Ideas for Chinese Chicken Wings

Serving Chinese Chicken Wings is just as important as preparing them. Here are some delightful side dish ideas to complete your meal:

• Steamed Rice: A simple bowl of fluffy steamed rice pairs beautifully with the wings, helping to balance the intense flavors.
• Fresh Salad: A crunchy Asian slaw or simple green salad dressed with sesame vinaigrette adds freshness to the rich wings.
• Vegetable Stir-Fry: Quickly sautéed vegetables like broccoli, bell peppers, and snap peas can be a vibrant and healthy accompaniment.
• Spring Rolls: Serve with crispy spring rolls for a fun and authentic Asian meal experience.
• Pickled Vegetables: A small side of pickled cucumbers or daikon adds a zesty contrast to the savory wings.
• Dipping Sauces: Offer a selection of sauces, such as sweet chili sauce or peanut sauce, for added flavor options.
• Beer Battered Onion Rings: For a fun twist, serve the wings with crispy onion rings for a satisfying crunch.
• Coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw can brighten the dish and provide a refreshing crunch.
• Garlic Bread: For a fusion twist, garlic bread can be a nice addition, offering a comforting element to the meal.

FAQ

Conclusion

In summary, Chinese Chicken Wings are a delightful dish that brings joy to any gathering with their savory flavor and crispy texture. I encourage you to try making them at home, as they’re not only simple to prepare but also a crowd-pleaser. Enjoy this recipe and create your own cherished memories around the dinner table!

Chinese Chicken Wings

The ultimate comfort food, Chinese Chicken Wings are a perfect blend of savory and sweet, offering a crispy texture and mouthwatering flavor. These wings are ideal for easy weeknight dinners or lively gatherings. Their irresistible glaze and spice make them a must-try tonight!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Dinner

Cuisine: Chinese

Calories: 320

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 2 lbs chicken wings about 10-12 chicken wings
• 1/4 cup brown sugar packed
• 1/4 cup reduced sodium soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons lime juice about 1 lime
• 1 tablespoon Chinese 5 Spice Powder
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder EACH
• 1 teaspoon curry powder EACH
• 1 teaspoon ginger powder EACH
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon Sriracha/ Asian hot chili sauce
• 2 tablespoons baking powder
• 1 cup water
• 1/2 cup balsamic vinegar quality
• 1/3 cup reduced sodium soy sauce
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2-1 teaspoon Sriracha/ Asian hot chili sauce

Equipment

• Saucepan
• Skillet
• Wooden Spoon
• Baking Sheet
• Oven
• Frying Pan

Method

 

1. Combine marinade ingredients in a freezer bag, add chicken and marinade for 4 hours up to overnight.
2. Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Line baking sheet with foil, parchment paper or nonstick slip mat for easy cleanup. Top baking sheet with baking rack and lightly spray with nonstick cooking spray.
3. Drain excess marinade from chicken and pat dry with paper towels. Add chicken to a clean freezer bag and add baking powder (makes them extra crispy but you will NOT taste the baking powder). Toss until evenly coated.
4. Bake on upper middle rack for 40 minutes. Turn oven to broil and broil for approximately 5 minutes or until crispy, watching closely so they don’t burn. Flip chicken over and broil the other side until crispy.
5. Meanwhile, when chicken has been baking 35 minutes, begin glaze. Combine water, balsamic vinegar, soy sauce, and sugar in a large skillet (NOT SAUCEPAN or it will take much longer to reduce) and simmer for 10-15 minutes or until reduced to a sticky glaze. The sauce thickens rapidly at the very end, so watch closely so it does not burn. Stir in Sriracha to taste.
6. Remove chicken from oven and add to large bowl. Add glaze and toss to coat with a spatula until evenly coated.
7. Dig in!

Notes

• Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: You can freeze cooked wings for up to 2 months. Just reheat them in the oven for best results.
• Pairing: These wings are delicious with a side of rice or a fresh salad.
• Spice Control: Adjust the level of Sriracha based on your personal taste for heat.
• Serving Suggestions: These wings also make a great appetizer for gatherings or game nights.

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Meet Simone Patel

Food is the ultimate connector, and I approach every recipe with the host in mind. I focus on creating meals that scale well for crowds and make entertaining effortless. I cooked and tested this meal to ensure it holds up beautifully from the stove to the serving platter, ready for your guests.