There's something incredibly satisfying about biting into a perfectly cooked chicken wing! Whether you're preparing for a game day - like the Super Bowl, a casual get-together, or just craving some comfort food, this chicken wing recipe will deliver mouthwatering results every time. You’re going to love it!
Ingredients
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2 pounds of Wild Harmony Farm chicken wings
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2 tablespoons of olive oil
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1 teaspoon of salt
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1 teaspoon of black pepper
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1 teaspoon of garlic powder
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1 teaspoon of onion powder
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1 teaspoon of paprika
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1/2 teaspoon of cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
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1/4 cup of unsalted butter
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1/2 cup of hot sauce (you can use your favorite)
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1 tablespoon of honey
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1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar
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1 teaspoon lemon juice
Instructions
Prepare the Chicken Wings
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and place a wire rack on top. This setup allows the heat to circulate around the wings, ensuring they cook evenly and become crispy.
Pat the chicken wings dry with paper towels. This step is crucial as removing excess moisture helps the wings get crispy in the oven. Place the wings in a large bowl and drizzle with olive oil. Toss to coat evenly.
Season the Wings
In a small bowl, mix together the salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and cayenne pepper (if using). Sprinkle the seasoning mixture over the wings, making sure each wing is well-coated. Arrange the wings in a single layer on the wire rack.
Bake the Wings
Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 45-50 minutes, turning the wings halfway through the cooking time. This will ensure they cook evenly and become golden brown and crispy.
Prepare the Sauce
While the wings are baking, prepare the sauce. In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, add the hot sauce, honey, lemon juice, and apple cider vinegar. Stir to combine and bring the mixture to a simmer. Allow the sauce to cook for about 5 minutes, then remove from heat.
Toss the Wings in Sauce
Once the wings are cooked and crispy, remove them from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. Transfer the wings to a large mixing bowl. Pour the sauce over the wings and toss until they're fully coated.
Serve and Enjoy
Serve the wings hot with your favorite dipping sauces such as ranch or blue cheese dressing. Don't forget some celery and carrot sticks on the side for a classic wing experience.
Tips for the Perfect Chicken Wings
Dry the Wings Thoroughly
One of the secrets to getting crispy chicken wings is to ensure they are as dry as possible before baking. Pat them dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture.
Use a Wire Rack
Using a wire rack over a baking sheet allows the heat to circulate around the wings, which helps them cook evenly and become crispy.
Don’t Overcrowd the Baking Sheet
Make sure the wings are arranged in a single layer with some space between each wing. Overcrowding the baking sheet can cause the wings to steam rather than bake, resulting in less crispy wings.
Adjust the Heat
If you prefer your wings spicier, feel free to adjust the amount of cayenne pepper in the seasoning mix or add extra hot sauce to the sauce mixture.
Alternative Cooking Methods
Air Fryer
If you have an air fryer, it's an excellent option for cooking chicken wings. Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (190°C). Arrange the wings in a single layer in the air fryer basket and cook for 25-30 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. When cooked, toss in the sauce!
Grilling
Grilling chicken wings adds a delicious smoky flavor. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Place the wings on the grill and cook for about 20-25 minutes, turning occasionally until they are cooked through and crispy. Remove from the grill and toss into the sauce!
Deep Frying
Deep frying is a traditional method that yields perfectly crispy wings. Heat oil in a deep fryer or large pot to 375°F (190°C). Fry the wings in batches for about 10-12 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through. Drain on paper towels and toss in the sauce.
