Hot Wings

Hot Wings Recipe: Spicy Chicken Wings with a Kick

Region / culture: USA | Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 15 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Hot wings are a popular and delicious appetizer or snack that are perfect for parties, game days, or just a casual night in. These spicy and flavorful chicken wings are sure to be a hit with anyone who loves a little heat in their food.

History

Hot wings are said to have originated in Buffalo, New York in the 1960s. The story goes that a bar owner created the recipe using leftover chicken wings and a spicy sauce, and they quickly became a local favorite. Since then, hot wings have become a staple on menus across the country and are enjoyed by people of all ages.

Ingredients

12 assorted chicken pieces
1.5 cups all-purpose flour
2 tbsp chili powder
2 tsp black pepper
1 tbsp cumin
1 whole egg
2 tbsp paprika
0.5 cup Frank's hot sauce
2 tsp butter

How to prepare

Take the chicken pieces and defrost them. Once done, set them aside.
Next, combine flour, chili powder, black pepper, cumin, and paprika in a bowl until well blended together.
In another bowl, beat an egg.
Coat the chicken pieces with the beaten egg on both sides, ensuring they are well coated. This will act as the glue.
Pre-heat a deep fryer. Any type of deep fryer will do.
Take the chicken and roll it in the combined dry ingredients, making sure to coat them thoroughly. The more flour you use, the crispier the wings will be.
Put the coated chicken in the deep fryer and fry for about 10-15 minutes. Check every few minutes, depending on the temperature of your fryer.
While the wings are frying, in a small frying pan, simmer butter and hot sauce until warm.
When the wings are done, take the hot sauce off the heat and pour it over the wings.
For presentation, serve the wings with celery and blue cheese dressing.
To make the blue cheese dipping sauce, combine 1 cup of sour cream, 1 package of cream cheese, 2 tsp of mayo, 1 tbsp of minced garlic, and 8-12 oz (340 g) of blue cheese.
Whip the ingredients until the dressing is smooth but lumpy with blue cheese.
Refrigerate the dressing prior to serving.
(I like my blue cheese dip really creamy, but you may prefer a different consistency).

Variations

For a milder version, reduce the amount of chili powder and hot sauce used in the recipe.
Experiment with different seasonings and spices to create your own unique flavor profile for the wings.
Try baking the wings in the oven instead of frying them for a healthier alternative.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to defrost the chicken wings completely before cooking to ensure they cook evenly.

- Coating the chicken wings in the beaten egg before dredging them in the flour mixture helps the breading stick to the wings.

- Fry the wings in batches to avoid overcrowding the fryer, which can lower the oil temperature and result in soggy wings.

- Be sure to check the internal temperature of the chicken wings with a meat thermometer to ensure they are cooked through.

Serving Suggestions

Hot wings are best served hot and crispy with a side of celery sticks and blue cheese dressing for dipping.

Cooking Techniques

Deep frying the wings results in a crispy and golden brown exterior, while baking them in the oven will yield a slightly healthier version with a crispy skin.

- You can also grill the wings for a smoky flavor that pairs well with the spicy sauce.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use boneless chicken strips instead of chicken wings for a different twist on the classic hot wings recipe.

- Substitute the Frank's hot sauce with your favorite hot sauce for a personalized flavor profile.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the chicken wings ahead of time by coating them in the flour mixture and storing them in the refrigerator until ready to fry. The hot sauce can also be made in advance and reheated before tossing with the wings.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the hot wings on a platter with celery sticks and carrot sticks for a colorful and appetizing presentation. Garnish with fresh parsley or green onions for a pop of color.

Pairing Recommendations

Hot wings pair well with a cold beer or a refreshing glass of iced tea. For a non-alcoholic option, try serving them with a tangy lemonade or a fruity soda.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover hot wings in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the wings on a baking sheet and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of hot wings contains approximately 250 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of hot wings contains approximately 15 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of hot wings contains approximately 12 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of hot wings contains approximately 20 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Hot wings are a good source of iron, niacin, and vitamin B6.

Alergens

Hot wings contain gluten from the flour used in the breading and dairy from the butter and blue cheese dressing.

Summary

Hot wings are a tasty and indulgent treat that are high in protein and fats, making them a satisfying snack or appetizer option.

Summary

Hot wings are a classic and crowd-pleasing dish that is perfect for any occasion. With a crispy exterior and a spicy kick, these wings are sure to be a hit with anyone who loves a little heat in their food. Serve them with a side of celery sticks and blue cheese dressing for a delicious and satisfying snack or appetizer.

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I was immediately intrigued. I had always been a lover of spicy food, and the idea of hot wings sounded like the perfect combination of heat and flavor. It was a chilly autumn day, and I had just finished my morning walk in the crisp air. As I sat down with a cup of hot tea, I flipped through an old cookbook that had been passed down to me from my own grandmother.

As I turned the pages, a worn piece of paper fell out and fluttered to the ground. Curious, I picked it up and saw that it was a handwritten recipe for hot wings. The paper was yellowed with age and stained with splatters of sauce, a testament to the many times it had been used. The recipe was simple yet enticing - chicken wings marinated in a spicy blend of hot sauce, butter, and seasonings, then baked to crispy perfection.

I knew I had to try it. I gathered the ingredients and set to work in the kitchen, following the instructions carefully. The smell of the hot sauce and butter mingled in the air, making my mouth water in anticipation. When the wings finally emerged from the oven, golden and glistening with sauce, I could hardly wait to sink my teeth into them.

The first bite was a revelation. The heat of the hot sauce hit my taste buds like a fiery explosion, tempered by the rich, buttery flavor. The meat was tender and juicy, the skin crispy and delicious. I was in heaven. I knew that this recipe would become a staple in my cooking repertoire, a favorite to be shared with family and friends for years to come.

Over time, I perfected the recipe, tweaking the seasonings and experimenting with different types of hot sauce to find the perfect balance of heat and flavor. I shared it with my friends at church potlucks and family gatherings, always receiving rave reviews. It became my signature dish, the one that everyone requested whenever I was asked to bring a dish to a party or event.

As the years passed, I continued to make hot wings regularly, always with a sense of pride and satisfaction. I loved the way they brought people together, how they sparked conversations and laughter around the dinner table. They were more than just a dish - they were a symbol of my love for cooking and sharing food with others.

I often think back to that chilly autumn day when I first discovered the recipe for hot wings. It was a turning point in my culinary journey, a moment of inspiration that led me down a path of creativity and discovery. I am grateful for the countless meals and memories that this recipe has brought me, and I know that it will always hold a special place in my heart.

So if you ever find yourself craving a little heat and spice, just remember my hot wings recipe. I promise you won't be disappointed. And who knows, maybe one day you'll pass it down to your own grandchildren, just as I did. Enjoy!