Hot Braised Wings Recipe

Chicken wings: The main protein for this dish, providing a juicy and tender base for the sauce.

Hot sauce: Adds the essential heat and tanginess to the wings.

Melted butter: Balances the spiciness of the hot sauce and adds richness.

Garlic powder: Enhances the flavor with a subtle garlic taste.

Onion powder: Adds a mild onion flavor to the sauce.

Paprika: Provides a smoky, slightly sweet flavor and enhances the color of the wings.

Salt: Essential for seasoning the wings.

Pepper: Adds a bit of extra heat and flavor.

When preparing chicken wings, ensure they are patted dry with paper towels before seasoning. This step helps the seasonings adhere better and promotes a crispier texture when baked. Additionally, for an extra layer of flavor, consider marinating the wings in the sauce mixture for at least 30 minutes before baking. This allows the flavors to penetrate deeper into the meat, resulting in more flavorful wings.

• chicken wings - Substitute with cauliflower florets: For a vegetarian option, cauliflower florets can mimic the texture and absorb the flavors well.

• hot sauce - Substitute with sriracha: Sriracha provides a similar heat level and adds a bit of sweetness.

• melted butter - Substitute with olive oil: Olive oil can provide a similar fat content and helps in coating the wings or cauliflower evenly.

• garlic powder - Substitute with fresh minced garlic: Fresh minced garlic offers a more robust and aromatic flavor.

• onion powder - Substitute with finely chopped onions: Finely chopped onions can provide a similar taste and add a bit of texture.

• paprika - Substitute with chili powder: Chili powder adds a bit more heat and complexity to the flavor profile.

• salt - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce can add a salty and umami flavor, enhancing the overall taste.

• pepper - Substitute with cayenne pepper: Cayenne pepper adds an extra kick of heat, perfect for those who like their wings spicier.

• Allow the chicken wings to cool completely at room temperature before storing or freezing. This helps prevent condensation, which can lead to soggy wings.

• For storing in the refrigerator:

  • Place the cooled wings in an airtight container or wrap them tightly with aluminum foil or plastic wrap.
  • Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
  • When ready to eat, reheat the wings in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes or until heated through. This helps maintain their crispy texture.

• For freezing:

  • Arrange the cooled wings in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. This prevents them from sticking together.
  • Place the baking sheet in the freezer for about 1-2 hours or until the wings are frozen solid.
  • Transfer the frozen wings to a freezer-safe bag or airtight container. Label with the date for reference.
  • Store in the freezer for up to 3 months.

• Reheating frozen wings:

  • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  • Place the frozen wings on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
  • Bake for 20-25 minutes or until heated through and crispy. You can also toss them in some extra hot sauce before serving for an added kick.

• For an extra crispy texture:

  • After reheating, you can broil the wings on high for 2-3 minutes, keeping a close eye to prevent burning. This will give them a delightful crunch.

• If you prefer using a microwave:

  • Place the wings on a microwave-safe plate.
  • Cover with a microwave-safe lid or another plate to prevent splattering.
  • Heat on high for 2-3 minutes, checking halfway through to ensure even heating. Note that microwaving may result in a less crispy texture compared to oven reheating.

• Oven Method:

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Arrange the leftover chicken wings on a baking sheet lined with aluminum foil.
  3. Cover the wings with another piece of aluminum foil to prevent them from drying out.
  4. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the wings are heated through and the skin is crispy.
  5. For extra crispiness, remove the top foil during the last 5 minutes of reheating.

• Air Fryer Method:

  1. Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Place the chicken wings in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
  3. Heat for 5-7 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even reheating.
  4. Check for desired crispiness and heat; if needed, add an extra 2-3 minutes.

• Stovetop Method:

  1. Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat.
  2. Add a small amount of olive oil or butter to the skillet.
  3. Place the chicken wings in the skillet and cover with a lid.
  4. Cook for 5-8 minutes, turning occasionally, until the wings are heated through and the skin is crispy.

• Microwave Method:

  1. Place the chicken wings on a microwave-safe plate.
  2. Cover the wings with a damp paper towel to retain moisture.
  3. Microwave on medium power for 2-3 minutes, checking halfway through.
  4. If needed, continue to microwave in 30-second intervals until heated through.

• Grill Method:

  1. Preheat your grill to medium heat.
  2. Place the chicken wings on the grill grates.
  3. Grill for 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally, until the wings are heated through and have a slight char for added flavor.

• Oven: Used to bake the chicken wings at a consistent temperature of 400°F (200°C).

• Mixing bowl: Used to combine the hot sauce, melted butter, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika.

• Measuring cups: Used to measure out the hot sauce and melted butter accurately.

• Measuring spoons: Used to measure the garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika.

• Baking sheet: Used to place the chicken wings on for baking.

• Tongs: Used to turn the chicken wings halfway through the baking process.

• Basting brush: Optional, but can be used to apply extra sauce to the wings before serving.

• Serving platter: Used to serve the hot braised wings once they are done baking.

Pre-make the sauce: Mix the hot sauce, melted butter, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika ahead of time and store it in the fridge.

Use pre-cut wings: Buy pre-cut chicken wings to save time on prep.

Line the baking sheet: Use parchment paper or aluminum foil to line your baking sheet for easy cleanup.

Batch cooking: Double the recipe and freeze half for a quick meal later.

Preheat the oven: Start preheating the oven while you prepare the wings to save time.