Chicken wings have become a beloved American staple, with billions consumed annually, especially during major sporting events like the Super Bowl. From national chains to local pubs, these crispy delights are a menu mainstay. While wing prices have fluctuated in recent years, demand remains strong, proving America's enduring love for this savory snack.
For those who prefer preparing wings at home, a simple yet delicious recipe is readily available. This method involves brining the wings for optimal tenderness, baking them to crispy perfection, and then coating them in a vibrant, spicy mango sauce. Whether you're hosting a game day gathering or simply craving a tasty treat, this recipe is sure to satisfy.
Baking the Perfect Chicken Wing
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 3 tablespoons salt
- 3 cups water
- 1 pound chicken wings
Start by brining the chicken wings in a mixture of water, salt, and baking powder for two hours in the refrigerator. This process helps to retain the moisture and tenderness of the chicken. Preheat your oven to 425°F. Lightly oil a baking sheet to prevent sticking, then arrange the brined wings in a single layer. Bake for 30 minutes, flipping halfway through. For extra crispy wings, continue baking for another 10-15 minutes, checking every 5 minutes until the desired crispness is achieved.
The sweetness of mango balances the heat from Hungarian wax peppers in this wing sauce. (iStock)
Crafting the Spicy Mango Sauce
- 2 Hungarian wax peppers (8-12 inches long)
- ¼ cup diced mango
- 3 fresh garlic cloves
- ¼ cup water
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
Heat one tablespoon of oil in a pan over medium heat. Add two whole Hungarian wax peppers (8-12 inches long), stems intact, and cook until softened. In a separate pan, soften three unpeeled garlic cloves with ¼ cup of water over medium heat for 10 minutes, flipping as needed to prevent burning. Once softened, peel and cool the garlic.
In a blender, combine the cooked garlic, water, melted butter, salt, and pepper. Blend until smooth. Remove the stems from the Hungarian wax peppers, and add the peppers (with or without seeds, depending on your spice preference) to the blender. Blend until smooth. Finally, add the diced mango and blend until the sauce reaches a smooth consistency, resembling applesauce.
Buffalo Wild Wings is a popular restaurant chain known for its chicken wings and diverse sauces. (Buffalo Wild Wings)
For a thicker sauce, toss the baked wings immediately in the blended mixture. For a thinner sauce, strain the mixture through cheesecloth over a bowl for 24 hours, stirring occasionally. Reheat the strained sauce before tossing with the wings.
Chicken wings are a popular bar food throughout the U.S. (Smith Collection/Gado/Getty Images)
