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Introducing the wings that will make everyone at the table ask for seconds: Bang Bang Wings. They’re not just wings; they’re a crispy, saucy celebration of flavor, balancing sweet, spicy, and savory in each bite.
The Best Bang Bang Wings
Let me tell you about these Bang Bang Wings – they’re a game changer in the world of homemade wings. Imagine biting into perfectly crispy wings, coated in a sauce that’s the perfect blend of spicy, sweet, and tangy; it’s like a flavor party in your mouth. And the best part? They’re so easy to make right in your own kitchen. Trust me, once you try these, you’ll be making them for every occasion – they’re that irresistible!
Pro Tip
Don’t skip the marinating time. Let those wings sit in the fridge with the seasoning for at least an hour, or better yet, overnight. This is your secret weapon to achieving that deep, infused flavor and the crispiest texture.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The Wings
- Chicken Wings: The star of the show! These are what we’ll be flavoring and crisping up in the oven. If you don’t have any wings, you could also use drumsticks or bone-in chicken thighs.
- Baking Powder: This is my little trick for getting the skin super crispy. There’s really no substitute for this in achieving the same effect.
- Salt and Pepper: Season to taste.
- Garlic Powder: For that garlicky kick. If you’re out, try garlic salt, but then reduce the added salt.
The Bang Bang Sauce
- Mayonnaise: Homemade or store bought are both great. Greek yogurt can be a lighter substitute.
- Sriracha Sauce: This brings the heat. If you want something milder, sweet chili sauce is a great alternative.
- Honey: It adds sweetness and balances the heat. Maple syrup can work as a substitute.
- Rice Vinegar: Adds a tangy touch. White wine vinegar could be used in a pinch.
Garnish
- Sesame Seeds: They add a nice, nutty crunch. If you don’t have these, they can be skipped.
- Green Onions: They give a fresh, sharp flavor to top it all off. Chives would also work well.
Marinate The Wings
First up, let’s marinate the wings. Grab a large bowl and toss the chicken wings with baking powder, salt, pepper, and garlic powder until they’re well-coated. The secret here is the marinating time – let them sit in the refrigerator for at least an hour, or overnight for the best flavor infusion.
Prep For Baking
Next, it’s time to get your oven ready. Preheat it to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil for easy cleanup, and place a wire rack over it. This setup allows the heat to circulate around the wings, ensuring they get nice and crispy all over.
Bake The Wings
Now, arrange the wings on the wire rack in a single layer. This helps them cook evenly and get that perfect crispiness. Bake them in the preheated oven for about 45 minutes. What you’re looking for is that beautiful golden color and a crispy texture.
Make The Bang Bang Sauce
While the wings are doing their thing in the oven, let’s whip up the Bang Bang sauce. In a bowl, mix together mayonnaise, sriracha (or sweet chili sauce, if you’re not a fan of too much heat), honey, and rice vinegar. Adjust the spiciness to suit your taste.
Finishing Touches
Once the wings are done, let them cool slightly – just enough so you can handle them. Toss the wings in the Bang Bang sauce until they’re completely coated. Then, sprinkle sesame seeds and chopped green onions over the top.
How To Serve
While you can most certainly serve these as an appetizers, you can also make a complete meal with them! Here are some of my go-to recipes to serve alongside these wings:
Common Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make Bang Bang Wings ahead of time?
Yes, you can! Prepare and marinate the wings, then store them in the refrigerator overnight. This actually enhances the flavor. Bake them just before you’re ready to serve. The sauce can also be made a day ahead and refrigerated.
Can I make these Bang Bang Wings in an air fryer?
Absolutely! Air fryers are a fantastic way to get these wings nice and crispy. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Cook the wings for about 20-25 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through cooking. Just remember, due to space constraints, you might need to cook them in batches. Once they’re crispy and cooked through, toss them in the Bang Bang sauce as usual.
Can I use frozen chicken wings for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken wings. Just make sure to thaw them completely before seasoning and baking. This ensures they cook evenly and get that perfect crispiness.
What’s the purpose of baking powder in the recipe?
Baking powder is a little trick that helps make the skin of the wings crispy when baked. It reacts with the skin, helping it to dry out and become crispy in the oven.
Expert Tips
- Pat the Wings Dry: Before seasoning, pat the chicken wings dry with paper towels. This removes excess moisture and helps the baking powder and seasonings adhere better, resulting in crispier skin.
- Space Out the Wings: When baking or air frying, arrange the wings in a single layer with space between them. This allows for even cooking and ensures each wing gets perfectly crispy.
- Use Aluminum Foil and a Rack: Line your baking sheet with aluminum foil and place a wire rack over it. This setup prevents sticking and allows air to circulate around the wings, promoting even crisping.
- Adjust Sauce to Taste: Tailor the Bang Bang sauce to your preference. Start with less hot sauce and gradually add more until it reaches your desired level of heat.
Storage
To store any leftover Bang Bang Wings, place them in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. If you’re planning on freezing these, I recommend freezing the sauce separately from the wings. To do so, freeze the wings on a baking sheet, and then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven or air fryer for best results.
Want More Chicken Wings?
- Buffalo Wings
- Garlic Parmesan Wings
- Thai Chicken Wings
- Coca Cola Chicken Wings
- Sticky Honey Soy Chicken Wings
Bang Bang Wings
Equipment
Ingredients
For the Wings:
- 2 pounds chicken wings split at the joints, tips removed
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
For the Bang Bang Sauce:
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons sriracha sauce or sweet chili sauce
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon rice vinegar
For Garnish:
- sesame seeds
- green onions chopped
Instructions
- In a large bowl, toss the chicken wings with baking powder, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Ensure they are well-coated. Let them marinate in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour, or overnight for best results.
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and place a wire rack over it.
- Arrange the wings on the wire rack in a single layer. Bake in the preheated oven for about 45 minutes, or until they are golden and crispy.
- While the wings are baking, mix together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, honey, hot sauce, and rice vinegar in a bowl. Adjust the hot sauce to your liking for the perfect balance of heat and sweetness.
- Once the wings are done, let them cool slightly, then toss them in the Bang Bang sauce until they're well coated.
- Sprinkle sesame seeds and chopped green onions over the wings for an extra touch of flavor and presentation.
Tips & Notes:
- Ensure Wings are Dry: For the crispiest results, pat the wings dry thoroughly before seasoning.
- Adjust Spice Level: Feel free to tweak the amount of sriracha in the sauce to suit your spice preference.
- Bake on a Rack: Use a wire rack on your baking sheet for even heat circulation and crispier wings.
- Room Temperature Wings: For even cooking, let the wings sit at room temperature for about 20 minutes before baking.
- Stir Sauce Well: Mix the Bang Bang sauce ingredients thoroughly for a consistent flavor in every bite.
