Firecracker Chicken Wings

The Firecracker sauce while baking undergoes a transformation into this magnificent glaze. Bath the wings in the glaze for a glorious coating and they are just finger licking good.

A couple of weeks ago we dined at one of our favorite restaurants with another couple. Every part of the meal was fabulous but this one condiment sauce they made resonated with all of us. It was their Firecracker Sauce that was served with calamari. I have actually purchased some calamari rings and plan on making them at home; that is however, for another day and another post.


What I decided to do was to make it and use it as a basting sauce for chicken wings I picked up on that same grocery trip. A smaller pack of wings is ten. Split them up (the wings) for 20 portions of wings and drummettes.

For those of you new to sriracha, it is said to have originated in Si Racha in Thailand. It is widely used in Asian cuisines as a condiment or added to various broths. Sriracha is available in any grocery store and can be found in the international isle. It's made with chili pepper paste, distilled vinegar, garlic and salt. The brand I have is Roland and they do list sugar as one of the ingredients.

Firecracker Sauce:

• 1/2 cup honey
• 3 tbsp.soy sauce
• 3 tbsp. sriracha
• 1 tsp. garlic - finely minced
• 1/2 tsp. ginger - finely minced or 1/4 tsp. dried ginger
• juice from 1/2 of a lime

1. In a bowl combine all the ingredients listed above. Make sure you mix well using a whisk.
2. Makes about 7 ounces of sauce
3. Set aside and begin the chicken preparation.

Chicken:

• chicken wings
• 1/2 cup light brown sugar
• 1/8 tsp. cayenne pepper
• big pinch kosher salt
• cooking spray

1. Prepare the firecracker sauce.
2. Wash the chicken under cold water. Dry thoroughly on paper towels. Remove the wingtips and split the wing from the drummette.
3. Preheat your oven to 475°.
4. In a bowl mix the brown sugar, cayenne pepper and salt until well incorporated.
5. Rub the wings all over with the brown sugar mixture.
6. Place the chicken wings on a foil lined baking sheet sprayed with lots of cooking spray. Bake skin side down for 6 minutes on a middle oven rack, and then  flip over, baste with the firecracker sauce and bake for another 6 minutes.
7. Remove the wings from the oven. With the glaze that has started to form, using tongs roll the chicken wings in it (the accumulation is mostly toward the sides of the baking sheet). Place skin side up, pour on the remainder of the sauce and bake for 8 minutes.
8. After the 8 minutes, flip them over one more time and bake for 8 minutes. At the end of 8 minutes remove the pan and once again bath the wings in the glaze that is forming.
9. Place them back in the oven and BROIL for about 3 minutes. Remove them from the oven and swirl in the glaze and add the wings to a platter.
10. Total baking and broiling time is 31 minutes.

 

This doesn't take a lot of time but there is a little fussing that's involved. It's worth it. Truly worth it. The chicken is perfectly cooked and the glaze that forms is, as I said, "finger licking good". There is a balance of sweet and heat in the glaze and just a pop of tang ~ the acidity from the lime juice. The sriracha adds the heat and it is a slow, gentle heat that you may not get immediately until you feel that tingle in the back of your throat. It's all good.

Chicken wings are one of the most popular items to have at any party, picnic, or for any gathering you can imagine. These Firecracker Chicken Wings will be a HUGE hit at any summer celebration you host or attend. They are also fantastic for tailgating - make them the day before and warm them up quickly on your grill top when you are ready to eat.

My package of wings was over 2 1/2 pounds and cost $7.86. The sauce cost about 2.68 to make, $10.54 total cost. Feeds 4 at $2.63 each for the wings. I had watermelon and tuna macaroni salad from Memorial Day so that rounded out the meal.

Make your summer parties sizzle with Firecracker Chicken Wings. Don't forget the juicy watermelon and some good homemade Tuna Macaroni Salad. And of course a beverage is always a good thing. My daughter led me to this great margarita mix called Ripe which is available in our local package store in the refrigerated section. Add some Camarena Tequila and you have yourself a tasty Margarita!

(I am being a little silly here - but the name of the tequila "Camarena" reminds me of the song, "Macarena". So I have included the song video from You Tube®. Enjoy) Girls night in? Firecracker Chicken Wings and Margaritas and the Macarena!

If you love CHICKEN WINGS, check out these other posts:

• Crispy Curried Baked Chicken
• Spicy Maple Glazed Chicken Wings
• Buffalo Wings
• Grilled Chicken Wings with Asian Barbecue Sauce
• Oven Fried Chicken Wings

And for some of the best ever chicken:

• Crispy Chicken Under Brick
• Country Fried Chicken Tenders
• Roasted Chicken with Lemon, Thyme and Dill
• Marinated and Grilled Chicken Thighs