Ingredients

For the Chicken Wings:

• Chicken wings: 1 kg
• Soy sauce: 3-4 tbsp (adjust depending on the saltiness of the soy sauce)
• Garlic: 3 cloves, minced
• Black ground pepper: To taste

For the Sweet and Spicy Sauce:

• Butter: 50 g
• Tomato paste: 50 g
• Brown sugar: 30 g
• Salt: 1/3 tsp (or to taste)
• Hot pepper: To taste (you can use fresh chili, cayenne, or hot sauce)
• Garlic: 1 clove, minced
• Black ground pepper: To taste

Instructions (Step-by-Step)

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken Wings

• Prepare the marinade: In a large mixing bowl, combine soy sauce, minced garlic (from 3 cloves), and black ground pepper. Adjust the amount of soy sauce depending on its saltiness and your personal preference.
• Marinate the wings: Add the chicken wings to the marinade, making sure they are evenly coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let the wings marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. For a more intense flavor, you can marinate them for up to 2 hours.

Step 2: Bake the Chicken Wings

• Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 220°C (425°F) to ensure the wings cook evenly and get a nice crisp texture.
• Arrange the wings: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil for easy cleanup. Place the marinated wings in a single layer on the sheet, making sure there is some space between them for proper air circulation.
• Bake the wings: Place the baking sheet in the oven at a level slightly above the middle. Bake for 20-25 minutes, turning the wings halfway through the cooking time to ensure they crisp up evenly on both sides. The wings should be golden brown with crispy skin.

Step 3: Prepare the Sweet and Spicy Sauce

• Melt the butter: While the wings are baking, prepare the sauce. In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat, being careful not to burn it.
• Combine the sauce ingredients: Add the tomato paste, brown sugar, salt, hot pepper (chopped or in sauce form), minced garlic (from 1 clove), and black ground pepper to the melted butter. Stir the mixture continuously until everything is well combined and the sugar has dissolved.
• Avoid boiling the sauce: Keep the heat at a low simmer and avoid boiling the sauce to prevent it from separating. Cook for about 2-3 minutes until the sauce is smooth and glossy.

Step 4: Toss the Wings in Sauce

• Coat the wings: Once the wings are done baking, transfer them to a large bowl. Pour the sweet and spicy sauce over the hot wings and toss them to ensure they are fully coated.
• Let the wings rest: Allow the wings to sit in the sauce for 5-10 minutes. This resting time lets the flavors meld together and ensures the wings absorb the sauce.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!

• Serve: Transfer the wings to a serving platter and enjoy them hot! These wings pair wonderfully with celery sticks, ranch or blue cheese dressing, and an ice-cold drink. The combination of crispy skin, tender meat, and the sweet and spicy sauce makes for an unforgettable meal.

Cooking Tips

• Crispier wings: To achieve extra crispy skin, pat the wings dry with a paper towel before marinating. Removing excess moisture helps them crisp up better in the oven.
• Marinating longer: While 30 minutes is sufficient, marinating the wings for a few hours or even overnight will result in more flavorful wings.
• Control the spice level: Adjust the amount of hot pepper to your taste. If you prefer a milder version, use less chili or opt for a mild hot sauce. For a spicier kick, you can add more chili flakes or a hotter variety of chili peppers.
• Using fresh garlic: Freshly minced garlic offers the best flavor, but you can substitute it with garlic powder if needed. Use 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder per clove of garlic.
• Broiling option: If you want extra crispy wings, you can broil them for the last 3-4 minutes of baking. Just be sure to keep an eye on them to avoid burning.

Storage

• Refrigeration: Store leftover baked wings in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the oven at 180°C (350°F) for about 10 minutes to retain their crispy texture.
• Freezing: You can freeze the baked wings without the sauce. Place the wings in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. Reheat from frozen by baking at 200°C (400°F) for 15-20 minutes, then toss in the sauce.

Nutritional Facts (Per Serving)

• Calories: 310
• Protein: 20 g
• Carbohydrates: 8 g
• Fat: 22 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 900 mg
• Cholesterol: 85 mg

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use frozen wings?
   • Yes, you can use frozen wings, but make sure to thaw them completely before marinating. Pat them dry with a paper towel to remove any excess moisture, which helps achieve crispy skin.
2. Can I grill the wings instead of baking them?
   • Absolutely! You can grill the wings over medium heat for about 20 minutes, turning them frequently for even cooking. Once done, toss them in the sauce as described in the recipe.
3. Can I make the sauce in advance?
   • Yes, you can prepare the sauce up to a day ahead and store it in the refrigerator. When ready to use, simply reheat it gently on the stove until it’s warm and pourable.
4. What if my sauce separates?
   • If the sauce separates, it might be due to overheating. To fix it, whisk in a little more warm water or milk while stirring continuously over low heat. This should bring the sauce back together.
5. Can I make the wings less sweet?
   • Yes, you can adjust the sweetness by reducing the amount of brown sugar in the sauce. If you prefer a tangier sauce, you can also add a splash of vinegar to balance the flavors.

Conclusion

Baked Chicken Wings with Sweet and Spicy Sauce is an easy, versatile dish that’s perfect for casual dinners or parties. The combination of tender, marinated wings baked to crispy perfection and coated in a rich, flavorful sauce creates a mouthwatering experience. By baking the wings, you cut down on the fat content, making this a healthier alternative to fried wings. Plus, with a customizable sauce, you can adjust the heat and sweetness to your preference.

This recipe offers an excellent blend of savory, sweet, and spicy flavors that will leave you reaching for more. Serve them with your favorite dipping sauce and sides, and watch them disappear in no time. Enjoy your delicious wings!