The Best Bang Bang Chicken Wings

If you’re craving a finger-licking appetizer, The Best Bang Bang Chicken Wings are your go-to choice! These crispy wings are coated in a delightful blend of spices and tossed in a creamy, spicy sauce that brings the perfect balance of flavors. They’re perfect for game days, parties, or any casual gathering.

Ingredients

For the Chicken Wings:
2 lbs chicken wings
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 cup cornstarch
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
1 tsp paprika
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1 cup buttermilk
Vegetable oil for frying

For the Bang Bang Sauce:
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1/4 cup sweet chili sauce
2 tbsp sriracha
1 tbsp honey
1 tbsp rice vinegar
1 garlic clove, minced

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Chicken Wings:
    Pat the chicken wings dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
  2. Mix the Coating:
    In a large bowl, combine the flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
  3. Coat the Wings:
    Dip the wings in buttermilk, then dredge them in the flour mixture, ensuring they are evenly coated.
  4. Heat the Oil:
    Heat vegetable oil in a deep fryer or large pot to 350°F (175°C).
  5. Fry the Wings:
    Fry the wings in batches until golden brown and crispy, about 8-10 minutes per batch.
  6. Drain the Wings:
    Use a slotted spoon to transfer the wings to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
  7. Prepare the Bang Bang Sauce:
    In a bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, rice vinegar, and minced garlic.
  8. Coat the Wings in Sauce:
    Toss the crispy wings in the Bang Bang sauce until evenly coated.
  9. Serve:
    Serve the wings immediately, garnished with extra sauce if desired.

Servings and Timing

This recipe serves approximately 4 people. The prep time is about 15 minutes, with a total cooking time of approximately 15 minutes, bringing the total time to around 30 minutes.

Variations

  • Spicy Twist: Adjust the amount of sriracha to increase the heat level.
  • Gluten-Free Option: Use a gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose flour.
  • Oven-Baked: For a healthier version, bake the wings at 425°F (220°C) for 30-40 minutes, turning halfway through, instead of frying.

Storage/Reheating

Store any leftover wings in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in an oven preheated to 375°F (190°C) for about 10-15 minutes until heated through and crispy.

10 FAQs

  1. Can I use frozen chicken wings?
    Yes, just make sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before coating.
  2. What if I don’t have buttermilk?
    You can make a quick substitute by mixing 1 cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice.
  3. Can I prepare the wings in advance?
    Yes, you can coat them in the flour mixture and refrigerate until you’re ready to fry.
  4. What type of oil is best for frying?
    Vegetable oil or peanut oil is ideal due to their high smoke points.
  5. Can I bake these wings instead of frying?
    Yes, baking is a great alternative for a healthier option.
  6. How can I make the sauce thicker?
    Add more mayonnaise to thicken the sauce to your desired consistency.
  7. What can I serve with these wings?
    They pair well with celery sticks, carrot sticks, and ranch or blue cheese dressing.
  8. How spicy are these wings?
    They have a mild to medium heat level, but you can adjust the sriracha to your taste.
  9. Can I freeze the cooked wings?
    Yes, you can freeze cooked wings for up to 2 months. Reheat from frozen.
  10. Are these wings kid-friendly?
    Yes, they are generally well-received by kids, but you may want to reduce the sriracha for milder flavor.

Conclusion

The Best Bang Bang Chicken Wings are a crowd-pleasing treat that combines the crunch of fried wings with a creamy, spicy sauce. Whether for a party or a casual night in, these wings are sure to impress and satisfy any craving. Enjoy every delicious bite!

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