If you're craving chicken wings with a kick, these Bang Bang Chicken Wings are the perfect recipe to spice up your next meal. Coated with a flavourful spice rub and baked to crispy perfection, these wings are then tossed in a sweet, tangy, and spicy Bang Bang sauce that will leave you licking your fingers. Whether you're serving these wings for a family dinner, game day, or a casual gathering, they are guaranteed to impress. Written by Ally Cohen.
Bang Bang Sauce Ingredients
The secret to these wings lies in the Bang Bang sauce, which is both spicy and sweet, with just the right amount of tang. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 cup mayonnaise: The base of the sauce, providing creaminess.
- 1/4 cup sweet chili sauce: Adds sweetness and a mild heat.
- 2 tbsp sriracha: For a spicier kick.
- 1 tbsp red pepper flakes: Adjust this according to your spice tolerance.
- 1 tbsp maple syrup or honey: Balances the heat with a touch of sweetness.
- 1 tsp lemon juice: Adds brightness and acidity to the sauce.
- Zest of one lemon: Provides a fresh, citrusy flavour.
Chicken Wings Ingredients
For the wings themselves, you’ll need a combination of spices that enhance their natural flavour:
- 1 kg chicken wings: Fresh or frozen, just make sure they’re thawed if using frozen wings.
- 1/2 tsp salt: To season and bring out the flavours.
- 1/2 tsp black pepper: Adds a bit of bite.
- 2 tsp garlic powder: Provides depth of flavour.
- 2 tsp onion powder: Complements the garlic.
- 1.5 tsp smoked paprika: Adds a smoky undertone.
- 1 tsp chili powder: For a touch of heat.
- 1 tsp brown sugar: Balances the savoury spices with a hint of sweetness.
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning: Adds herbaceous notes to the wings.
- Olive oil: To coat the wings and help the spices adhere.
How to Make Bang Bang Chicken Wings
1. Prepare the Bang Bang Sauce
Begin by making the Bang Bang sauce. In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, red pepper flakes, maple syrup (or honey), lemon juice, and lemon zest. Mix until smooth and well combined. Set the sauce aside until the wings are ready.
2. Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 220°C. This high heat will help the wings become crispy on the outside while remaining juicy on the inside.
3. Season the Chicken Wings
In a large mixing bowl, place your chicken wings. Drizzle with a bit of olive oil to act as a binder. Then, sprinkle the wings with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, chili powder, brown sugar, and Italian seasoning. Toss the wings until they are evenly coated with the spice mixture.
4. Bake the Chicken Wings
Arrange the seasoned chicken wings on a baking tray lined with parchment paper or a wire rack. Make sure they are not crowded, so they cook evenly and become crispy. Bake the wings for 20 minutes, then flip them over and bake for another 20 minutes. This ensures that both sides are crispy and fully cooked.
5. Coat the Wings in Bang Bang Sauce
Once the wings are fully cooked, remove them from the oven and toss them in the Bang Bang sauce. Be sure each wing is well coated in the delicious sauce. After tossing, return the wings to the oven for an additional 5 minutes. This helps the sauce set and gives the wings a beautiful glaze.
6. Serve and Enjoy!
Your Bang Bang Chicken Wings are now ready to serve. Pair them with your favourite dipping sauces, a side of crispy fries, or a simple salad to balance the heat. These wings are perfect for any occasion and are sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
Kid-Friendly Version: Mild Bang Bang Chicken Wings
For a more kid-friendly version of the Bang Bang Chicken Wings, we can tone down the spice while keeping all the flavour. Here’s how to adjust the recipe for little ones:
Bang Bang Sauce (Kid-Friendly)
- 1 cup mayonnaise: Creamy and mild.
- 1/4 cup sweet chili sauce: Provides sweetness and a very mild heat.
- 1 tbsp maple syrup or honey: Adds extra sweetness.
- 1 tsp lemon juice: For a hint of tang.
- Lemon zest: Optional, but adds a bright, fresh flavour.
Note: Omit the sriracha and red pepper flakes to keep the sauce mild.
Wings (Kid-Friendly)
- 1 kg chicken wings
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 2 tsp garlic powder
- 2 tsp onion powder
- 1.5 tsp smoked paprika: Use regular paprika for an even milder taste.
- 1 tsp brown sugar
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Olive oil
Note: Omit the chili powder to avoid adding heat to the wings.
Instructions for Kid-Friendly Version
- Follow the same process for preparing and seasoning the wings.
- Cook the wings at 220°C for 20 minutes on each side.
- Toss the wings in the mild Bang Bang sauce and return them to the oven for 5 more minutes.
- Serve with a cooling dip like ranch or mayonnaise for kids to enjoy.
This kid-friendly version retains the same delicious flavours but with much less heat, making it perfect for family meals where everyone can enjoy the wings together.
Whether you go for the classic spicy Bang Bang Chicken Wings or the milder, kid-friendly version, these wings will be a hit at any gathering. They’re crispy, juicy, and packed with flavour, making them an irresistible option for all wing lovers. Enjoy!
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