Why you should cook hot wings
This method ensures you get crispy skin without needing a deep fat fryer. Baking the chicken allows the fat to render out while keeping the inside juicy and tender. Adding the sauce at the end keeps the texture right while providing plenty of flavour. Hot wings are a reliable option when you want a satisfying snack that does not take hours of preparation.
How to get hot wings ready
Prepare the chicken: Preheat your oven to 200C and line a large baking tray with baking paper. Place the chicken wings into a large mixing bowl and drizzle them with the vegetable oil. Toss the wings until they are evenly coated. Sprinkle over the salt and black pepper before mixing once more.
Bake until crispy: Spread the wings out in a single layer on the prepared baking tray. Ensure there is enough space between them so they cook evenly and become crispy. Place the tray in the middle of the oven and bake for about 30 minutes. Turn the wings over halfway through the cooking time to ensure both sides are browned.
Make the sauce: While the chicken is in the oven, place the butter and honey in a small saucepan over low heat. Once the butter has melted, pour in the hot pepper sauce and stir until combined. Let the sauce simmer gently for two minutes then remove it from the heat. This mixture will provide the classic flavour for your hot wings.
Coat and serve: Take the crispy wings out of the oven and put them back into a clean mixing bowl. Pour the warm sauce over the chicken and toss everything together until every piece is well coated. Serve the hot wings immediately while they are still warm and crunchy. You can add extra sauce on the side if you like more heat.
Important tips for hot wings
For the crispiest hot wings, make sure the chicken is completely dry before you add the oil and seasoning. You can use kitchen paper to pat each wing dry which helps the skin crisp up much better in the oven. If you prefer a thicker sauce, let it simmer for a few extra minutes to reduce and thicken slightly. Do not overcrowd the baking tray as this will cause the chicken to steam rather than roast.
You can also add a little garlic powder to the dry rub for extra depth of flavour. If you are making these for children, you might want to reduce the amount of spicy sauce or use a milder version. Always serve them fresh as the skin will soften if they sit in the sauce for too long. Indulge in these hot wings while they are at their absolute best directly from the oven.
Find more ideas here:
rice salad,
fried rice with turkey or
pitta bread with chicken.
