Chicken wings in spicy spices

Spicy chicken wings are a perfect appetizer or party snack. Here’s a recipe for making flavorful, spicy chicken wings coated in a blend of spices:

Ingredients

• For the Chicken Wings:

  • 2 lbs (900 g) chicken wings, separated into drumettes and flats
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste

• For the Spice Mix:

  • 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
  • 1 tablespoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste for spiciness)
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano or thyme
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried parsley (optional)
  • 1/2 teaspoon brown sugar (optional, for a hint of sweetness)

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Wings:

   • Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
   • Pat the chicken wings dry with paper towels. This helps them become crispy.
   • Toss the wings in a large bowl with olive oil, salt, and pepper.

2. Prepare the Spice Mix:

   • In a small bowl, mix together the smoked paprika, chili powder, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, cumin, dried parsley, and brown sugar if using.

3. Coat the Wings:

   • Sprinkle the spice mix over the chicken wings. Toss the wings until they are evenly coated with the spices. You can also place the wings and spice mix in a large resealable bag and shake to coat.

4. Bake the Wings:

   • Arrange the seasoned wings in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a wire rack (set over a baking sheet to catch drips). If using a wire rack, this will help the wings become extra crispy.
   • Bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, turning halfway through, until the wings are crispy and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).

5. Serve:

   • Remove the wings from the oven and let them rest for a few minutes.
   • Serve the wings with your favorite dipping sauces such as ranch, blue cheese, or a side of celery and carrot sticks.

Tips

• Marinating: For extra flavor, you can marinate the wings in the spice mix for a few hours or overnight before baking.
• Frying Option: If you prefer a fried version, you can fry the wings in hot oil at 375°F (190°C) for about 8-10 minutes until crispy, then toss them in the spice mix.
• Spicy Adjustments: Adjust the amount of cayenne pepper to control the heat level according to your preference.

Enjoy your spicy, crispy chicken wings!