The anticipation of watching a game with friends is heightened when there’s a platter of mouthwatering chicken wings involved. But here’s the thing: making wings is actually incredibly easy! You don’t need fancy flavors or complicated recipes. All you need are the right ingredients, a ChefAlarm®, and a Thermapen®. Let’s dive into how you can make the perfect batch of wings in no time.
Chicken Wings: A Brief History Lesson
These delectable bar snacks originated from the Anchor Bar in Buffalo, New York. Back in 1964, Teressa Bellissimo took some chicken wings, which were usually reserved for stock, and deep-fried them as a favor for her son’s friends at the bar. She added her secret sauce to the crispy wings, and it was an instant hit! From then on, chicken wings became a regular menu item, known simply as “chicken wings” by the locals. Wings gained national popularity in the 1980s when fast-food chains started serving them, and now they’re a staple, especially during football season.
The Perfect Temperature for Fried Wings
Although you can bake or grill chicken wings, the traditional way to cook them is by deep-frying. However, deep-frying bone-in wings can be a bit tricky. The standard oil temperature for achieving a crispy exterior is 375°F (191°C), but this can lead to overcooked skin while the meat is still reaching its perfect doneness temperature of 165°F (74°C). To prevent this, aim for a lower temperature of 350°F (177°C). You can easily monitor your oil temperature with the ChefAlarm leave-in probe thermometer, which is ideal for deep-frying. It not only helps you reach the desired temperature but also ensures that the oil doesn’t get too hot during cooking.
Monitoring your oil temperature is essential for perfectly cooked wings.
The Key to a Tasty Sauce
The classic chicken wing sauce requires just two ingredients: Louisiana-style hot sauce (usually Frank’s) and melted butter. It may sound too simple, but there’s a trick to take it to the next level. Preheat your sauce to around 110°F (43°C) using your Thermapen, and then whisk in cool, cut-up pieces of butter. This emulsion technique creates a thicker, more flavorful sauce that clings perfectly to the wings.
The Crispiest Chicken Wings Recipe
Ingredients:
- 4 lbs. chicken wings
- Peanut oil, for frying
- 1 cup Frank’s Red Hot sauce
- 1/2 cup butter, cut into pieces
- Chunky bleu cheese dressing, for dipping
- Celery sticks
Delicious fried chicken wings.
Method:
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Heat peanut oil in a dutch oven over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (177°C), and monitor the temperature using your ChefAlarm.
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Pat the chicken wings dry with paper towels.
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Carefully add the wings to the hot oil using a slotted spoon or a spider, frying them for 7-10 minutes. Avoid overcrowding the pan and fry in batches if necessary.
Fry the wings in batches for best results. -
While the wings are cooking, heat the hot sauce in a small pot over medium-low heat until it reaches 110°F (43°C). Remove from heat.
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Whisk one or two pieces of butter into the hot sauce until completely melted.
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Add the remaining butter and whisk until fully incorporated. Set the sauce aside.
Emulsify the butter in the warmed hot sauce to create a flavorful chicken wings sauce. -
After 7 minutes, check the internal temperature of a few chicken wings with an instant-read digital thermometer, like the Thermapen®, to ensure it has reached 165°F (74°C). Remove them from the oil and let them drain on paper towels or a cooling rack.
Let the cooked wings drain before saucing. -
Allow the oil temperature to return to 350°F (177°C) before adding more wings.
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Once all the wings are cooked and drained, place them in a large bowl, add the hot sauce, and toss to coat evenly. Serve with chunky bleu cheese dressing, celery sticks, and enjoy!
Crispy and spicy chicken wings.
Making wings at home is a breeze, especially if you already have the right tools for deep frying. Remember to monitor your oil temperature with the ChefAlarm and check the final temperature of your wings with the Thermapen to ensure perfection. Your football party will be the talk of the town!
For more mouthwatering chicken wing recipes, check out our recipe for grilled wings.
Shop now for products used in this post: Family Cuisine
