Kroger Home Chef Meets Frank’s RedHot: The Ultimate Wing Recipe Guide

Italian Chef Team

3 months ago

Kroger Home Chef Meets Frank’s RedHot: The Ultimate Wing Recipe Guide

Are you ready to elevate your wing game to a whole new level? Combining the convenience of Kroger Home Chef with the fiery zest of Frank’s RedHot sauce creates a wing experience that’s both easy and incredibly delicious. This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know to create the perfect Frank’s RedHot wings using Kroger Home Chef ingredients. From prepping your wings to mastering the sauce, we’ve got you covered. Get ready to impress your friends and family with restaurant-quality wings made right in your own kitchen!

## Why Kroger Home Chef and Frank’s RedHot are a Winning Combination

Kroger Home Chef is renowned for its pre-portioned ingredients and easy-to-follow recipes, taking the hassle out of meal preparation. Frank’s RedHot sauce, on the other hand, is a beloved classic known for its perfect blend of heat and flavor. Together, they offer a winning combination for creating consistently delicious and satisfying wings.

* **Convenience:** Kroger Home Chef delivers fresh, pre-portioned ingredients directly to your door or makes them readily available at your local Kroger store. This eliminates the need for extensive grocery shopping and ensures you have everything you need.
* **Flavor Consistency:** Frank’s RedHot provides a reliably delicious flavor profile that is easy to replicate every time. Its tangy, spicy kick is the perfect complement to crispy, juicy wings.
* **Reduced Prep Time:** With Kroger Home Chef, many of the tedious tasks like chopping vegetables and measuring spices are already done for you, saving you valuable time in the kitchen.
* **Customization:** While we’ll provide a specific recipe, both Kroger Home Chef and Frank’s RedHot offer flexibility for customization. You can adjust the amount of sauce to control the heat level or add your own favorite seasonings for a personal touch.

## Essential Ingredients from Kroger Home Chef

Before we dive into the recipe, let’s make sure you have all the necessary ingredients from Kroger Home Chef. While specific Home Chef wing kits may vary, here’s a general list of what you’ll likely need, along with potential substitutions if a specific kit isn’t available:

* **Fresh Chicken Wings:** The star of the show! Look for pre-cut wings or drumettes in the Kroger Home Chef section. If they’re not available, you can easily purchase fresh wings from the meat department.
* **Kroger Home Chef Seasoning Blend:** Many Home Chef kits include a unique seasoning blend designed to complement the dish. If your kit doesn’t include a dedicated wing seasoning, opt for a blend containing garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
* **Optional Vegetables:** Some kits may include vegetables like celery or carrots for serving alongside the wings. These are a great addition for a complete appetizer or meal.
* **Cooking Oil:** You’ll need a neutral cooking oil with a high smoke point for frying or baking the wings. Vegetable oil, canola oil, or peanut oil are all good choices.

## Core Ingredients for Frank’s RedHot Wing Sauce

While Kroger Home Chef provides the foundation, Frank’s RedHot sauce is essential for that signature wing flavor. Here’s what you’ll need for the sauce:

* **Frank’s RedHot Original Cayenne Pepper Sauce:** This is the key ingredient! Don’t substitute with another brand, as Frank’s RedHot has a unique flavor that’s hard to replicate. You can find it at most Kroger stores.
* **Unsalted Butter:** Butter adds richness and helps to emulsify the sauce, creating a smooth and glossy finish.
* **White Vinegar:** A touch of white vinegar balances the heat and adds a tangy edge to the sauce.
* **Worcestershire Sauce:** This adds depth and umami to the sauce, enhancing the overall flavor.
* **Garlic Powder (Optional):** For an extra layer of flavor, consider adding a pinch of garlic powder to the sauce.
* **Honey or Maple Syrup (Optional):** If you prefer a slightly sweeter sauce, add a touch of honey or maple syrup to taste.

## Recipe: Kroger Home Chef Frank’s RedHot Wings (Baked Version)

This recipe focuses on baking the wings for a healthier and less messy option. Baking also allows the wings to cook evenly and become perfectly crispy.

**Yields:** Approximately 2-3 servings
**Prep time:** 15 minutes
**Cook time:** 40-45 minutes

**Ingredients:**

* 1. 5 lbs Kroger Home Chef Chicken Wings (or fresh wings)
* 1 tbsp Kroger Home Chef Seasoning Blend (or a mix of garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper)
* 1 tbsp Cooking Oil (vegetable, canola, or peanut oil)
* ½ cup Frank’s RedHot Original Cayenne Pepper Sauce
* ¼ cup Unsalted Butter, melted
* 1 tbsp White Vinegar
* 1 tsp Worcestershire Sauce
* Optional: ¼ tsp Garlic Powder
* Optional: 1 tsp Honey or Maple Syrup
* Optional: Celery and carrot sticks for serving

**Equipment:**

* Large mixing bowl
* Baking sheet
* Wire rack (optional, for extra crispy wings)
* Small saucepan or microwave-safe bowl
* Whisk

**Instructions:**

**Step 1: Prepare the Wings**

1. **Preheat your oven:** Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). If you have a convection setting, you can use it for even crispier wings, reducing the temperature to 375°F (190°C).
2. **Prepare the baking sheet:** Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup. If you want extra crispy wings, place a wire rack on top of the baking sheet. This allows air to circulate around the wings, resulting in a crispier skin.
3. **Dry the wings:** Pat the chicken wings dry with paper towels. This is crucial for achieving crispy skin. Excess moisture will steam the wings instead of allowing them to crisp up.
4. **Season the wings:** In a large mixing bowl, toss the dried wings with the Kroger Home Chef Seasoning Blend and cooking oil. Make sure the wings are evenly coated with the seasoning. This will help create a flavorful crust during baking.

**Step 2: Bake the Wings**

1. **Arrange the wings:** Arrange the seasoned wings in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Make sure the wings are not overcrowded, as this will prevent them from crisping properly. If necessary, use two baking sheets.
2. **Bake the wings:** Bake the wings in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, or until they are cooked through and the skin is golden brown and crispy. Flip the wings halfway through the cooking time to ensure even browning.
3. **Check for doneness:** The wings are done when the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). You can use a meat thermometer to check the temperature. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the wing, avoiding the bone.

**Step 3: Prepare the Frank’s RedHot Sauce**

1. **Melt the butter:** In a small saucepan over low heat, melt the unsalted butter. Alternatively, you can melt the butter in a microwave-safe bowl in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until melted.
2. **Combine the ingredients:** Remove the melted butter from the heat and whisk in the Frank’s RedHot Original Cayenne Pepper Sauce, white vinegar, and Worcestershire sauce. If desired, add garlic powder and honey or maple syrup to taste. Whisk until all ingredients are well combined and the sauce is smooth.
3. **Adjust the flavor:** Taste the sauce and adjust the flavor as needed. If you want a spicier sauce, add more Frank’s RedHot. If you want a sweeter sauce, add more honey or maple syrup. If you want a tangier sauce, add a little more white vinegar.

**Step 4: Toss the Wings in Sauce**

1. **Toss the wings:** Once the wings are cooked and the sauce is prepared, transfer the baked wings to a clean mixing bowl.
2. **Coat the wings:** Pour the Frank’s RedHot sauce over the wings and toss gently to coat them evenly. Make sure all the wings are well coated with the sauce.

**Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!**

1. **Serve immediately:** Serve the Frank’s RedHot wings immediately while they are still hot and crispy.
2. **Garnish (Optional):** Garnish with chopped green onions or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for added visual appeal.
3. **Serve with sides:** Serve the wings with celery and carrot sticks and your favorite dipping sauces, such as blue cheese or ranch dressing.

## Recipe: Kroger Home Chef Frank’s RedHot Wings (Air Fryer Version)

Using an air fryer is a quick and easy way to make incredibly crispy wings with minimal oil. This method is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a last-minute appetizer.

**Yields:** Approximately 2-3 servings
**Prep time:** 15 minutes
**Cook time:** 20-25 minutes

**Ingredients:**

**Equipment:**

* Large mixing bowl
* Air fryer
* Small saucepan or microwave-safe bowl
* Whisk

**Instructions:**

**Step 1: Prepare the Wings**

1. **Preheat your air fryer:** Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 5 minutes.
2. **Dry the wings:** Pat the chicken wings dry with paper towels. This is crucial for achieving crispy skin. Excess moisture will steam the wings instead of allowing them to crisp up.
3. **Season the wings:** In a large mixing bowl, toss the dried wings with the Kroger Home Chef Seasoning Blend and cooking oil. Make sure the wings are evenly coated with the seasoning. This will help create a flavorful crust during air frying.

**Step 2: Air Fry the Wings**

1. **Arrange the wings:** Arrange the seasoned wings in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Make sure the wings are not overcrowded, as this will prevent them from crisping properly. You may need to cook the wings in batches.
2. **Air fry the wings:** Air fry the wings for 20-25 minutes, or until they are cooked through and the skin is golden brown and crispy. Flip the wings halfway through the cooking time to ensure even browning.
3. **Check for doneness:** The wings are done when the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). You can use a meat thermometer to check the temperature. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the wing, avoiding the bone.

**Step 3: Prepare the Frank’s RedHot Sauce**

**Step 4: Toss the Wings in Sauce**

1. **Toss the wings:** Once the wings are cooked and the sauce is prepared, transfer the air-fried wings to a clean mixing bowl.
2. **Coat the wings:** Pour the Frank’s RedHot sauce over the wings and toss gently to coat them evenly. Make sure all the wings are well coated with the sauce.

**Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!**

## Recipe: Kroger Home Chef Frank’s RedHot Wings (Deep Fried Version)

For the ultimate restaurant-style experience, deep-frying the wings delivers an unparalleled level of crispiness and flavor. This method requires a bit more attention and caution, but the results are well worth the effort.

**Yields:** Approximately 2-3 servings
**Prep time:** 15 minutes
**Cook time:** 8-10 minutes per batch

**Ingredients:**

* 1. 5 lbs Kroger Home Chef Chicken Wings (or fresh wings)
* 1 tbsp Kroger Home Chef Seasoning Blend (or a mix of garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper)
* Vegetable Oil, for frying (enough to fully submerge the wings)
* ½ cup Frank’s RedHot Original Cayenne Pepper Sauce
* ¼ cup Unsalted Butter, melted
* 1 tbsp White Vinegar
* 1 tsp Worcestershire Sauce
* Optional: ¼ tsp Garlic Powder
* Optional: 1 tsp Honey or Maple Syrup
* Optional: Celery and carrot sticks for serving

**Equipment:**

* Large mixing bowl
* Deep fryer or large, heavy-bottomed pot
* Candy thermometer
* Slotted spoon or spider strainer
* Paper towels
* Small saucepan or microwave-safe bowl
* Whisk

**Instructions:**

**Step 1: Prepare the Wings**

1. **Dry the wings:** Pat the chicken wings dry with paper towels. This is crucial for achieving crispy skin. Excess moisture will cause the oil to splatter and can be dangerous.
2. **Season the wings:** In a large mixing bowl, toss the dried wings with the Kroger Home Chef Seasoning Blend. Make sure the wings are evenly coated with the seasoning. This will help create a flavorful crust during frying.

**Step 2: Prepare the Frying Oil**

1. **Heat the oil:** Pour vegetable oil into a deep fryer or a large, heavy-bottomed pot. The oil should be at least 3 inches deep. Heat the oil over medium-high heat until it reaches a temperature of 350°F (175°C). Use a candy thermometer to monitor the temperature.
2. **Maintain the temperature:** It’s crucial to maintain the oil temperature at 350°F (175°C) throughout the frying process. If the oil is too hot, the wings will burn on the outside before they are cooked through. If the oil is too cold, the wings will absorb too much oil and become greasy.

**Step 3: Deep Fry the Wings**

1. **Fry in batches:** Carefully add the wings to the hot oil in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the fryer. Overcrowding will lower the oil temperature and result in greasy wings. Fry about 6-8 wings per batch, depending on the size of your fryer or pot.
2. **Fry until golden brown:** Fry the wings for 8-10 minutes per batch, or until they are golden brown and cooked through. Use a slotted spoon or spider strainer to flip the wings occasionally to ensure even cooking.
3. **Check for doneness:** The wings are done when the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). You can use a meat thermometer to check the temperature. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the wing, avoiding the bone.
4. **Drain the wings:** Remove the fried wings from the oil with a slotted spoon or spider strainer and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.

**Step 4: Prepare the Frank’s RedHot Sauce**

**Step 5: Toss the Wings in Sauce**

1. **Toss the wings:** Once all the wings are cooked and the sauce is prepared, transfer the deep-fried wings to a clean mixing bowl.
2. **Coat the wings:** Pour the Frank’s RedHot sauce over the wings and toss gently to coat them evenly. Make sure all the wings are well coated with the sauce.

**Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!**

## Tips and Tricks for Perfect Wings

* **Dry the wings thoroughly:** This is the most important step for achieving crispy skin. Use paper towels to pat the wings dry before seasoning them.
* **Don’t overcrowd the baking sheet, air fryer basket, or deep fryer:** Overcrowding will prevent the wings from crisping properly. Cook in batches if necessary.
* **Use a wire rack when baking:** A wire rack allows air to circulate around the wings, resulting in crispier skin.
* **Monitor the oil temperature when deep-frying:** Maintaining the correct oil temperature is crucial for achieving perfectly cooked and non-greasy wings.
* **Adjust the sauce to your liking:** Don’t be afraid to experiment with the sauce recipe. Add more or less Frank’s RedHot to control the heat level, or add other seasonings to create your own unique flavor.
* **Serve immediately:** Wings are best served hot and crispy. If you need to keep them warm, you can place them in a low oven (200°F or 95°C) for a short period of time.

## Variations and Additions

* **Honey Garlic Wings:** Add a few tablespoons of honey and minced garlic to the Frank’s RedHot sauce for a sweet and savory twist.
* **Lemon Pepper Wings:** Add lemon pepper seasoning to the Kroger Home Chef Seasoning Blend for a zesty flavor.
* **Parmesan Garlic Wings:** Toss the cooked wings with melted butter, minced garlic, and grated Parmesan cheese.
* **Spicy Mango Habanero Wings:** Add mango puree and minced habanero peppers to the Frank’s RedHot sauce for a tropical and fiery flavor.
* **Dry Rub Wings:** Skip the sauce altogether and simply season the wings with a dry rub of your favorite spices. Smoke paprika, chili powder, brown sugar and cumin create a great dry rub.

## Serving Suggestions

* **Classic Sides:** Celery and carrot sticks with blue cheese or ranch dressing are the classic wing accompaniments.
* **Other Dipping Sauces:** Try serving the wings with other dipping sauces, such as BBQ sauce, honey mustard, or sriracha mayo.
* **Potato Salad:** A creamy potato salad is a great side dish for wings.
* **Coleslaw:** A crunchy coleslaw provides a refreshing contrast to the spicy wings.
* **Mac and Cheese:** A cheesy mac and cheese is a comforting and satisfying side dish.

## Storing Leftover Wings

* **Refrigerating:** Store leftover wings in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
* **Reheating:** Reheat leftover wings in the oven, air fryer, or microwave. For best results, reheat them in the oven or air fryer to restore their crispiness.

## Conclusion

With the convenience of Kroger Home Chef and the unbeatable flavor of Frank’s RedHot, creating restaurant-quality wings at home has never been easier. Whether you prefer baking, air frying, or deep-frying, these recipes and tips will help you achieve perfectly cooked, crispy, and delicious wings every time. So, gather your ingredients, fire up your oven or fryer, and get ready to enjoy the ultimate wing experience! Happy cooking (and eating)!

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Tags: Recipes