Sweet Chili & Orange Marmalade Glazed Chicken Wings: A Flavor Explosion!
Chicken wings are a universally loved appetizer, perfect for game day, parties, or a casual weeknight dinner. While classic buffalo wings have their charm, sometimes you crave something a little more…adventurous. Enter these Sweet Chili & Orange Marmalade Glazed Chicken Wings! This recipe combines the fiery kick of sweet chili sauce with the tangy sweetness of orange marmalade, creating a flavor profile that is both addictive and surprisingly sophisticated. The result is crispy, sticky, and incredibly flavorful wings that will disappear in minutes.
This recipe is not just about the glaze; it’s about the entire process. We’ll start with perfectly crispy wings, achieved through a combination of baking powder and a hot oven. Then, we’ll create a vibrant glaze that balances sweet, spicy, and citrusy notes. Finally, we’ll toss the wings in the glaze, ensuring every inch is coated in deliciousness.
## Why This Recipe Works
* **Crispy Wings:** The key to great wings is crispy skin. This recipe utilizes baking powder, which helps draw moisture from the skin and promote browning. Baking at a high temperature further ensures crispiness.
* **Flavorful Glaze:** The combination of sweet chili sauce and orange marmalade creates a complex flavor profile that is both sweet and spicy, with a hint of citrus. The addition of soy sauce adds umami depth, while garlic and ginger provide aromatic notes.
* **Easy to Make:** Despite the complex flavors, this recipe is surprisingly simple to make. The wings are baked, not fried, which makes the process healthier and less messy.
* **Crowd-Pleasing:** These wings are guaranteed to be a hit at any gathering. The unique flavor combination will impress your guests and leave them wanting more.
## Ingredients You’ll Need
**For the Chicken Wings:**
* 2 lbs Chicken Wings (about 12-15 wings), separated at the joints and wingtips discarded (or saved for stock)
* 2 tbsp Baking Powder
* 1 tsp Salt
* 1/2 tsp Black Pepper
* 1/2 tsp Garlic Powder
* 1/4 tsp Paprika
**For the Sweet Chili & Orange Marmalade Glaze:**
* 1/2 cup Orange Marmalade
* 1/4 cup Sweet Chili Sauce
* 2 tbsp Soy Sauce (low sodium recommended)
* 1 tbsp Rice Vinegar
* 2 cloves Garlic, minced
* 1 tsp Ginger, grated
* 1/2 tsp Sesame Oil
* 1/4 tsp Red Pepper Flakes (optional, for extra heat)
* 1 tbsp Water (if needed, to thin the glaze)
* 1 tbsp Honey (optional, for extra sweetness)
**Garnish (Optional):**
* Sesame Seeds
* Chopped Green Onions
* Orange Zest
## Equipment You’ll Need
* Large Bowl
* Baking Sheet
* Wire Rack (optional, for extra crispy wings)
* Small Saucepan
* Whisk
## Step-by-Step Instructions
**Step 1: Prepare the Chicken Wings**
1. **Pat Dry:** Thoroughly 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.
2. **Combine Dry Ingredients:** In a large bowl, combine the baking powder, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Mix well to ensure the baking powder is evenly distributed. This mixture helps to dry out the skin and add flavor.
3. **Coat the Wings:** Add the chicken wings to the bowl and toss to coat them evenly with the dry mixture. Make sure every wing is well-covered. The baking powder needs to make contact with the skin for it to work its magic.
**Step 2: Bake the Chicken Wings**
1. **Preheat Oven:** Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). If you have a convection oven, you can use the convection setting for even better crisping.
2. **Prepare Baking Sheet:** Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup. Place a wire rack on top of the baking sheet if you have one. The wire rack allows air to circulate around the wings, resulting in even crispier skin. If you don’t have a wire rack, you can bake the wings directly on the parchment paper.
3. **Arrange Wings:** Arrange the chicken wings in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Make sure the wings are not overcrowded, as this will prevent them from crisping up properly. If necessary, use two baking sheets.
4. **Bake:** Bake the chicken wings for 40-45 minutes, or until they are cooked through and the skin is golden brown and crispy. Flip the wings halfway through the baking time to ensure even cooking and browning.
**Step 3: Prepare the Sweet Chili & Orange Marmalade Glaze**
1. **Combine Glaze Ingredients:** In a small saucepan, combine the orange marmalade, sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, rice vinegar, minced garlic, grated ginger, sesame oil, and red pepper flakes (if using). Whisk well to combine.
2. **Simmer:** Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the glaze to a simmer. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 5-7 minutes, or until the glaze has thickened slightly. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
3. **Adjust Consistency (Optional):** If the glaze becomes too thick, add 1 tablespoon of water to thin it out. If you prefer a sweeter glaze, add 1 tablespoon of honey.
**Step 4: Glaze the Chicken Wings**
1. **Remove Wings from Oven:** Once the chicken wings are cooked through and crispy, remove them from the oven.
2. **Toss with Glaze:** Place the wings in a large bowl and pour the warm glaze over them. Toss the wings to coat them evenly with the glaze. Make sure every wing is thoroughly coated in the delicious sauce.
3. **Bake Again (Optional):** For an extra sticky glaze, you can return the wings to the baking sheet and bake them for another 5-10 minutes. This will help the glaze caramelize and adhere to the wings even better. Watch carefully to prevent the glaze from burning.
**Step 5: Garnish and Serve**
1. **Garnish:** Transfer the glazed chicken wings to a serving platter. Garnish with sesame seeds, chopped green onions, and orange zest, if desired. These garnishes add a pop of color and enhance the flavor of the wings.
2. **Serve:** Serve the Sweet Chili & Orange Marmalade Glazed Chicken Wings immediately while they are still hot and crispy. These wings are best enjoyed fresh from the oven.
## Tips for Perfect Sweet Chili & Orange Marmalade Glazed Chicken Wings
* **Use fresh chicken wings:** Fresh wings will have a better texture and flavor than frozen wings. If using frozen wings, thaw them completely before cooking.
* **Pat the wings dry:** This is the most important step for achieving crispy skin. Use paper towels to thoroughly dry the wings before adding the baking powder mixture.
* **Don’t overcrowd the baking sheet:** Overcrowding will prevent the wings from crisping up properly. Use two baking sheets if necessary.
* **Use a wire rack:** A wire rack allows air to circulate around the wings, resulting in even crispier skin. If you don’t have a wire rack, you can bake the wings directly on the parchment paper.
* **Adjust the glaze to your taste:** Feel free to adjust the amount of sweet chili sauce and orange marmalade to suit your preference. If you like it spicier, add more red pepper flakes. If you prefer it sweeter, add more honey.
* **Don’t overcook the glaze:** Simmer the glaze until it has thickened slightly, but be careful not to overcook it, as it can become too thick and sticky.
* **Serve immediately:** These wings are best enjoyed fresh from the oven while they are still hot and crispy.
## Variations and Substitutions
* **Honey Garlic Glaze:** Substitute the orange marmalade with honey and add extra garlic for a honey garlic glaze.
* **Teriyaki Glaze:** Use teriyaki sauce instead of sweet chili sauce for a more savory glaze.
* **Maple Glaze:** Replace the orange marmalade with maple syrup for a sweet and decadent glaze.
* **Spicy Mango Glaze:** Combine mango chutney with sweet chili sauce for a tropical twist.
* **Lemon Pepper Wings:** Omit the glaze altogether and season the wings with lemon pepper seasoning before baking.
* **Baked Chicken Drumsticks:** Use chicken drumsticks instead of wings. Adjust the baking time accordingly.
* **Air Fryer Chicken Wings:** You can also cook these wings in an air fryer. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and cook the wings for 20-25 minutes, flipping them halfway through.
## Serving Suggestions
These Sweet Chili & Orange Marmalade Glazed Chicken Wings are delicious on their own as an appetizer or snack. They also pair well with a variety of side dishes, such as:
* Coleslaw
* Potato Salad
* Macaroni Salad
* French Fries
* Sweet Potato Fries
* Rice
* Vegetable Sticks with Dip (e.g., Ranch, Blue Cheese)
They are also great served with a side of blue cheese or ranch dressing for dipping.
## Make-Ahead Instructions
While these wings are best served fresh, you can prepare some of the components ahead of time to save time on the day of serving:
* **Prepare the Chicken Wings:** You can prepare the chicken wings (pat them dry and coat them with the baking powder mixture) up to 24 hours in advance. Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
* **Make the Glaze:** The glaze can be made up to 3 days in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Reheat it gently before using.
When you’re ready to serve, simply bake the chicken wings according to the instructions and toss them with the warm glaze.
## Storage Instructions
Leftover Sweet Chili & Orange Marmalade Glazed Chicken Wings can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the oven or microwave until heated through. Note that the wings may not be as crispy after being refrigerated.
## Nutritional Information (Estimated)
*Please note that the nutritional information is an estimate and can vary depending on the specific ingredients used.*
* Calories: Approximately 350-400 per serving (3-4 wings)
* Fat: 20-25g
* Saturated Fat: 5-7g
* Cholesterol: 100-120mg
* Sodium: 500-700mg
* Carbohydrates: 20-25g
* Sugar: 15-20g
* Protein: 25-30g
## Conclusion
These Sweet Chili & Orange Marmalade Glazed Chicken Wings are a flavorful and crowd-pleasing appetizer that is sure to impress. The combination of crispy skin, sweet and spicy glaze, and easy preparation makes this recipe a winner. Whether you’re hosting a party or simply looking for a delicious weeknight meal, these wings are a perfect choice. So, gather your ingredients, fire up the oven, and get ready to experience a flavor explosion!
Enjoy!