Oven-baked chicken wings

Delicious Baked Chicken Wings Recipe

If you are looking for a simple and quick recipe to impress family or friends, baked chicken wings are the perfect choice. With a crispy exterior and juicy interior, this recipe will easily become one of your favorites. Follow the steps below to create a flavorful dish full of aromas.

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Marinating time: 12 hours (ideally, you can leave them in the fridge for less time, but the longer, the better)
Baking time: 40-45 minutes
Total: 12 hours and 1 hour
Servings: 4

Ingredients:
- 1 kg chicken wings (choose fresh, high-quality wings)
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil (for an intense flavor)
- 4 tablespoons soy sauce (adds an umami note)
- 2 tablespoons honey (for sweetness and caramelization)
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar (enhances texture)
- 3 cloves of finely chopped garlic (for flavor)
- 1 teaspoon onion powder (optional, but recommended)
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon sweet paprika (or smoked for a more intense flavor)
- Salt to taste
- Optional: chili flakes (for an extra kick)

Preparation:

1. Preparing the marinade: In a large bowl, combine the olive oil, soy sauce, honey, balsamic vinegar, chopped garlic, onion powder, pepper, paprika, and salt. Mix the ingredients well so that the honey dissolves completely. This is the perfect time to add chili flakes if you want to bring some heat to the dish.

2. Marinating the wings: Wash the chicken wings thoroughly and pat them dry with a paper towel to remove excess water. Add the wings to the bowl with the marinade and mix well so that each wing is evenly coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 12 hours. This will allow the flavors to penetrate deeply into the meat.

3. Baking the wings: Preheat the oven to 200°C. Prepare a baking tray by lining it with parchment paper for easy cleanup. Place the wings on the tray, leaving a little space between them. This will allow air circulation and help achieve a crispy crust.

4. Cooking: Bake the wings in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, turning them halfway through to brown evenly. If you want an even crispier crust, you can turn on the grill function for the last 5 minutes of baking, but be careful not to burn them.

5. Serving: Once the wings are perfectly cooked, remove them from the oven and let them rest for a few minutes. You can serve the wings hot, alongside a fresh salad or with a yogurt sauce with herbs. A unique idea would be to serve them with a mango or pineapple sauce to balance the spiciness with the sweetness of the fruits.

Helpful tips:
- You can experiment with different flavors by adding spices like freshly grated ginger or cinnamon to the marinade.
- If you prefer spicier wings, add chili sauce or Sriracha sauce to the marinade.
- Baked chicken wings are also perfect for grilling; you can adapt the recipe to grill them in the same marinade.

These baked chicken wings are not only a simple recipe but also a true feast of flavors. Whether you serve them for a family dinner or at a party with friends, they are sure to impress!