Spicy grilled chicken wings in brine

Spicy Grilled Chicken Wings in Brine - A Captivating Recipe

If you're looking for a dish that brings joy and flavor to any meal, spicy grilled chicken wings in brine are the perfect choice. This dish not only combines delicious flavors but also offers a memorable culinary experience. Whether you're hosting a garden party or simply want to indulge in a tasty meal, this recipe will surely be a hit.

A Brief History

Chicken wings have a long history in global cuisine, becoming a symbol of street food as well as family meals. Preparing them in brine gives them a juicy texture and an intense flavor, while grilling adds an unmistakable smoky aroma. This recipe blends tradition with innovation, thanks to marinating in aromatic mixtures and the grilling technique.

Preparation Time

- Preparation time: 30 minutes
- Marinating time: 5-6 hours (or 2 hours for a quick marinade)
- Cooking time: 20-25 minutes
- Total: 6-7 hours
- Servings: 4

Ingredients

Marinade

- 2 finely chopped onions
- 1 head of garlic, pressed
- A few bay leaves
- 1 tablespoon whole pepper
- 1 teaspoon thyme
- 1 tablespoon coriander seeds (toasted and crushed)
- 1 tablespoon cumin seeds (toasted and crushed)
- 1 chili pepper (or 1 teaspoon chili powder)
- 2 tablespoons spicy mustard
- 200 ml red wine
- 25 ml balsamic vinegar
- 2 tablespoons sunflower oil
- Salt (to taste)

Brine (Option 1)

- The ingredients from the marinade, with the following modifications:
- Additional salt and chili pepper (to taste)
- 480 g canned tomatoes (finely chopped)
- Green onion tops from one bunch
- A bunch of finely chopped parsley

Brine (Option 2 - economical)

- Use the marinade from option 1, which is boiled for 10 minutes, then add the canned tomatoes, green onion tops, and chopped parsley.

Step by Step - Preparing Spicy Chicken Wings

1. Marinating the wings:
- Start by blanching the onion in boiling water for a few minutes, then drain it.
- In a pan, add a little oil and sauté the blanched onion with the garlic for 2-3 minutes until golden and fragrant.
- Deglaze with red wine and balsamic vinegar, then add the remaining marinade ingredients. Mix well.
- Place the chicken wings in a container and pour the marinade over them, ensuring they are all covered. Optimal marinating lasts 5-6 hours at room temperature, but for a quick marinade, you can opt for 2 hours, taking care to maintain a higher temperature.

2. Preparing the wings:
- Remove the wings from the marinade and wrap each piece in aluminum foil to keep the juices during cooking.
- Preheat the grill. Place the wings on the grill and cook for 5-10 minutes on each side, depending on their size.
- After removing them from the grill, unwrap the foil at one end to collect the juices, then place the wings back on the grill to capture the smoky flavor.

3. Spicy brine:
- In a pot, prepare the brine using the ingredients from the recipe. Boil the mixture for 5 minutes, adding the green onion tops.
- Once the mixture has cooled, add the chopped parsley.

4. Finalizing the dish:
- After the wings are browned, immerse them in the spicy brine for a minimum of 3 minutes to absorb the flavor of the ingredients.

Serving

Spicy chicken wings are best served alongside baked potatoes in their skins. These can be prepared simply: wash the potatoes, dry them, cut them lengthwise, and wrap them in aluminum foil. Place them in the grill coals for about 20 minutes, then add half a teaspoon of butter with parsley in the opening of the potato. Serving in aluminum foil gives them a rustic look and authentic taste.

Practical Tips

- Toasting spices: Make sure to toast the coriander and cumin seeds for 1-2 minutes in a dry pan. You’ll know they are ready when the cumin seeds “pop” in the pan and the smell of coriander becomes intense.
- For a more intense flavor: You can add a bit of soy sauce or Worcestershire sauce to the marinade for an extra umami boost.
- Meatless option: Replace the chicken wings with large mushrooms (e.g., Portobello mushrooms) for a delicious vegetarian option.
- Serving sauce: The juice collected from the aluminum foil can be mixed with sour cream or low-fat yogurt, adding parsley leaves and a few drops of lemon juice for a refreshing sauce, perfect for tempering the spices.

Estimated Nutritional Values (per serving)

- Calories: 450 kcal
- Protein: 30 g
- Fat: 25 g
- Carbohydrates: 10 g
- Fiber: 2 g

Frequently Asked Questions

- Can I use another type of meat? Yes, you can use chicken pieces such as thighs or breasts, but the cooking time may change.
- How can I control the spiciness level? Adjust the amount of chili pepper or chili powder in the marinade and brine to achieve the desired spice level.
- Is this recipe suitable for a diet? Chicken wings are a good source of protein, but moderation is essential, considering the fat content.

Spicy grilled chicken wings in brine are an explosion of flavors and an excellent way to bring a bit of adventure to your kitchen. So, prepare your grill, gather your friends, and enjoy this flavorful delicacy!