To begin, you need to gather the necessary ingredients. For the chicken wings, you will need about 2 pounds of chicken wing sections, which can usually be found pre-packaged at your local grocery store. Additionally, you will need 1 tablespoon of paprika, 1 tablespoon of garlic powder, 1 tablespoon of onion powder, 1 teaspoon of cayenne pepper (adjust to your desired heat level), 1 teaspoon of salt, 1 teaspoon of black pepper, 1 teaspoon of dried thyme, and 1 teaspoon of dried oregano. For the sauce, you will need ½ cup of your favorite hot sauce, ¼ cup of melted butter, 1 tablespoon of honey, and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice.
Once you have all your ingredients ready, it’s time to get cooking. Start by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with aluminum foil. This will make the cleanup process much easier later on.
Next, in a small bowl, combine all the dry spices – paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, salt, black pepper, dried thyme, and dried oregano. Give it a good mix to ensure that all the ingredients are evenly distributed.
Now it’s time to prepare the chicken wings. Pat them dry with a paper towel to remove any excess moisture. This will help ensure a crispy exterior. Place the wings into a large mixing bowl and sprinkle the spice mixture over them. Toss the wings around to make sure that they are all well-coated with the spices. Allow the wings to marinate for at least 15 minutes, but if time allows, let them sit for an hour or two to allow the flavors to penetrate the meat.
While the wings are marinating, you can prepare the sauce. In a separate bowl, whisk together the hot sauce, melted butter, honey, and fresh lemon juice. Taste the sauce and adjust the seasonings according to your preference. If you like it sweeter, add more honey; if you prefer a tangier taste, squeeze in more lemon juice.
Once the wings have finished marinating, it’s time to bake them. Spread the wings evenly on the prepared baking sheet, making sure they are not overcrowded. Bake the wings for about 40-45 minutes, or until they are cooked through and the skin is crispy, flipping them halfway through to ensure even browning.
Once the wings are cooked, transfer them to a large mixing bowl and pour the prepared sauce over them. Toss the wings around to make sure they are fully coated in the spicy goodness. Serve the wings hot with a side of refreshing cucumber or celery sticks, and a cooling dip like ranch or blue cheese dressing to help balance the heat.
Making spicy chicken wings at home is a rewarding experience that allows you to experiment with flavors and heat levels to suit your personal taste. Whether you’re hosting a game night with friends or simply craving something spicy, these homemade wings are sure to satisfy your cravings. So, get ready to indulge in the fiery delight of these delicious chicken wings!