Tired of the same old chicken recipes? Craving something flavorful, fun, and surprisingly easy to make? Then look no further! This stuffed chicken wings recipe is your new go-to for a quick and delicious weeknight dinner. These aren't your average chicken wings – we're talking juicy, flavorful wings packed with a savory herb and cheese filling, delivering a burst of taste in every bite. Perfect for game day, a casual gathering, or simply a satisfying homemade meal, this recipe is guaranteed to become a family favorite.
Ingredients:
- 1.5 lbs chicken wings, separated into drumettes and flats
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup cooked quinoa
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh chives
- 1 tbsp lemon zest
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- Toothpicks
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Filling
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Remove from heat and stir in the cooked quinoa, feta cheese, parsley, chives, lemon zest, oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix well to combine.
Step 2: Stuff the Chicken Wings
Carefully make a slit down the middle of each chicken drumette and flat, creating a pocket to insert the filling. Don't cut all the way through; you want to leave the wings mostly intact. Generously spoon the quinoa mixture into each chicken wing pocket. Secure the opening with a toothpick.
Step 3: Bake the Stuffed Wings
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Arrange the stuffed chicken wings in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the filling is heated and slightly browned. Internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
Step 4: Serve and Enjoy!
Remove the toothpicks before serving. These delicious stuffed chicken wings are fantastic on their own, but you can also serve them with your favorite dipping sauce, such as ranch dressing, blue cheese dressing, or a simple lemon-herb aioli.
Cooking Tips for Perfect Stuffed Wings:
- Don't overstuff: Overfilling the wings can cause them to burst during cooking.
- Use cooked quinoa: Using pre-cooked quinoa saves time and ensures the filling is properly cooked.
- Adjust seasoning: Feel free to adjust the herbs and spices to your liking. A dash of red pepper flakes adds a nice kick!
- Crispy skin: For extra crispy skin, broil the wings for the last 2-3 minutes of cooking time, keeping a close eye to prevent burning.
Variations:
- Spicy Stuffed Wings: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce to the filling for a spicy kick.
- Mediterranean Stuffed Wings: Substitute the feta cheese with crumbled goat cheese and add sun-dried tomatoes and Kalamata olives to the filling.
- Cheesy Chicken Wings: Increase the amount of feta cheese or use a blend of different cheeses, like mozzarella and parmesan.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 250-300
- Protein: 25-30g
- Fat: 15-20g
- Carbohydrates: 10-15g
This delicious and easy stuffed chicken wings recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a fun appetizer for gatherings. The combination of juicy chicken and flavorful filling is sure to impress your family and friends. Enjoy!