Craving a flavorful and satisfying meal that's ready in under an hour? Look no further! These sweet and sour chicken wings are the perfect solution for a quick weeknight dinner or a fun weekend gathering. This recipe delivers crispy, juicy chicken wings coated in a tangy, sweet, and irresistible sauce – a delicious dish everyone will love. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this easy-to-follow recipe for homemade cooking at its finest!
Ingredients:
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For the Chicken Wings:
- 2 lbs chicken wings, separated into drumettes and flats
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
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For the Sweet and Sour Sauce:
- ½ cup ketchup
- ¼ cup rice vinegar
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 1 tbsp water
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tsp ginger, minced (or ½ tsp ground ginger)
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken Wings
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). In a large bowl, toss the chicken wings with cornstarch, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Ensure the wings are evenly coated.
Step 2: Bake the Chicken Wings
Arrange the chicken wings in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Drizzle with vegetable oil and bake for 35-40 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crispy.
Step 3: Make the Sweet and Sour Sauce
While the chicken wings are baking, prepare the sweet and sour sauce. In a small saucepan, whisk together ketchup, rice vinegar, brown sugar, soy sauce, cornstarch, water, minced garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes (if using).
Step 4: Simmer the Sauce
Bring the sauce to a simmer over medium heat, stirring constantly until it thickens. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.
Step 5: Combine and Serve
Once the chicken wings are cooked, transfer them to a large bowl and pour the sweet and sour sauce over them. Toss gently to ensure all the wings are evenly coated. Serve immediately and enjoy your delicious homemade sweet and sour chicken wings!
Tips and Variations:
- For extra crispy wings: Pat the wings dry with paper towels before tossing them in the cornstarch mixture. This helps achieve a crispier texture.
- Adjust the sweetness and sourness: To make the sauce sweeter, add more brown sugar. For a more tangy sauce, add more rice vinegar.
- Add some veggies: Stir in some chopped bell peppers or onions to the sauce for added flavor and texture.
- Spice it up: Increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a dash of your favorite hot sauce for a spicier kick.
- Air fryer option: For quicker cooking, you can cook the chicken wings in an air fryer at 400°F (200°C) for about 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through. Remember to adjust cooking time depending on your air fryer model.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
Calories: Approximately 300-350 Protein: 25-30g Fat: 15-20g Carbohydrates: 15-20g
This recipe is a fantastic example of healthy meals that are easy to prepare. It's a perfect quick dinner idea that balances flavor and convenience. Enjoy this delicious dish, and don't forget to share your culinary creations!