General Tso’s Chicken Wings

I stopped at a Wing’s Etc not long ago when I was out of town on a little trip. I’d never been to one. I ordered their wings sauced up in the Say It Ain’t Tso sauce. I devoured them like I hadn’t eaten in days. The sauce was sweet. And a little spicy. And the wings were cooked perfectly. Service was fantastic too. When I got home I set out to make my own General Tso chicken wings.

General Tso's Chicken Wings

Nothing But Greatness

I could eat General Tso’s chicken wings daily. The sauce is definitely one of my all-time favorites. My version isn’t overly sweet. But it does bring a little heat. Not such a fan of a spicy wing sauce? Just cut back a bit on the red pepper flakes. I wouldn’t leave it out, though, because I think it adds an important flavor to the sauce.

The wings here are easy. Just tossed in cornstarch and deep-fried. No seasonings required. The sauce is the winner here. I recommend making extra.

Also try some orange sesame wings.

General Tso's Chicken Wings
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5 from 1 vote

General Tso’s Chicken Wings

A wonderful combination of sweet and heat.
Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time15 minutes
Course: Appetizer
Cuisine: American
Keyword: deep-fried, wings
Servings: 2
Calories: 196kcal

Equipment

Ingredients

For the wings

For the sauce (I like to double the amounts)

Instructions

For the sauce

  • Combine all ingredients in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat.
  • Stirring often, bring to a boil then reduce the heat to a simmer.
  • Continue simmering, stirring, until the desired consistency is achieved. Keep warm until ready to use.

For the wings

  • Heat 3"-4" of oil to 350 F in a Dutch oven or deep-fryer.
  • Place wings into a bowl.
  • Add the cornstarch and toss the wings to coat well.
  • Deep-fry the wings 8-10 minutes until they reach 165 F.
  • Remove to a paper towel-lined plate to drain.
  • Transfer wings to a bowl and drizzle with the sauce. Stir gently to coat.
  • Serve hot.

Notes

I like to double, and even triple, the sauce recipe because the sauce is so good!

Nutrition

Calories: 196kcal | Carbohydrates: 40g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 3g | Saturated Fat: 0.5g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.4g | Monounsaturated Fat: 2g | Trans Fat: 0.01g | Cholesterol: 2mg | Sodium: 581mg | Potassium: 44mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 9g | Vitamin A: 153IU | Vitamin C: 0.1mg | Calcium: 6mg | Iron: 1mg

Nutritional values are approximate and will not include any store-bought wing sauce or seasoning nutritional values.

Pickle-Brined Wings

An online friend of mine recently told me that he never, ever throws out the brine left in a jar of pickles after all of the pickles are gone. He went on to say that he uses it to brine the chicken when he makes Nashville Hot Chicken. I thought to myself, “Darn”, as I flashed back to all of the gallons of pickle brine I’ve watched go down the drain. Though I didn’t have Nashville Hot Chicken on the brain. I wanted wings! And what I got were these delicious pickle-brined wings, super-duper moist and flavorful.

Pickle-Brined Wings

Tender and juicy

The pickle brine doesn’t smack you in the face, it just helped make the chicken more tender and juicy. Do not fear, biting into your wings won’t be like biting into a Vlasic. No, it’ll be like biting into wing greatness!

From now on I am definitely saving my pickle brine. It doesn’t have to come from just pickles either. The juice from anything pickled will do. Just save that stuff up for the next time you make pickle-brined wings and you’ll be as happy as I was.

You can buy pickle juice in jugs now, which is just about the best thing ever.

Also try my pickling spice wings!

Check out my always-growing list of over 100 homemade wing recipes, including sauces and seasonings!

Pickle-Brined Wings
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5 from 1 vote

Pickle-Brined Wings

The pickle brine doesn’t smack you in the face, it just helped make the chicken more tender and juicy.
Prep Time1 hour
Cook Time45 minutes
Course: Appetizer
Cuisine: American
Keyword: brined, wings
Servings: 6
Calories: 517kcal

Ingredients

For the wings

For the seasoning

Instructions

  • Place wings in a large resealable baggie or container.
  • Add the pickle juice. Seal and toss to coat.
  • Refrigerate for 1-4 hours, flipping occasionally
  • When ready to cook, remove the wings from the pickle juice and dab dry with a paper towel. Do not rinse.
  • Combine the seasoning ingredients and sprinkle the wings with it. Note: If you like, you can sprinkle the wings with the seasoning AFTER cooking instead. I've tried it both ways and they came out great no matter which technique I used.

Notes

Serve with your favorite dipping sauce on the side, if desired.

Nutrition

Calories: 517kcal | Carbohydrates: 1g | Protein: 43g | Fat: 37g | Saturated Fat: 10g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 8g | Monounsaturated Fat: 15g | Trans Fat: 0.4g | Cholesterol: 176mg | Sodium: 1359mg | Potassium: 393mg | Fiber: 0.4g | Sugar: 0.1g | Vitamin A: 671IU | Vitamin C: 2mg | Calcium: 32mg | Iron: 2mg

Nutritional values are approximate and will not include any store-bought wing sauce or seasoning nutritional values.

Chipotle Blackberry Wings

You know I love chicken wings. Any time, any way. So I was really looking forward to these wings. I made chipotle blackberry wings on the Char-Broil Big Easy oil-less fryer, but you can make them in the oven, on a grill, or just deep fry them. The sauce is what makes these wings fantastic. A nice sweetness and a nice smoky heat. Perfect.

Chipotle Blackberry Wings

Kick It Up!

I like a little kick to my wings. If you do too, don’t be afraid to add more chipotles when you make your chipotle blackberry wings. Or add a few good shakes of hot sauce to the wing sauce.

I did serve these wings with a dipping sauce, but honestly, I could’ve skipped it. Nothing needed to be added to them that could possibly make them any better.

I store my leftover homemade sauces in squeeze bottles. If refrigerated, I set them out an hour before using so they come to room temperature. You don’t want to put cold sauce on hot wings!

Also try my fantastic chipotle barbecue wings.

Check out my always-growing list of over 100 homemade wing recipes, including sauces and seasonings!

Chipotle Blackberry Wings
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4 from 1 vote

Chipotle Blackberry Wings

I like a little kick to my wings. If you do too, don't be afraid to add more chipotles.
Prep Time1 hour
Cook Time45 minutes
Course: Appetizer
Cuisine: American
Keyword: blackberry, spicy, wings
Servings: 6
Calories: 548kcal

Ingredients

For the wings

For the sauce

Instructions

Notes

Serve with your favorite dipping sauce on the side, if desired.

Nutrition

Calories: 548kcal | Carbohydrates: 0.1g | Protein: 43g | Fat: 41g | Saturated Fat: 13g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 8g | Monounsaturated Fat: 16g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 186mg | Sodium: 236mg | Potassium: 372mg | Fiber: 0.04g | Sugar: 0.01g | Vitamin A: 456IU | Vitamin C: 2mg | Calcium: 29mg | Iron: 2mg

Nutritional values are approximate and will not include any store-bought wing sauce or seasoning nutritional values.

Cajun Wings

I love chicken wings. Any flavor, any time, but in particular, I love wings with some kick. Not over-the-top, kick-me-in-the-gut hot, but just spicy enough to wake you up. These Cajun wings with dipping sauce bring the heat thanks to Louisiana hot sauce.

Cajun Wings

Great No Matter How You Cook Them

I prefer to cook my Cajun wings in my Char-Broil Big Easy oil-less fryer then finish them off on the grill to get a nice crunchy skin. But, they’re just as great cooked in the oven or on a grill. You can also deep fry them. These wings with dipping sauce are a delight no matter what you use to make them. The marinade really adds tremendous flavor to every bite, through and through and the cooling dipping sauce finishes it all off perfectly.

I have been using these sauce dipping cups more and more for my wing sauces. They’re the perfect size for wings. And chicken nuggets. And chicken tenders.

You’ll also want to make a batch of Cajun Power garlic sauce wings.

Check out my always-growing list of over 100 homemade wing recipes, including sauces and seasonings!

Cajun Wings
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4 from 1 vote

Cajun Wings

These wings with dipping sauce are a delight no matter what you use to make them.
Prep Time1 hour
Cook Time45 minutes
Course: Appetizer
Cuisine: American
Keyword: Cajun wings, wings
Servings: 6
Calories: 532kcal

Ingredients

For the wings

For the dipping sauce

Instructions

For the wings

For the dipping sauce

  • Place the cream cheese, dressing and hot sauce into medium bowl.
  • Microwave for 1-2 minutes until melted. Do not overheat.
  • Whisk mixture until creamy smooth.
  • Fold in the blue cheese.

Notes

The sauce is also great for dipping celery and carrot sticks!

Nutrition

Calories: 532kcal | Carbohydrates: 2g | Protein: 46g | Fat: 36g | Saturated Fat: 10g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 8g | Monounsaturated Fat: 14g | Trans Fat: 0.4g | Cholesterol: 177mg | Sodium: 241mg | Potassium: 427mg | Fiber: 0.1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 339IU | Vitamin C: 2mg | Calcium: 89mg | Iron: 2mg

Nutritional values are approximate and will not include any store-bought wing sauce or seasoning nutritional values.

Three Ingredient Buffalo Wings

This is how I do it. I make a batch of this sauce, toss in some right-out-of-the-fryer wings, and get to it. Heck, the wings can be cooked in any way as long as I’ve got this sauce to toss them in. Air fryer. Baked. Grilled. I don’t care. Just give me some sauce and big ole stack of napkins. I love me some three ingredient Buffalo wings. I want sauce dripping down my arms and I want it on my shirt. And all in my beard. Yeah, it’s not pretty, I know that. But it’s good. Darned good.

Three Ingredient Buffalo Wings

Just Good. Really Good.

No one is going to judge you when you devour some three ingredient Buffalo wings. They know you’re eating the best there is. The classic. Buttery. Crazy good cayenne flavor with yummy spices added in. And a hint of garlic. So good and yet so simple.

Pro tip: I like to dip fries or potato chips in any sauce that drips down onto my plate.

Check out my always-growing list of over 100 homemade wing recipes, including sauces and seasonings!

Three Ingredient Buffalo Wing Sauce
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5 from 1 vote

Three Ingredient Buffalo Wings

Traditional flavor. And heat.
Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time45 minutes
Course: Appetizer
Cuisine: American
Keyword: Buffalo wings
Servings: 6
Calories: 639kcal

Ingredients

For the sauce

For the wings

  • 3-4 pounds chicken wings flats and drumettes separated, tips saved to make stock

Instructions

For the sauce

  • To make the sauce, combine the butter, garlic powder and hot sauce in a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir until melted. Keep warm until ready to use.

For the wings

Notes

Serve with your favorite dipping sauce on the side, if desired.

Nutrition

Calories: 639kcal | Carbohydrates: 0.4g | Protein: 42g | Fat: 51g | Saturated Fat: 20g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 8g | Monounsaturated Fat: 18g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 215mg | Sodium: 168mg | Potassium: 364mg | Fiber: 0.05g | Sugar: 0.02g | Vitamin A: 800IU | Vitamin C: 2mg | Calcium: 32mg | Iron: 2mg

Nutritional values are approximate and will not include any store-bought wing sauce or seasoning nutritional values.

Cajun Bay Wings

A few weeks ago I made a beer-can chicken recipe that used a 50/50 combination of Cajun seasoning and Old Bay seasoning. I instantly fell in love with the combination. A little heat, a little sweet, cloves, allspice, paprika… just about all you could imagine. I knew right then and there that I wanted to use the same mix on chicken wings. And so my Cajun Bay chicken wings were born. And oh how good they were. I served them dry, not sauced. Just that great combination of Cajun and Old Bay seasonings, with a little Ranch dressing on the side for dipping. The flavor combination was fantastic, and one you will see here again soon.

Cajun Bay Wings

One Deliciously Different Wing

Once the wings are cooked, you can dust them with more of the Cajun and Old Bay mix if you want even more pronounced flavors. I skipped it since my wife isn’t quite the fan of Old Bay as I am. She doesn’t like cloves or allspice so much. That’s one nice thing about this mix. You still get those flavors, but they are toned down a bit because of the addition of the Cajun seasoning.

Also try my honey Old Bay wings.

Check out my always-growing list of over 100 homemade wing recipes, including sauces and seasonings!

Cajun Bay Wings
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5 from 1 vote

Cajun Bay Wings

A little heat, a little sweet, cloves, allspice, paprika… just about all you could imagine.
Prep Time1 hour
Cook Time45 minutes
Course: Appetizer
Cuisine: American
Keyword: Cajun wings, Old Bay, wings
Servings: 6
Calories: 521kcal

Ingredients

Instructions

Notes

If you want to add more seasoning to the wings after they are cooked make another batch using 1/2 tablespoon each of the Cajun and Old Bay seasonings. Sprinkle the cooked wings with the mix just before serving.

Nutrition

Calories: 521kcal | Carbohydrates: 2g | Protein: 43g | Fat: 37g | Saturated Fat: 10g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 8g | Monounsaturated Fat: 15g | Trans Fat: 0.4g | Cholesterol: 176mg | Sodium: 187mg | Potassium: 417mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 0.2g | Vitamin A: 1222IU | Vitamin C: 2mg | Calcium: 41mg | Iron: 3mg

Nutritional values are approximate and will not include any store-bought wing sauce or seasoning nutritional values.

Spicy Fried Wings

Do not let the ‘spicy’ in spicy fried wings scare you off if you’re not into kicked-up wings! As written, these wings are perfectly spiced. You want more heat? Add more cayenne. They’re fantastic as-is. The wings have the perfect crunchy batter and are tender and juicy. Every bite is packed with flavor. So, to keep from everyone thinking I’ve abandoned classic wings and made grandma’s fried chicken, I served these with Buffalo sauce. Surprisingly, I like drizzling them with the sauce. Or dipping them.

Spicy Fried Wings

No Dinky Wings Here

These spicy fried wings are dangerously addictive. They’re deceptively filling too. After eating one I thought “boy, I could probably eat 12 of these”. After 6 or so I thought “boy, I’m full”.

Brush. Drizzle. Dunk. But Don’t Toss.

If you like to toss your wings in Buffalo sauce (or any sauce), let me talk you out of doing that with these wings. Fried wings are of course coated. Besides, that coating is a big reason you made them. Tossing them in a bowl with a bunch of sauce and watching them bounce off the sides is a good way to knock all of that coating off. You don’t want that. Instead, I recommend that you drizzle them with the sauce or even brush it on instead. Or just dunk your wings in the sauce. But don’t toss them.

Check out my always-growing list of over 100 homemade wing recipes, including sauces and seasonings!

Spicy Fried Wings
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5 from 1 vote

Spicy Fried Wings

Crazy delicious wings with just the right amount of heat!
Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time14 minutes
Course: Appetizer
Cuisine: American
Keyword: deep-fried, wings
Servings: 6
Calories: 680kcal

Equipment

Ingredients

For the seasoning

For the wings

For the dredge

Instructions

  • Combine all of the seasoning ingredients together.
  • Place wings in a large bowl or resealable container. Sprinkle with the seasoning and toss to coat.
  • Seal or cover and refrigerate for 1 hour or up to 4 hours.
  • Heat 3-4" of oil to 350 F in a Dutch oven or deep fryer.
  • Whisk together the eggs with the hot sauce in a shallow bowl or pie plate.
  • Combine salt and flour in another shallow bowl or pie plate.
  • Working in batches as needed, coat the wings in the egg mixture.
  • Shake off the excess and then coat them in the flour.
  • Fry the wings 8-10 minutes, flipping once. Remove to a paper towel-lined plate.

Notes

Serve with Buffalo wing sauce or your favorite dipping sauce.

Nutrition

Calories: 680kcal | Carbohydrates: 31g | Protein: 49g | Fat: 40g | Saturated Fat: 11g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 8g | Monounsaturated Fat: 16g | Trans Fat: 0.4g | Cholesterol: 268mg | Sodium: 590mg | Potassium: 416mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 860IU | Vitamin C: 2mg | Calcium: 75mg | Iron: 4mg

Nutritional values are approximate and will not include any store-bought wing sauce or seasoning nutritional values.

Chipotle Barbecue Wings

These chipotle barbecue wings are proof of two things. One, Tabasco Chipotle Sauce is absolutely the tastiest, smoky pepper sauce you can find. And two, with just two ingredients you can make one of the best wing sauces you’ve had. Mild on the heat side, and full-power on the taste side, I could not have been happier with these wings.

Chipotle Barbecue Wings

The Easiest Sauce You’ll Ever Make

The sauce on these chipotle barbecue wings is definitely not ‘just’ for wings. Oh me, is it ever good on grilled or smoked ribs. Ditto smoked pulled pork or brisket. And grilled chicken? Yeah, great there too. It has the perfect consistency to stick to anything you put it on without being too thick that it is gloppy. You can adjust the spicy level by using more or less of the Tabasco sauce. I found a 50/50 ratio to be perfect, giving me a little heat and a lot of flavor at the same time.

I used Sweet Baby Ray’s Barbecue Sauce in this recipe. Kraft Original Slow-Simmered BBQ Barbecue Sauce would be another great choice. You don’t want to grab something that is going to fight the pepper sauce. Just a good old school tomato-based sauce will do just fine.

Also try my chipotle pumpkin wings!

Check out my always-growing list of over 100 homemade wing recipes, including sauces and seasonings!

Chipotle Barbecue Wings
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5 from 1 vote

Chipotle Barbecue Wings

With two ingredients you can make one of the best wing sauces you've had!
Inspired by a recipe from Tabasco
Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time45 minutes
Course: Appetizer
Cuisine: American
Keyword: barbecue, smoky
Servings: 6
Calories: 503kcal

Ingredients

For the wings

  • 3-4 pounds chicken wings flats and drumettes separated, tips saved to make stock

For the sauce

Instructions

For the sauce

  • Note: If you are using a refrigerated BBQ sauce you will want to warm it slightly in a microwave or on the stovetop first.
  • Combine both ingredients in a small bowl. Set aside until ready to use.

Notes

Serve with your favorite dipping sauce on the side, if desired.

Nutrition

Calories: 503kcal | Protein: 42g | Fat: 36g | Saturated Fat: 10g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 8g | Monounsaturated Fat: 14g | Trans Fat: 0.4g | Cholesterol: 175mg | Sodium: 166mg | Potassium: 354mg | Vitamin A: 333IU | Vitamin C: 2mg | Calcium: 27mg | Iron: 2mg

Nutritional values are approximate and will not include any store-bought wing sauce or seasoning nutritional values.

Chipotle Pumpkin Wings

I was mighty skeptical about pumpkin on chicken wings. Sure, I’m in the Halloween mood, but hey, are we sure we should be messing with my beloved chicken wings? Yes, yes we should is the answer, because chipotle pumpkin wings are just flat out crazy good. There’s a wonderful smoky heat from the chipotles, with just a hint of sweetness from the pumpkin. The pumpkin flavor is there, but it’s not like you’re going to think you’re eating grandma’s favorite pumpkin pie.

Chipotle Pumpkin Wings

A Different Kind of Wing

The chipotle pumpkin sauce is not only great on wings, but it is just as fantastic on ribs. Personally, I like heat, so I put quite a bit of chipotle in the sauce. Tone it down or add more depending on your tastes. The pumpkin flavor is subtle, so if you want it to be more pronounced, add a bit more. But go slow.

I store my leftover homemade sauces in squeeze bottles. If refrigerated, I set them out an hour before using so they come to room temperature. You don’t want to put cold sauce on hot wings!

Also try my chipotle blackberry wings.

Check out my always-growing list of over 100 homemade wing recipes, including sauces and seasonings!

Chipotle Pumpkin Wings
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4 from 1 vote

Chipotle Pumpkin Wings

The chipotle pumpkin sauce is not only great on wings, but it is just as fantastic on ribs.
Prep Time1 hour
Cook Time45 minutes
Course: Appetizer
Cuisine: American
Keyword: pumpkin, spicy, wings
Servings: 6
Calories: 557kcal

Ingredients

For the wings

For the sauce

Instructions

For the wings

For the sauce

  • Place all ingredients in a medium saucepan over medium heat.
  • Whisk, heating thoroughly. Keep warm until ready to use.

Notes

Serve with your favorite dipping sauce on the side, if desired.

Nutrition

Calories: 557kcal | Carbohydrates: 12g | Protein: 43g | Fat: 37g | Saturated Fat: 10g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 8g | Monounsaturated Fat: 15g | Trans Fat: 0.4g | Cholesterol: 176mg | Sodium: 549mg | Potassium: 508mg | Fiber: 0.5g | Sugar: 9g | Vitamin A: 2485IU | Vitamin C: 4mg | Calcium: 37mg | Iron: 3mg

Nutritional values are approximate and will not include any store-bought wing sauce or seasoning nutritional values.

Cajun Honey Lime Wings

There’s wing sauce and there’s WING sauce. The Cajun honey lime sauce on these wings was so good that I’ll be using it on a lot more than ‘just’ wings. A little spice, a little sweet, and a little citrus, all in a thick but not gooey sauce that doesn’t just flow off your wings into the bottom of the basket. Finger-licking good, that’s for sure.

Cajun Honey Lime Wings

A Wonderful Citrus Flavor

I used a fairly tame and not overpowering BBQ sauce when I made these Cajun honey lime wings. The flavors could easily be drowned out by an overly sweet smoky BBQ sauce. Just grab your run-of-the-mill regular ole BBQ sauce. Nothing fancy.

To keep things kinda Cajun-y, I used Crystal Hot Sauce. Man that stuff is so good!

I store my leftover homemade sauces in squeeze bottles. If refrigerated, I set them out an hour before using so they come to room temperature. You don’t want to put cold sauce on hot wings!

Also try my Cajun wings.

Check out my always-growing list of over 100 homemade wing recipes, including sauces and seasonings!

Cajun Honey Lime Wings
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4 from 1 vote

Cajun Honey Lime Wings

Just grab your run-of-the-mill regular ole BBQ sauce. Nothing fancy.
Prep Time1 hour
Cook Time45 minutes
Course: Appetizer
Cuisine: American
Keyword: Cajun wings, wings
Servings: 6
Calories: 525kcal

Ingredients

For the wings

For the sauce

Instructions

For the wings

For the sauce

  • Combine all ingredients.

Notes

Serve with your favorite dipping sauce on the side, if desired.

Nutrition

Calories: 525kcal | Carbohydrates: 2g | Protein: 43g | Fat: 37g | Saturated Fat: 10g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 8g | Monounsaturated Fat: 15g | Trans Fat: 0.4g | Cholesterol: 176mg | Sodium: 246mg | Potassium: 464mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 2064IU | Vitamin C: 4mg | Calcium: 36mg | Iron: 3mg

Nutritional values are approximate and will not include any store-bought wing sauce or seasoning nutritional values.