Imagine sinking your teeth into crispy, fiery chicken wings that pack a punch of African-inspired flavor so intense, it'll transport you straight to the vibrant culinary landscapes of Portugal and Mozambique. These Spicy Peri Peri Chicken Wings aren't just a meal—they're a flavor explosion waiting to happen in your kitchen. With a perfect balance of heat, zest, and crunch, this recipe will turn your ordinary dinner into an extraordinary culinary adventure that will have everyone begging for your secret recipe.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: African
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 lbs chicken wings
- 1/4 cup peri peri sauce
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp pepper
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
Instructions
- Remove chicken wings from refrigerator 30 minutes before cooking to allow them to reach room temperature, ensuring even cooking.
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (218°C) and line a large baking sheet with aluminum foil, then place a wire rack on top to allow wings to crisp evenly.
- Pat chicken wings dry thoroughly with paper towels to remove excess moisture, which helps achieve crispy skin.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine olive oil, salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and peri peri sauce. Whisk ingredients until well blended.
- Add chicken wings to the marinade and toss thoroughly, ensuring each wing is completely coated with the spicy sauce.
- Arrange marinated wings on the wire rack, ensuring they are not touching each other to promote even cooking and crispy texture.
- Bake in preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, turning wings halfway through cooking to ensure both sides are evenly browned and crispy.
- Check internal temperature of wings reaches 165°F (74°C) using a meat thermometer for food safety.
- Remove from oven and let wings rest for 5 minutes to allow juices to redistribute, maintaining moisture.
- Optional: Brush additional peri peri sauce over wings before serving for extra heat and flavor.
- Serve hot with optional side of extra peri peri sauce, fresh lemon wedges, and cooling dip like ranch or blue cheese.
Tips
- Temperature Matters: Always let your chicken wings sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before cooking to ensure even heat distribution.
- Moisture is the Enemy of Crispiness: Pat your wings completely dry with paper towels to achieve that coveted crispy skin.
- Don't Overcrowd the Baking Sheet: Space your wings apart on the wire rack to allow hot air to circulate and create uniform crispiness.
- Use a Meat Thermometer: Always check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.
- Let Them Rest: Allow wings to rest for 5 minutes after cooking to redistribute juices and maintain maximum moisture.
- Extra Flavor Hack: Keep some extra peri peri sauce on the side for those who love an additional heat kick!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 2g
Protein: 28g
Fat: 25g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Cholesterol: 120mg
