Chicken wings are rich in protein and have various minerals like calcium, potassium, magnesium, iodine, phosphorus, and iron. Vitamins A, D, and K can also be found in wings in average amounts to give you a nutritious diet. Wings are also versatile in the ways they can be prepared to suit different people’s tastes and preferences. Whether you want to prepare the wings at home or order from a barbecue restaurant, here are four ways chicken wings are prepared:
Buffalo-Style
These chicken wings are named after Buffalo, New York, where they originated. To prepare the wings, deep fry them in oil or bake them until crispy. Toss the crunchy wings in spicy sauce to create a bold coating with a balance of heat and flavor. The hot sauce should include vinegar, cayenne pepper, and melted butter. If it suits your taste, add brown sugar or honey for a sweet-spicy kick. When you order the wings from a barbecue restaurant, they are usually served with blue cheese or ranch dressing to cool the mouth after eating the hot sauce.
Dry Rubs
Dry rubs are coated with a blend of herbs and spices. This preparation method is appropriate if you want an intense flavor without having to dip your wings in sauce. Some dry rubs variations are lemon pepper, Cajun, and smoky barbecue-inspired blends. To prepare homemade dry rubs, mix your favorite spices like cayenne, garlic powder, and paprika. You could also add brown sugar for a sweet, flavorful crust. Coat the wings with the spice mix and grill or bake them to allow the spices to infuse in the meat. For a crispy texture, prepare the wings at a higher heat. The wings go well with garlic aioli or ranch to give you a creamy taste that contrasts the savory spices.
No-Heat
No-heat does not mean that you won’t need a source of heat for preparation. The wings are prepared by steaming or baking instead of frying to get a light flavor. One way to prepare crispy, no-fry wings is by using a steamer basket to steam the meat and remove extra fat. After steaming, roast the wings in the oven until they turn golden and crispy, similar to what you get from frying. Another preparation method is to fry the wings in a preheated oven until golden brown. Flip the wings until they are evenly browned without pink traces. These methods give you crunchy wings without an oily mess and a potentially healthier alternative to deep-fried wings.
Heat Wings
This type of wing preparation method gives you heat-packed wings with bold flavors. Some hot sauce choices are ghost pepper, habanero, and Sriracha to give you a fiery and intense kick. To prepare heat wings, marinate them with a mix of hot sauce, cayenne pepper, and brown sugar or honey to balance the heat with sweetness. Grill the wings until the spicy flavors are locked in to give you a crispy finish. If you prefer the wings to have a sweet-spicy flavor, add mango or pineapple sauce, and if you prefer extreme heat, add Carolina Reaper peppers. The wings are often served with ranch, blue cheese, or any other cooling dip.
Chicken Wings from a Barbecue Restaurant
Chicken wings are a versatile meal choice catering to different flavor and texture preferences. From Buffalo-style to dry rubs, no-heat, and heat wings, these preparation methods make them a popular choice for families, gatherings, and casual meals. Whether you are in the mood for savory, tangy, or spicy wings, order your preferred wings from a barbecue restaurant near you.
