Spiced Chicken Wings
Spiced chicken wings infused with aromatic star anise, cinnamon, and savory soy, offering a flavorful, slightly sweet, and aromatic dish perfect for sharing with friends.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Place the chicken wings in an ungreased wok and add the dry sherry or Shao Hsing wine.
- Cook until almost all of the wine has evaporated.
- Add water, cover, and cook over medium-high heat for 10 minutes.
- Add the star anise and cinnamon sticks, cover, and cook for about 5 minutes.
- Add the tamari, sugar, and salt to the wok.
- Cover and simmer the wings for 30 minutes, stirring often to prevent drying out.
- Add 3 to 4 tablespoons of water if needed during cooking.
Tips & Substitutions
For a deeper flavor, marinate the chicken wings in the sherry or Shao Hsing wine for a few hours or overnight. If you don’t have tamari, soy sauce can be used as a substitute, though it will alter the flavor slightly. To add heat, consider sprinkling in some chili flakes during the cooking process. For a different twist, try adding garlic or ginger.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the spiced chicken wings hot, garnished with chopped green onions for a pop of color. They pair well with steamed rice or a refreshing cucumber salad, complementing the rich flavors. For a hearty meal, consider serving them alongside Sweet And Sour Chicken Or Shrimp With Rice to create a delightful spread of flavors.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover spiced chicken wings in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through, ensuring they stay moist. Alternatively, you can microwave them, but be cautious as this may cause them to dry out.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Spiced Chicken Wings contains roughly 268 calories, with 14g protein, 38g carbohydrates, and 11g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (109% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (31% of the Daily Value), and protein (29% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2283mg per serving (99% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen chicken wings for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken wings, but it's best to thaw them completely before cooking for even cooking and better flavor absorption. Place the wings in the refrigerator overnight or use the defrost setting on your microwave if you're short on time.
How can I make these wings spicier?
To add more heat, incorporate crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce into the sauce mixture. You can also marinate the wings with a spicy seasoning blend prior to cooking for an extra kick. Adjust the spice level to your preference for an enjoyable heat.
What can I serve with these wings?
These spiced chicken wings pair excellently with a variety of sides. Consider serving them with a side of fried rice, like Spanish Style Fried Rice, or some crispy vegetable spring rolls. A fresh salad can also balance the richness of the wings, making for a well-rounded meal.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).