Sweet And Sour Chicken Wings And Drums
Sweet and sour chicken wings and drums feature crispy fried chicken coated in a tangy, sweet sauce. Perfect for sharing at parties or casual gatherings with bold flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Season chicken with garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Dip pieces into beaten eggs.
- Roll chicken in cornstarch.
- Fry chicken in vegetable oil until browned.
- Arrange fried chicken in a foil-lined pan.
- Combine soy sauce, ketchup, sugar, vinegar, and chicken broth.
- Pour sauce mixture over chicken.
- Bake at 350°F for 1 hour, turning meat every 15 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For extra crunch, consider double frying the chicken after the initial fry. You can substitute the cornstarch with potato starch for a different texture. If you want to reduce sugar, use a sugar substitute or honey, but adjust the vinegar accordingly. To save time, marinate the chicken in the sauce for an hour before cooking to enhance the flavor. This makes it a great dish to prepare for gatherings.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these sweet and sour chicken wings with steamed rice or fried rice for a complete meal. They pair well with a fresh salad or sautéed vegetables for a balanced dish. Consider offering a side of Lo Mein (Beef Or Chicken) for additional texture and flavor, creating a delightful Asian-inspired feast.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover sweet and sour chicken wings in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, place them in the oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through, maintaining their crispiness. Alternatively, you can use an air fryer for a quicker reheating method that keeps the wings crispy.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Sweet And Sour Chicken Wings And Drums contains roughly 272 calories, with 3g protein, 32g carbohydrates, and 12g fat. It is a good source of vitamin A (18% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1983mg per serving (86% 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 chicken breasts instead of wings and drums?
Yes, you can use chicken breasts, but be mindful of the cooking time. Breasts will cook faster than wings and drums, so adjust the baking time to avoid drying them out. Marinating the breasts in the sauce will also help keep them moist and flavorful.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To add heat, incorporate a teaspoon of chili paste or Sriracha into the sauce mixture. Alternatively, sprinkle some red pepper flakes over the wings before baking. Adjust the amount based on your spice tolerance for a more personalized kick.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the chicken and sauce a day in advance, keeping them separate until you're ready to bake. Simply store the chicken in the fridge and combine with the sauce shortly before baking. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully, making it ideal for meal prep.
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).