Sweet-Sour Chicken Wings
Sweet-sour chicken wings glazed with orange, cranberry, soy, and brown sugar offer a flavorful, tangy, and slightly sweet dish perfect for gatherings or weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Arrange chicken wings in a shallow container.
- In a medium-sized bowl, combine orange juice, soy sauce, dark brown sugar, melted cranberry sauce, and Tabasco sauce.
- Mix well until the sugar is dissolved.
- Pour the marinade over the chicken wings, cover, and refrigerate for several hours or overnight.
- Turn the wings occasionally to ensure even marination.
- Lift the wings from the marinade and place them on a shallow baking pan.
- Bake in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for 50 to 60 minutes.
- Baste frequently with the reserved marinade during baking.
Tips & Substitutions
For extra flavor, marinate the wings overnight. If you don't have dark brown sugar, light brown sugar works as a substitute. You can also adjust the Tabasco sauce to your heat preference. If you'd like to make a sauce, reserve some of the marinade before adding it to the raw chicken. This dish pairs well with side dishes like coleslaw or rice.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the sweet-sour chicken wings hot, garnished with chopped green onions or sesame seeds for added flavor. They pair wonderfully with a side of roasted vegetables or a fresh salad. For a complete meal, consider serving them alongside Chicken Rice Goodness for a satisfying, balanced dinner.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover chicken wings in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them on a baking sheet in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave them, but the oven will keep them crispier.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Sweet-Sour Chicken Wings contains roughly 77 calories, with 1g protein, 18g carbohydrates, and 0g fat. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 904mg per serving (39% 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. Just ensure to thaw them completely in the refrigerator before marinating. This allows the flavors to penetrate the meat effectively, ensuring delicious results.
How do I make the wings crispier?
To achieve crispier wings, bake them on a wire rack placed over the baking pan to allow air circulation. This helps the fat render out properly. You can also broil them for the last few minutes of baking for added crispness.
Can I grill the wings instead of baking them?
Absolutely! Grilling the wings adds a nice smoky flavor. Preheat the grill to medium heat, and cook the wings for about 20-25 minutes, turning occasionally and basting with the marinade for extra flavor.
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).