Health meal, low carbs meals, keto meal
INSTANT POT DINNER RECIPES

How to Make Better KFC-Style Chicken Wings

This recipe takes chicken wings to the next level, combining a crispy exterior with a flavorful, tender interior. The secret is in the marinade and the rich buttery glaze, making these wings better than anything you could buy at a fast food joint. Here’s how to make them!

Ingredients

For the Chicken Wings:

  • Chicken wings: 12 pieces
  • Sodium bicarbonate (baking soda): 1 tablespoon
  • Water: 500 ml (17 fl oz)

For the Butter Glaze:

  • Melted butter: 600 g (21 oz)
  • Garlic: 30 g (1.1 oz), minced
  • Fresh rosemary: 30 g (1.1 oz), finely chopped
  • Salt: 7 g (0.2 oz)
  • Black pepper: 3 g (0.1 oz)

For the Sauce:

  • Ketchup: 70 g (2.5 oz)
  • Mustard: 20 g (0.7 oz)
  • Honey: 30 g (1.1 oz)
  • Soy sauce: 30 ml (1 fl oz)
  • Black pepper: 5 g (0.2 oz)
  • Coca-Cola: 0.5 l (17 fl oz)

For the Dipping Sauce:

  • Feta cheese: 100 g (3.5 oz)
  • Yogurt: 100 g (3.5 oz)
  • Dried parsley: 5 g (0.2 oz)
  • Granulated garlic: 5 g (0.2 oz)
  • Black pepper: 5 g (0.2 oz)
  • Salt: 6 g (0.2 oz)
  • Olive oil: 15 ml (0.5 fl oz)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken Wings

  1. Tenderize the wings:
    • In a large bowl, dissolve 1 tablespoon of sodium bicarbonate in 500 ml of water. Add the 12 chicken wings and let them soak for 15-20 minutes. This step helps to tenderize the wings and make them extra juicy.
  2. Rinse and dry the wings:
    • After soaking, rinse the wings thoroughly under cold water to remove the baking soda. Pat them dry with paper towels.

Step 2: Prepare the Butter Glaze

  1. Make the glaze:
    • In a small saucepan, melt 600 g of butter over low heat. Add 30 g of minced garlic, 30 g of chopped rosemary, 7 g of salt, and 3 g of black pepper. Stir and cook for 2-3 minutes until the garlic is fragrant and the flavors are well combined.
  2. Coat the wings:
    • Toss the wings in the butter glaze until they are fully coated. Reserve some of the glaze for basting during cooking.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken Wings

  1. Preheat the oven:
    • Preheat your oven to 200°C (392°F).
  2. Bake the wings:
    • Arrange the glazed wings on a baking tray lined with parchment paper. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, turning the wings halfway through and basting with the reserved butter glaze for extra flavor.

Step 4: Prepare the Sauce

  1. Make the sauce:
    • In a medium saucepan, combine 70 g of ketchup, 20 g of mustard, 30 g of honey, 30 ml of soy sauce, 5 g of black pepper, and 0.5 l of Coca-Cola. Bring to a simmer over medium heat and cook until the sauce thickens slightly, about 10-15 minutes.
  2. Toss the wings in the sauce:
    • Once the wings are baked, remove them from the oven and toss them in the prepared sauce until fully coated.

Step 5: Prepare the Dipping Sauce

  1. Make the dipping sauce:
    • In a bowl, combine 100 g of feta cheese, 100 g of yogurt, 5 g of dried parsley, 5 g of granulated garlic, 5 g of black pepper, 6 g of salt, and 15 ml of olive oil. Mix until smooth.
  2. Serve:
    • Transfer the chicken wings to a serving platter and serve with the feta dipping sauce on the side.

Cook’s Notes

  • Spice Level: For extra heat, add some chili flakes or cayenne pepper to the sauce.
  • Crispy Wings: For even crispier wings, broil them for the last 2-3 minutes of baking, keeping a close eye to prevent burning.

Variations

Spicy Buffalo Wings

Add hot sauce and butter to the sauce mix for classic Buffalo-style wings.

BBQ Wings

Replace the ketchup and mustard with your favorite BBQ sauce for a sweet and smoky flavor.

Garlic Parmesan Wings

Toss the baked wings in a mix of melted butter, minced garlic, and grated Parmesan cheese for a savory, cheesy option.

Lemon Pepper Wings

Coat the wings in lemon juice, melted butter, and black pepper before baking for a tangy, peppery twist.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I fry the wings instead of baking them?

Yes, you can deep fry the wings at 180°C (350°F) until golden brown and crispy, then toss them in the sauce.

2. How do I store leftovers?

Store any leftover wings in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.

3. Can I use drumsticks instead of wings?

Yes, you can use drumsticks or even chicken thighs. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.

4. What can I serve with these wings?

These wings pair well with celery sticks, carrot sticks, and additional dipping sauces like ranch or blue cheese.

5. Can I make the sauce ahead of time?

Yes, the sauce can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to a week. Reheat before tossing with the wings.

These better-than-KFC chicken wings are packed with flavor and boast a crispy, juicy texture that’s hard to beat. Whether you’re serving them at a game day party, a family dinner, or just as a treat for yourself, these wings are sure to impress. Enjoy making and savoring this delicious recipe!