Marinated Chicken Wings

If you’re looking for a quick and easy meal that is low in carbs and high in protein and iron, look to classic marinated chicken wings.

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It’s no surprise that chicken wings are one of the most popular foods you see eaten as an appetizer, finger food at parties, and a fun treat for lunch or dinner. They are incredibly versatile since you can cover them with any seasoning, including rubs and sauces. Sure, the sauces can get a little messy, but that’s part of the fun!

Wings are also convenient; there’s no need for forks and knives, and they are one of the most inexpensive meats you can buy. Plus, it’s easy to pile a platter with dozens of chicken wings for parties, large or small gatherings, or a house full of hungry teenagers.

According to the National Chicken Council (who knew there was a council for chicken), Americans say that wings are their second favorite part of the chicken after the breast. French fries are the preferred side to accompany the wings. Even though wings are tiny and have less meat than other parts, Americans find them irresistible.

In this recipe, Marinated Chicken Wings, the pineapple, soy sauce, and honey blend to create the perfect sweet and salty coating for chicken wings. Toss in the ginger and garlic and these wings have everything your palate desires. And that’s not even the best part. Mixing up the sauce is quick and easy; then you just place the chicken wings on a baking sheet, put them in the oven, and wait for them to be cooked.

Chicken wings take a little bit of time, as do any bone-in chicken pieces, but that doesn’t make the recipe complicated. Once you taste them, marinated chicken wings will become your go-to easy meal.

Are Marinated Chicken Wings Healthy?

Yummy chicken wings aren’t the first thing that pops into our minds when we consider healthy foods. However, chicken wings are a healthy option for any meal. Yes, they do contain fat, but compared to other meats, chicken wings are lean. The darker meat on the wing is full of iron and protein. And to top it all, chicken wings are a low-carb, gluten-free, and dairy-free food. They are also an excellent choice for the keto diet since they contain fat and a low amount of carbohydrates.

The secret to great-tasting chicken wings

Have you ever covered a piece of meat in a rub or a sauce, only to find that you don’t taste it all that much when you bite into the meat? I find that with some seasoning, after the first layer, I have to add more to the meat as I eat it so I can enjoy the flavor. If you want to avoid that with your chicken wings and enjoy the flavor all the way through, it’s all about the marinade.

It’s critical to follow the steps completely with the marinade, including the time that the chicken wings sit, so you have a moist, juicy, flavorful chicken wing. After mixing all the ingredients and tossing the wings in the marinade, allow the chicken wings to sit overnight for intense flavor after they are cooked. In this case, a shortcut in time will lessen the taste.

INGREDIENTS

1 cup water
1 cup low-sodium soy sauce
1/2 cup raw honey
1/2 cup unsweetened pineapple juice
1/4 cup olive oil
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon ground ginger
3-4 pounds chicken wings, cleaned and drained

INSTRUCTIONS

Whisk

Combine marinade ingredients.

Marinate

Coat wings and refrigerate overnight.

Prep

Preheat the oven, and line the baking sheet.

Bake

Cook wings until golden and cooked through.

FAQs & Tips

How to Make Ahead and Store?

Chicken wings are one of the best things to make ahead and store. It’s easy to grab some out of the refrigerator and heat them up when guests arrive or hunger strikes. After the wings have cooled, place them in zip-top food storage bags and keep them in the refrigerator for up to four days. You can also freeze your leftover chicken wings for up to six months.

How to reheat chicken wings?

One of the best ways to reheat chicken wings is to place them in a single layer on a baking sheet in a 350-degree oven. They should heat up in about 10–20 minutes. If you’re unsure if they are cooked through, use a meat thermometer to make sure the wings reach 165 degrees Fahrenheit.

How to get a crisp skin on the wings

To get a little bit of a crisp on the chicken wing, one of the secrets is to make sure the wings are dry before you coat them in the marinade. I know it seems like a contradiction to dry wings and then soak them in a marinade, however, removing excess water from the wings will make a difference when you bake them. Since this isn’t a rub, the chicken wings won’t have a lot of crunch but there should be a little snap when you bite into the wing.

Serving Suggestions

Serving other foods with marinated chicken wings is a lot of fun since there are so many options. Whether you’re planning a party, a quiet evening alone, or a family meal, the side dishes are endless to accompany the versatile chicken wing. Two of my favorites include a broccoli cheese casserole or a cheesy zucchini casserole for fun veggie choices. Salads balance the chicken wings nicely, too. Try a cucumber and tomato salad for a light meal, or this delicious balsamic grilled vegetable salad.

Potatoes are a classic accompaniment to chicken dishes, and roasted russet potatoes are one of the easiest and yummiest. Saving the best for last, as mentioned, French fries are America’s number one choice when it comes to serving other foods with chicken wings. The good news is that French fries don’t have to be an unhealthy option. Using recipes such as air-fryer French fries and garlic parmesan fries, you can enjoy crispy French fries without the grease.