Chicken Wings
Choice of sauce: Buffalo, Honey Garlic, BBQ, or Dry Rub.
Nutrition Facts
* The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
Chicken wings as a popular bar food emerged in the 1960s and 1970s in Buffalo, New York. Before this, wings were often discarded or used for stock. Their transformation into a celebrated dish is relatively recent.
Chicken wings have become a staple of American bar culture, sporting events, and casual dining. They are often associated with socializing, sharing, and enjoying a relaxed atmosphere.
Super Bowl Staple
Chicken wings are a quintessential Super Bowl food, consumed in massive quantities during the annual championship game. Their popularity is closely tied to watching sports with friends and family.
Wing Eating Contests
Competitive wing eating is a popular activity, with contests held across the country. These events highlight the dish's cultural significance and often involve impressive displays of speed and capacity.
Bar Food Icon
Chicken wings are a mainstay on bar menus, offered in a wide variety of flavors and preparations. They are often paired with beer or other beverages.
Chicken wings offer a diverse range of flavors, from spicy and tangy to sweet and savory. The flavor profile is largely determined by the sauce used.
The core flavor is the inherent savory taste of fried or baked chicken skin and meat. Sauces introduce complexity through ingredients like vinegar (for tanginess), chili peppers (for spiciness), brown sugar or honey (for sweetness), garlic, herbs, and spices (for savory depth). Common sauces include Buffalo (a combination of hot sauce and butter), BBQ, Teriyaki, Lemon Pepper, Garlic Parmesan, and Honey Garlic.
Achieving Crispiness
For extra crispy wings, consider double frying them. Fry at a lower temperature first to cook the chicken through, then increase the temperature for a final fry to achieve a crispy skin. Alternatively, bake them on a wire rack for even air circulation.
Sauce Application
Toss the wings in sauce immediately after cooking while they are still hot. This allows the sauce to adhere properly and create a flavorful coating.
Internal Temperature
Ensure that the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) to guarantee they are fully cooked and safe to eat.
Dry Brining
Try dry brining the wings for at least 4 hours or overnight. This helps draw out moisture and intensifies the flavor. Use a mixture of salt, pepper, garlic powder, and other spices of your choice.
Explore additional Chicken dishes and restaurants
Explore ChickenDiscover top dining spots and culinary experiences in Kitchener.
Explore KitchenerLearn more about the food culture, restaurant scene, and culinary heritage of Canada.
Explore Canada