Imagine biting into a chicken wing so perfectly balanced between sweet, tangy, and crunchy that it transforms your ordinary meal into an extraordinary culinary experience. These Sweet and Tangy Orange Almond Wings are not just another wing recipe – they're a game-changing dish that combines the bright, zesty essence of fresh orange juice, the rich sweetness of honey, and the delightful crunch of toasted almonds. Whether you're firing up the grill or preheating your oven, these wings are about to become the star of your next gathering, guaranteed to have your guests asking for the recipe!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 lbs chicken wings
- 1/2 cup orange juice
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup sliced almonds
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) if you are using the oven method. If you are planning to grill the wings, prepare your grill for medium heat.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the orange juice and honey. Whisk them together until well blended, creating a sweet and tangy marinade for the chicken wings.
- Season the chicken wings with salt and pepper to taste. Make sure to coat them evenly for optimal flavor.
- Add the seasoned chicken wings to the bowl with the orange juice and honey mixture. Toss the wings thoroughly in the marinade, ensuring they are well coated. Allow them to marinate for at least 10 minutes to absorb the flavors.
- If using the oven method, line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and place a wire rack on top. This will allow the wings to cook evenly and crisp up nicely. Arrange the marinated chicken wings in a single layer on the rack.
- For grilling, place the marinated wings directly on the preheated grill. Cook for about 25 minutes, turning occasionally to ensure even cooking and to achieve a nice char on all sides.
- If baking, place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake the wings for 25 minutes, flipping them halfway through to ensure they cook evenly.
- While the wings are cooking, toast the sliced almonds in a dry skillet over medium heat for about 3-5 minutes, or until they are golden brown and fragrant. Stir frequently to prevent burning.
- Once the wings are cooked through and have reached an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C), remove them from the oven or grill. Allow them to rest for a few minutes.
- Before serving, sprinkle the toasted sliced almonds generously over the wings for added crunch and flavor.
- Serve the sweet and tangy orange almond wings warm, either as an appetizer or as part of a main meal. Enjoy with your favorite dipping sauce or a side of fresh vegetables!
Tips
- • For maximum flavor absorption, marinate the wings for at least 30 minutes (or even overnight) before cooking. • Use a meat thermometer to ensure wings reach the safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). • When toasting almonds, watch them carefully and stir frequently to prevent burning. • For extra crispy wings, pat the chicken dry before marinating to remove excess moisture. • If you prefer less sweetness, you can reduce the honey by 1-2 tablespoons. • For a spicier version, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the marinade. • Let the wings rest for 5 minutes after cooking to help retain their juiciness.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 12g
Protein: 26g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 110mg
