How to Make Chicken Wings for a Crowd | Dear Test Kitchen

hot sauce

🥗Healthier: vinegar and spices

💰Cheaper: homemade hot sauce

Homemade versions can reduce sodium and cost.

blue cheese dressing

🥗Healthier: yogurt-based dressing

💰Cheaper: ranch dressing

Yogurt dressing is lower in calories.

butter

🥗Healthier: olive oil

💰Cheaper: margarine

Olive oil is healthier and adds flavor.

vinegar

🥗Healthier: citrus juice

💰Cheaper: apple cider vinegar

Citrus juice brightens flavor with fewer calories.

Prepare chicken wings by cutting them into drumettes and wingettes, discarding the tips.

Use latex gloves or tongs to handle raw chicken to avoid contamination.

Mix together smoked salt, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, chili powder, cumin, black pepper, coriander, dried thyme, and dried oregano in a bowl.

Use a spice grinder to grind dried oregano and thyme for better flavor penetration.

Season the chicken wings with the dry rub mixture, ensuring even coverage.

Cover the seasoned wings with plastic wrap or transfer them to bags and refrigerate overnight to let the flavors penetrate.

Preheat the oven to 500°F (260°C).

Line sheet trays with foil for easy cleanup and arrange the wings in a single layer, avoiding overcrowding.

Bake the wings in the preheated oven for 20 minutes at 500°F (260°C).

After 20 minutes, reduce the oven temperature to 350°F (175°C) and continue cooking for an additional 10 minutes.

While the wings are cooking, prepare the barbecue sauce by slicing onions and cherry tomatoes and broiling them for 5 minutes until charred.

Blend the charred onions and tomatoes with dark brown sugar, honey, and Frank's Red Hot sauce until smooth.

Taste the barbecue sauce and adjust seasoning if necessary.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Dietary

Allergens