Chicken wings are a popular favourite food with both kids and adults, at parties or as a week meal with some veggies. They are easy to prepare, inexpensive, and delicious and you tell me what kid (or adult) isn’t happy to eat chicken wings with his fingers? There’s something that’s just fun about eating with your hands, it can make adults feel like kids again, and it makes kids feel like, well, like kids of course!
The orange marmalade and the orange juice in this recipe lends an unexpected twist to the flavour and pairs wonderfully with the spices in this recipe, creating a finger-licking shiny glaze you’ll need plenty of napkins for. The meat is really tender and falls off the bone. The cayenne give these wings a spicy kick which can be a little too much for small kids so adjust the cayenne when you feel it is needed. A little planning will be required, because they turn out best when they’re marinated ahead of time. They need at least 3 hours, but overnight is even better.
I never bother buying chicken wings where the wing is already cut in 2 pieces. I always buy them whole, but I did notice that guests are more comfortable eating it in smaller pieces so you could consider cutting them for the perfect finger food. In that way they are sure to disappear pretty quickly if served at a party.
Just typing out this recipe makes my mouth water and my fingers itch to get into the kitchen and prepare them for tomorrows dinner. I must confess I love chicken wings more than any human being should. Eating these wings will make you feel like you died and went to heaven. I always knew you get your wings when you go to heaven, I never knew they would be so scrumptious.
I hope you enjoy it as much as we did. If you try it, please let me know! Leave a comment, telling me what you think of it. You can also tag your photo on Instagram with @culyzaar or post it on my Facebook page so I can see it. I love seeing your takes on the recipes on my blog!
Source: ‘Sirocco: 'Fabulous Flavors from the Middle East’ - Sabrina Ghayour.
- 1,3 kilo chicken wings
- 200 ml fresh orange juice
- 6 tbsp orange marmalade
- 4 heaping teaspoons dried thyme
- 2 heaping teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1 heaping teaspoon turmeric
- 1 tsp cayenne pepper
- 2 large garlic cloves, minced
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- flaky sea salt and freshly ground black pepper
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Combine all ingredients except the chicken wings in a large bowl. Add the chicken wings to the bowl and season generously with salt and pepper. Using your hands, massage the marinade into the chicken wings, then cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 3 hours or, even better, overnight.
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When you are ready to cook, bring the chicken wings to room temperature. Preheat the oven to 200°C. Line a large baking sheet with foil and place the chicken wings on the prepared sheet (make sure to reserve the excess marinade). Position the wings on the baking sheet in a single layer to ensure that the wings aren't overlapping each other. By the way........I had so many chicken wings on the baking sheet that mine did overlap a little (see picture).
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Roast the wings on the top rack of the oven for 25 minutes. Turn the chicken wings over and brush them with some of the reserved marinade. Continue to roast for another 15 minutes or until the chicken wings are deeply browned and cooked through. Keep in mind that the sweet marinade will make them blacken a little around the edges, which is perfectly OK.
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While the chicken is in the oven set a small saucepan over a high heat, pour in the leftover marinade and bring to a boil. Cook for a few minutes until reduced to a sauce-like consistency. If it becomes too thick, let it down with a tablespoon of water. Give the chicken wings a final brush with the cooked down marinade and serve immediately.
