Buffalo Wings

I have always wondered why there is a serving of celery sticks whenever we order Buffalo Wings in restaurants. Later on, I found out that it is to cut the searing heat of the spicy wings. It is no surprise, then, that when I made my own version of Buffalo Wings, I also put a side of the sticks. I fried these wings cause I like the contrast of the crunchy skin to the juicy meat of the chicken.

What you need:

20 - 25 pieces chicken wings
2 cups seasoned flour
oil, for frying

For the sauce:

1 tbsp. butter
1/2 Vidalia onion, chopped
3 garlic cloves, chopped
1/4 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup honey
1/2 tbsp. red pepper flakes
4 tbsp. garlic chili sauce
6 tbsp. barbecue sauce

What to do:

In medium heat, melt the butter in a large saucepan. Add the onion and garlic cloves, saute for 2 to 3 minutes. Put in the honey and brown sugar, and wait for the mixture to be heated through, around 1 minute. Add the barbecue sauce, garlic-chili sauce, and the red pepper flakes. Cook, stirring occasionally for a minute or two. Keep warm until ready to serve.

Meanwhile, heat oil in your deep fryer. Dredge chicken wings in seasoned flour and put them in the deep fryer (in batches). Fry until golden brown and let drain on a cooling rack.

Transfer the wings to a large mixing bowl and add in the sauce. Make sure to coat each wing by giving the bowl a slight toss. Serve with blue cheese dressing.

Tips, Tricks and Tweaks:

1. If you can't handle the heat, reduce the amount of chili-garlic sauce.
2. Substitute chili-garlic sauce with Sriracha or Sambal-Oelek.
3. If you don't have ready-made seasoned flour, click here for a recipe. Still too complicated? Just add your favorite (dry) spices in a cup or two of flour.
4. Keep your fried wings crispy (before adding the sauce) while you fry the remaining wings by putting it in a 150F oven.
5. Add an ounce of Bourbon with the brown sugar and honey for a twist.
6. Don't like the grease? Bake your wings instead. Line your baking sheet with aluminum foil and lightly grease with cooking spray. Preheat your oven to 400F and bake for about 45 minutes, turning the wings over halfway for even cooking.
7. For easier coating, put the wings and sauce in a covered container and shake vigorously.