Spicy Fried Wings

If you are a Food Network fan (like me), the name Pat Neely would probably ring a bell for you. He and his wife have a show called "Down Home with the Neelys" which features great grilling and BBQ dishes/recipes. Their Southern recipes are great, and this Spicy Fried Wings is an excellent example. 

I tweaked the recipe a bit to tone down the heat and give it an Asian kick. Fried chicken lovers will find this dish yummy and finger-licking! 


What you need:

• 10 whole chicken wings, cut in half at the joint
• 1 tablespoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 2 tablespoons red pepper flakes, divided
• 3 teaspoons black pepper, divided
• 1 tablespoon + 2 teaspoons cayenne pepper
• 2 teaspoons Old Bay Seasoning
• 1 teaspoon lemon pepper
• 2 eggs
• 2 tablespoons Sriracha
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• canola oil for frying

 What to do:

First, make the seasoning mixture. In a bowl, whick together the salt, dried thyme, 1 tablespoon red pepper flakes, 2 teaspoons black pepper, 2 teaspoons cayenne pepper, Old Bay Seasoning, and lemon pepper. Reserve 2 tablespoons of the mixture in a separate bowl.

Place chicken wings in a shallow baking dish. Rub the seasoning mix on the chicken wings, making sure you have enough to coat all the wings. Cover the dish with plastic wrap and marinate in the fridge for at least an hour.

Meanwhile, whisk the eggs, Sriracha, 1 tablespoon red pepper flakes, 1 teaspoon black pepper, and 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper into a medium-sized bowl. Set aside. Put the flour in a separate bowl.

In a deep fryer or large pan, heat enough canola oil to deep fry your chicken.

Dredge chicken wings into the egg mixture then into the flour. Place wings 3 at a time into the hot oil and cook for 8 to 10 minutes, until cooked through and golden brown. Drain on a cooling rack. Sprinkle the wings with the reserved seasoning for extra spiciness.


Tips, Tricks and Tweaks:
 
1. If using fresh thyme, use 1 tablespoon.
2. No Sriracha? No problem. Substitute with chili-garlic sauce or tabasco.
3. Make sure your chicken is rinsed properly!
4. If you don't like touching raw meat, just sprinkle the seasoning on the chicken instead of rubbing it.
5. DO NOT undercook chicken! Ever. Nuff' said.