Chinese Salt and Pepper Chicken Wings

If you’re a fan of crispy, tender chicken wings with a punch of bold flavors, these Chinese Salt and Pepper Chicken Wings are going to be your new obsession. Imagine biting into perfectly fried wings—crunchy on the outside, juicy on the inside—coated in a savory mix of salt, pepper, garlic, and just a hint of heat. These wings are savory, spicy, and addictive, making them the perfect appetizer or a game-day snack. Plus, they’re surprisingly easy to make!

The best part? The seasoning. A simple blend of salt, pepper, and five-spice powder comes together in a way that elevates these wings to another level. It’s crispy, it’s salty, it’s peppery… and it’s irresistible. Once you’ve had a taste, you’ll understand why this flavor combo has been a Chinese restaurant favorite for years. Get ready to indulge!

Why You’ll Love Chinese Salt and Pepper Chicken Wings

These wings are more than just your average chicken snack. Here’s why you’ll want to make them again and again:

Crispy Perfection

These wings are fried to crispy perfection, with a light and crunchy skin that you’ll absolutely crave. The coating stays crisp even after a dusting of the flavorful seasoning—no sogginess here!

Simple Ingredients, Big Flavor

You don’t need a ton of fancy ingredients to make these wings sing. Just a few pantry staples, plus some chicken wings, and you’ve got a dish that tastes like it came straight from your favorite Chinese takeout spot.

Quick and Easy

This recipe is straightforward, with only a few key steps, and it’s ready in no time! Whether you’re whipping it up for a quick snack or feeding a crowd, these wings will always deliver.

Perfectly Balanced

The balance between salt, pepper, and the subtle kick from the five-spice powder creates a flavor explosion that isn’t too overpowering. It’s the kind of seasoning that makes you go back for “just one more.”

Crowd-Pleasing

Everyone loves chicken wings, and these Chinese-style wings will definitely be the star of your next gathering. They’re perfect for parties, family dinners, or just a special treat for yourself.

Ingredients

Ready to make these crispy, flavorful wings? Here’s what you’ll need:

Chicken Wings

Of course! You want a good, meaty wing with a crispy skin, so fresh, high-quality chicken wings are key.

Cornstarch

This is the secret to that ultra-crispy coating. When you coat the wings in cornstarch before frying, it creates a light, crunchy texture that’s just irresistible.

Salt

A good pinch of salt brings out all the flavors and balances the seasoning perfectly. It’s essential for that savory, crave-worthy taste.

Freshly Cracked Black Pepper

The pepper is the real star here, giving the wings their signature kick. Freshly cracked black pepper is key to that bold, flavorful bite.

Chinese Five-Spice Powder

A little goes a long way! This spice blend gives the wings a subtle warmth and depth of flavor that makes them stand out from your regular salt-and-pepper wings. It’s a mix of cinnamon, star anise, cloves, fennel, and Szechuan peppercorns—just the right amount of complexity.

Garlic

Fresh garlic brings the aroma and flavor that takes these wings from good to great. A quick fry in oil infuses the wings with a rich, aromatic touch.

Sliced Chilies (Optional)

If you like a little heat, thinly sliced fresh chilies will give your wings that spicy kick. You can use red chilies or jalapeños, depending on your spice preference.

(Note: Full ingredient measurements are included in the recipe card.)

Instructions

Ready to fry up some wings? Here’s how you’ll do it:

1. Prep Your Wings

Start by patting your chicken wings dry with paper towels. This step is crucial for getting that crispy texture. Once dry, toss the wings in cornstarch until they’re lightly coated. This will give them that irresistible crunch.

2. Heat the Oil

In a large skillet or wok, heat oil over medium-high heat. You want enough oil to submerge the wings halfway. The oil should be hot but not smoking—around 350°F (175°C) is perfect for frying.

3. Fry the Wings

Carefully add your coated wings to the hot oil in batches. Fry them for about 8-10 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crispy. Don’t overcrowd the pan; you want each wing to get crispy all over.

4. Make the Seasoning Mix

While the wings are frying, combine salt, black pepper, and Chinese five-spice powder in a small bowl. Set this aside.

5. Fry the Garlic and Chilies

Once your wings are done, remove them from the oil and set them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil. In the same pan, add a little more oil if needed, then fry the minced garlic and sliced chilies for 30 seconds, just until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic!

6. Toss the Wings in the Seasoning

Once the garlic and chilies are fragrant, return the fried wings to the pan and toss them in the seasoning mix. Make sure the wings are evenly coated in that flavorful salt-and-pepper blend.

7. Serve and Enjoy

Serve these wings hot, garnished with a little extra sliced chili and fresh cilantro if you like. They’re perfect on their own or with a side of dipping sauce. Get ready for that first bite—you’ll be hooked!

Nutrition Facts

Servings: [Number of servings]
Calories per serving: [Calorie count per serving]

Preparation Time

Prep Time: [Time to prepare ingredients]
Cook Time: [Time to cook]
Total Time: [Total time needed]

How to Serve Chinese Salt and Pepper Chicken Wings

These wings are great on their own, but they also pair wonderfully with a variety of sides:

With Rice

Serve these wings with a bowl of steamed jasmine rice for a complete meal. The rice soaks up all the extra seasoning, making each bite even more flavorful.

With Dipping Sauces

A little sweet chili sauce or soy-based dipping sauce is perfect to balance the heat and saltiness of the wings.

As a Party Snack

These wings are ideal for serving at a party or gathering. Set out a platter of wings and watch them disappear in no time!

With a Fresh Salad

Pair with a simple, crisp salad dressed with a light vinaigrette to balance the richness of the wings.

Additional Tips

• Make It Extra Crispy: For an even crispier texture, double-coat your wings with cornstarch and fry them twice. Just be sure to let them rest between frying.
• Spice It Up: Adjust the level of spice by using more or fewer chilies. For a smokier flavor, you can also use dried chili flakes.
• Storage Tips: Leftover wings can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Reheat them in the oven or air fryer to keep them crispy.
• Make-ahead Option: You can prep the wings and cornstarch coating ahead of time, then fry them fresh when you’re ready to serve.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I bake these wings instead of frying them?

A1: Absolutely! For a healthier version, bake the wings at 400°F (200°C) for about 30-35 minutes, flipping halfway through. They won’t be as crispy as fried, but they’ll still be delicious.

Q2: How can I adjust the spice level?

A2: If you prefer milder wings, skip the fresh chilies or use just a pinch of chili flakes. You can also tone down the pepper in the seasoning.

Q3: Can I make these wings without Chinese five-spice powder?

A3: Yes! If you don’t have Chinese five-spice powder, you can substitute it with a mix of cinnamon, star anise, and a pinch of cloves. It won’t be the exact same, but still tasty!

Q4: Can I make these wings in advance?

A4: While these wings are best served fresh and crispy, you can fry them ahead of time, then reheat in the oven or air fryer to restore some crispiness.

Q5: What’s the best way to reheat these wings?

A5: To keep them crispy, reheat the wings in an oven at 375°F (190°C) for 10-12 minutes, or in an air fryer for 5-7 minutes.

Q6: Can I use drumsticks instead of wings?

A6: Yes, you can use drumsticks! Just adjust the cooking time as drumsticks will take longer to cook through—about 15-20 minutes depending on the size.

Q7: Can I freeze the wings?

A7: Yes, you can freeze the wings after frying. Let them cool completely, then store them in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven or air fryer when you’re ready.

Conclusion

These Chinese Salt and Pepper Chicken Wings are crispy, flavorful, and completely addictive. Whether you’re serving them as an appetizer or making them the star of your meal, they’ll quickly become a favorite in your recipe rotation. With just the right amount of heat, salt, and aromatic spices, these wings are perfect for anyone who loves bold, savory flavors. Get ready for a wing experience like no other!

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