How to Make the Best Chicken Wings | Boil & Broil
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Want to know the secret of cooking the best-boiled chicken wings? If your answer is yes, then keep reading, and I’ll show you how with step-by-step directions.
I have been boiling chicken somewhat regularly for years now. We have boiled pretty much everything you can, from chicken thighs to chicken livers.
We have even published a guide on boiling chicken tenders, but those are for another day. Today, we are making chicken wings my way. It starts with a quick boil, then we “broil” them to crisp them up.
They are beyond delicious, and you don’t have to worry about all the grease from fried chicken wings. This is the perfect addition to your party appetizers!
Table of Contents
Boiled Chicken Wings Ingredients
- 3 lbs of frozen chicken wings. You can use either wings or wingettes for this recipe.
- 1 tablespoon of sea salt. Let’s be honest: chicken is pretty bland on its own. So, adding just a touch of salt to the boiling water adds just the base flavor we are looking for.
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper. Salt and pepper just go together. Plus, the pepper is going to provide a pungent and aromatic flavor that really is going to carry into the final dish.
For the wing sauce
- 1 cup of hot sauce. We like crystal hot sauce, but if you have another favorite, then use that instead.
- 3 tablespoons of butter. The butter helps to balance the heat of the hot sauce and enhances the overall texture. I always use salted butter, but any butter will work.
- 1/4 teaspoon of garlic powder. Everything is just better with garlic. It may not seem like a lot, but trust me, it’s going to add some serious flavor to our wing sauce.
Instructions
1. Bring a pot of water to a boil.
In a large dutch oven or pot, bring water to a boil. Make sure to leave enough room to add the wings. I usually fill a 5.5 qt dutch oven halfway with water.
2. Combine the seasonings.
Add salt and pepper, then carefully lower the wings into the water. Then, cover it with a lid, but leave the lid cracked on the top so it doesn’t boil over.
Note: Add additional seasonings of your choice to give it your special flair.
3. Boil the wings.
Cook the wings in boiling water for 15 minutes or until cooked through. You can check the internal temperature with an instant thermometer.
Note: After a few minutes of cooking, make sure to break them apart if they are still frozen together.
4. Dry the wings.
Transfer the wings to a paper towel-lined plate to dry so they become extra crispy when we broil them here in the next step.
5. Broil in the oven.
Transfer the chicken wings to an oven-safe pan and broil for several minutes or until crispy. I use a cast iron skillet, but any oven-safe pan will be just fine.
Each oven is different in the time it takes to broil, so I suggest keeping a close eye on it so as not to burn your precious wings.
I broil our wings for five minutes on each side. However, I’d suggest checking them every minute or two to be safe.
Be sure to check my tips section below for broiling tips.
My simple wing sauce recipe
So now our wings are cooked, it’s time to dial them up a notch. I know everyone has their preferred method, from a dry spice, wing sauce, or barbeque sauce, and on and on…
I am going to give you a quick and simple wing sauce that, yes, is simple but tastes AMAZING!
All you’ll do is melt the butter in a small saucepan, then stir it into a bowl with your choice of hot sauce and garlic powder. Spread it over the wings and enjoy!
Tips for perfectly crispy wings
- It may seem like a small step, but broiling your wings will make them super crispy and extra delicious. It is a completely optional step, but it sure adds a crunchy exterior.
- Set the oven rack about 10″ below the broilers and broil for about 3-5 minutes per side. Be sure to keep a close eye on the wings while they broil, as they can burn rapidly.
- Flip them halfway to crisp up both sides, and get ready to have the best wing of your life. This final step gives the wings a delightful crunch while maintaining their moist interior.
Boiled Chicken Wings Sides
Boiled chicken wings are a perfect appetizer for all occasions, but if you would like to serve it at the dinner table, try making boiled okra or a roasted cheesy bacon butternut squash to go with it.
And for dessert, an easy fall spiced baked persimmons topped with some vanilla ice cream completes the finest meal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you reheat chicken wings? Yes, the quickest way is in the microwave, but my favorite is cooked in the oven at 350°F for 10-12 minutes.
How do I know when chicken wings are cooked through? Ensure the internal temperature reaches at least 165°F (74°C). Cut into the thickest part; the juices should run clear, and the meat should not be pink.
What is the best way to store leftover chicken wings? Store leftover wings in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, freeze them, ensuring they are well-wrapped to prevent freezer burn.
Why boil our chicken wings? Boiling enhances the texture by making it juicy and tender while broiling in the oven ensures a crispy outcome.
How long does it take to boil chicken wings? Frozen wings take about 15 minutes to fully cook through. Of course, you still need to check the internal temperature with an instant thermometer.
Enjoy Boiling Your Chicken Wings
I love boiling chicken wings because it’s convenient and guarantees a tender base, which can be made crispy simply by broiling in the oven.
Next time you find yourself craving wings, skip the restaurant or frozen aisle and give this recipe a shot instead. It’s easier than you think, and the taste is incredible.
How did you like boiled chicken wings? Comment your answer below, and if boiling is up your alley, one of these recipes might catch your eye.
- How to Cook Lemon Pepper Boiled Scallops From Frozen
- Boiled Pork Chops
- Cooking Frozen Hot Dogs Without a Microwave
How to Boil Chicken Wings
Ingredients
- 3 lbs of frozen chicken wings
- 1 tablespoon of sea salt
- 1/4 teaspoon of ground black pepper
Wing sauce (optional)
- 1 cup of hot sauce we like crystal hot sauce
- 3 tablespoons of butter
- 1/4 teaspoon of garlic powder
Instructions
- Bring water to a boil in a large dutch oven or pot. Leave room to add the wings; I usually fill a 5.5 qt dutch oven halfway with water.
- Add s & p, then carefully lower the wings into the water. Cover, but leave the lid cracked on the top so it doesn't boil over.
- Boil the wings for 15 minutes or until cooked through. You can check the internal temperature with an instant thermometer. Once they are cooked through, remove them to a paper towel-lined plate to dry.
- To broil the wings for a crispy finish, place the wings in an oven-safe dish and set the oven rack about 10" below the broilers. Broil for about 3-5 minutes per side. Be sure to keep a close eye on the wings while they broil, as they can burn rapidly.
- Carefully remove them from the oven with oven mitts.
- Wing sauce recipe
- Melt butter, then stir it into the hot sauce with the garlic powder. Spread over the wings and enjoy.
