Chinese Peanut Wings

If you’re a fan of the delightful flavors of Chinese barbecued spareribs, you’re in for a treat with this recipe. These Chinese-inspired Peanut Butter and Five Spice Chicken Wings combine a unique blend of ingredients to create a delectable dish that’s sure to satisfy your taste buds. The rich and savory peanut butter, the aromatic Chinese Five Spice powder, and a touch of heat from red pepper flakes come together to create a symphony of flavors that will leave you craving more. This recipe offers a healthier twist by using chicken wings and a special sauce that’s lower in carbohydrates while still delivering a generous amount of protein. Perfect for gatherings or a delightful family meal, these wings are a fusion of taste and healthfulness.

YIELD: This recipe yields 24 pieces of chicken wings or drumettes. Each piece contains approximately 1 gram of carbohydrates, a trace of fiber, and 5 grams of protein, making it a flavorful and balanced option for your meal or gathering. Enjoy the fusion of Chinese-inspired flavors in a healthier and delicious form!

INGREDIENTS:

• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 3 tablespoons Splenda (or your preferred sweetener)
• 3 tablespoons natural peanut butter
• 2 tablespoons dry sherry
• 1 tablespoon oil (such as vegetable or canola oil)
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• 2 teaspoons Chinese Five Spice powder
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
• 1 clove garlic, crushed
• 12 chicken wings or 24 drumettes

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). This temperature ensures the wings cook evenly and develop a succulent texture.
2. Prepare the Sauce: In a blender or food processor, combine soy sauce, Splenda, natural peanut butter, dry sherry, oil, apple cider vinegar, Chinese Five Spice powder, red pepper flakes, and crushed garlic. Blend the mixture until smooth and all ingredients are well combined.
3. Prep the Chicken Wings: If you’re using whole chicken wings and prefer drumettes, you can cut the wings into drumettes at this stage. This step is optional and based on your preference.
4. Coat with Sauce: Arrange the chicken wings in a large baking pan, ensuring they have space between them. Pour the blended sauce over the wings, turning them over to ensure they are coated on all sides with the flavorful mixture.
5. Marinate: Allow the wings to marinate in the sauce for at least 30 minutes. For a more intense flavor, marinate for up to an hour.
6. Bake: Place the baking pan in the preheated oven. Bake the wings for an hour, turning them every 20 minutes. This turning process helps achieve an even coating and prevents them from becoming overly dry.
7. Final Touch: Once the wings are fully cooked, transfer them to a serving platter. Scrape any remaining sauce from the baking pan back into the blender or food processor. Blend the sauce briefly until it becomes smooth and velvety.
8. Serve: Pour the smooth sauce over the cooked wings or serve it as a dipping sauce on the side. The combination of the rich, nutty sauce and the succulent chicken wings creates a delightful eating experience.

TIPS:

• Marinating the chicken wings for a longer period, preferably an hour, allows the flavors to infuse more deeply, resulting in a more flavorful dish.
• If you prefer spicier wings, feel free to adjust the amount of red pepper flakes according to your taste.
• To cut down on prep time, you can purchase pre-cut chicken drumettes instead of whole wings.
• Ensure you turn the wings during baking every 20 minutes. This step helps the sauce coat the wings evenly and prevents them from sticking to the pan.
• Use a blender or food processor to create a smooth and velvety sauce. This step enhances the texture and consistency of the sauce, making it a perfect complement to the chicken wings.