Zesty Citrus Ginger Chicken Wings
Indulge in these flavorful Zesty Citrus Ginger Chicken Wings that are perfect for game day or a delicious weeknight treat. Marinated in a luscious blend of orange juice, lemon, and hoisin sauce, these chicken wings are infused with a delightful ginger and garlic kick. The combination of sweet and savory flavors creates a mouthwatering experience that will have your friends and family begging for more. Easy to prepare and bake, these wings are a surefire hit for any gathering!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
frozen orange juice concentrate
1/2 cup (thawed)
lemon
1 (juiced)
hoisin sauce
1/3 cup
vegetable oil
1 tablespoon
sugar
1/4 cup
ginger
1/4 cup (finely minced)
fresh garlic cloves
3 (minced)
hot sauce
1 teaspoon
chicken wings
2 lbs (cut up, tips removed)
green onions
2 (green part only, thinly sliced)
Instructions
1
In a large plastic freezer bag, combine the thawed orange juice concentrate, lemon juice, hoisin sauce, vegetable oil, sugar, minced ginger, minced garlic, and hot sauce. Seal the bag tightly and shake well to mix all the ingredients.
2
Add the chicken wings to the marinade in the bag. Seal again and gently massage the bag to ensure the wings are well coated. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours, but overnight is preferable for maximum flavor infusion.
3
After marinating, preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil for easy cleanup.
4
Spread the marinated chicken wings in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Drizzle any remaining marinade over the wings for added flavor.
5
Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 45 minutes, or until the wings are golden brown and cooked through. Stir the wings halfway through to ensure even cooking.
6
Once done, remove from the oven and let them rest for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with thinly sliced green onions before serving to add a pop of color and flavor.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Zesty Citrus Ginger Chicken Wings?
They are flavorful chicken wings marinated in a blend of orange juice, lemon, and hoisin sauce, infused with ginger and garlic.
How long should I marinate the chicken wings?
For maximum flavor infusion, marinate the wings for at least 4 hours, though overnight is preferable.
What is the recommended oven temperature?
The wings should be baked in a preheated oven at 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
How long does it take to bake the wings?
Baking takes approximately 45 minutes, or until the wings are golden brown and cooked through.
Can I use fresh orange juice instead of concentrate?
The recipe specifies concentrate for a more intense flavor, but fresh juice can be used if reduced slightly first.
What is hoisin sauce?
Hoisin sauce is a thick, fragrant sauce commonly used in Asian cuisine that provides a sweet and savory base.
How should I prepare the baking sheet?
Line the baking sheet with aluminum foil to ensure easy cleanup after baking.
How should the ginger be prepared?
The ginger should be finely minced to ensure it distributes evenly throughout the marinade.
Can I use chicken drumsticks for this recipe?
Yes, but you may need to increase the baking time since drumsticks are larger than wings.
How do I ensure the wings cook evenly?
Stir the wings halfway through the baking process to promote even browning and cooking.
Can I cook these wings in an air fryer?
Yes, you can air fry them at 380 degrees Fahrenheit for 20-25 minutes, shaking the basket halfway.
What garnish is recommended for this dish?
Thinly sliced green onions (green parts only) add a nice pop of color and fresh flavor.
Is this recipe spicy?
It has a mild kick from one teaspoon of hot sauce, which you can adjust to suit your spice tolerance.
How should I store leftovers?
Leftover wings should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days.
Can I freeze the wings in the marinade?
Yes, you can freeze the wings inside the marinade bag and thaw them in the fridge before baking.
Is this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, all the ingredients listed for this recipe are dairy-free.
Can I use ginger paste instead of fresh ginger?
Yes, ginger paste can be used as a convenient 1:1 substitute for freshly minced ginger.
What sides pair well with these wings?
They go excellently with steamed rice, a fresh garden salad, or traditional celery and carrot sticks.
How many pounds of wings are needed?
The recipe calls for 2 lbs of chicken wings, with tips removed and cut up.
Why should I remove the wing tips?
Wing tips contain little meat and tend to burn easily in high-heat ovens.
Can I use lime juice instead of lemon juice?
Yes, lime juice is a great alternative that provides a similar citrus acidity to the marinade.
What type of vegetable oil is best?
Any neutral-flavored oil like canola or sunflower oil works well for this marinade.
Can I substitute honey for the sugar?
Yes, honey is a natural substitute that pairs very well with the citrus and ginger flavors.
Do the wings need to rest after baking?
Letting the wings rest for a few minutes allows the juices to settle and the sauce to thicken.
Can I grill these wings?
Yes, grill them over medium heat, turning regularly until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
How do I know when the wings are done?
The wings are done when they are golden brown and reach an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
Can I reduce the amount of sugar?
Yes, you can reduce the sugar, though the wings may be less glazed and caramelized.
Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Most children enjoy the sweet citrus flavor; simply omit or reduce the hot sauce for a milder version.
Can I prepare the marinade in advance?
Yes, you can mix the marinade ingredients up to 24 hours before you plan to add the chicken.
How can I make the skin crispier?
Ensure the wings are spread in a single layer and not overcrowded on the baking sheet to allow air circulation.