Crispy Chinese Chicken Wings: Authentic Takeout Flavor at Home

Name: Crispy Chinese Chicken Wings: Authentic Takeout Flavor at Home
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 140 min
Ingredients: 12 whole chicken wings; 1 teaspoon granulated sugar; 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper; ½ teaspoon ground white pepper; ½ teaspoon garlic powder; Kosher salt (to taste); 1 tablespoon Shaoxing wine; 1 tablespoon soy sauce; 1 tablespoon fish sauce; 2 teaspoons sesame oil; 1 large egg (plus 1 egg yolk); ¼ cup cornstarch (divided); Oil (for frying (peanut oil recommended))

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Get ready to bring the magic of your favorite Chinese restaurant right into your kitchen! These Crispy Chinese Chicken Wings are incredibly delicious, delivering that classic takeout flavor you love with homemade ease. Perfect for a show-stopping appetizer at your next gathering or a satisfying main meal, this recipe makes creating authentic-tasting Chinese chicken wings simple and fun. You’ll be amazed at how easily you can achieve restaurant-quality results at home.

Why You’ll Love These Chinese Chicken Wings

Close-up of a crispy Chinese chicken wing with golden crackly skin.

Authentic Taste: Achieve that genuine, irresistible flavor reminiscent of classic Chinese takeout.
Simple Marination: A quick soak in our special blend ensures deep, savory flavor in every bite.
Crispy Perfection: Enjoy golden-brown, wonderfully crispy skin paired with succulent, tender meat.
Effortless Homemade: Skip the delivery and make these delectable wings in your own kitchen with straightforward steps.
Crowd-Pleasing: These Chinese chicken wings are guaranteed to be a hit at any party or family dinner.

Ingredients for Chinese Chicken Wings

To make these fantastic Chinese chicken wings, you’ll need a mix of pantry staples and essential Asian sauces. This combination creates a truly authentic and flavorful experience.

12 whole chicken wings
1 teaspoon granulated sugar
1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
½ teaspoon ground white pepper
½ teaspoon garlic powder
Kosher salt, to taste
1 tablespoon Shaoxing wine
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 tablespoon fish sauce
2 teaspoons sesame oil
1 large egg plus 1 egg yolk
¼ cup cornstarch, divided
Oil, for frying (I use peanut oil)

Notes & Substitutions

Shaoxing wine is a key ingredient, a traditional Chinese rice wine that adds depth and unique aroma. Its rich history and culinary significance in Chinese cuisine are well-documented. Learn more about Shaoxing wine’s role in traditional Chinese cooking.

If you can’t find it, dry sherry makes a good substitute. Fish sauce might seem unusual, but it’s a secret weapon for adding a profound umami flavor without making your wings taste fishy. Cornstarch is crucial here, creating an incredibly crispy coating that traditional flour can’t quite match, and it helps achieve that beautiful golden color. Research suggests that cornstarch helps absorb moisture and creates a light, crisp crust when frying chicken.

For frying, peanut oil is recommended for its high smoke point and neutral flavor, but vegetable or canola oil work perfectly fine too. This recipe uses whole chicken wings, but you can certainly use pre-cut flats or drumettes; just ensure even cooking.

Equipment Needed

Gathering your equipment before you start makes the cooking process smooth and enjoyable. You’ll need a few basics for prep and some specific items for deep frying.

Large bowl or large resealable plastic bag
Heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven (for deep frying)
Deep-fry thermometer
Tongs or slotted utensil
Baking sheet
Wire rack
Paper towels
Disposable gloves (optional, for marinating)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Plate of crispy Chinese chicken wings with golden skin and scallion garnish.

Get ready to create some of the best Chinese chicken wings you’ve ever tasted with these clear, simple steps. Precision in marinating and frying is key to achieving that perfect texture and flavor.

Pat the chicken dry with paper towels. Then place the wings in a large resealable plastic bag or a large bowl. Season the chicken wings with sugar, black pepper, white pepper, garlic powder, salt, Shaoxing wine, soy sauce, fish sauce, sesame oil, eggs, and 2 tablespoons of cornstarch.

Use your hands (fitted with disposable gloves, if desired) to bring all the ingredients together, making sure the chicken is fully coated in the mixture. Seal bag or cover bowl with lid/plastic wrap. Let the chicken sit out at room temperature to marinate for 1 ½ hours. This allows the flavors to truly penetrate the meat, making your Chinese chicken wings incredibly tasty. Right before frying, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of cornstarch and toss with wings to evenly coat.

The chicken wings are ready to fry. In a large heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat, add a couple inches of oil, enough for deep frying. For optimal precision, use a deep-fry thermometer to heat the oil up to 320-325°F. Maintaining this temperature is vital for perfectly crispy results.

Set a baking sheet fitted with a wire rack aside. Working in batches to avoid overcrowding (about 3 wings at a time), take a piece of chicken, shaking off any excess marination, and carefully place into the oil. Overcrowding can drop the oil temperature and lead to soggy wings.

Fry the chicken until golden brown and crispy, about 5-7 minutes or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches at least 165°F. Then use tongs or a slotted utensil to transfer the fried chicken wings onto the prepared baking sheet fitted with a wire rack to allow any excess oil to drip off. Repeat the process until all chicken wings have been fried, ensuring the oil is back up to 320-325°F in between each batch of frying chicken.

Serve fried chicken wings immediately as-is or with your favorite sides for a complete meal (we love serving with fried rice!). Enjoy your homemade deliciousness!

Pro Tips for Crispy Chinese Chicken Wings & Troubleshooting

Achieving the ultimate crispiness for your Chinese chicken wings is easier than you think with a few key tricks. Always pat your chicken wings thoroughly dry with paper towels before marinating; excess moisture is the enemy of crispiness. Keep a close eye on your oil temperature using a thermometer; consistent heat ensures even cooking and prevents soggy or burnt wings.

Avoid overcrowding the pot, as this dramatically lowers the oil temperature and makes your wings less crispy. Marinate your wings for the full 1 ½ hours at room temperature to infuse maximum flavor. To ensure an even coating with the final cornstarch, toss them just before frying.

If your wings are soggy, it’s likely due to low oil temperature or overcrowding. If they’re unevenly cooked, try rotating them in the oil or adjusting the heat.

Serving Suggestions, Storage, & Variations

These delicious Chinese chicken wings are incredibly versatile. You can enjoy them in many ways, store them for later, or even experiment with different cooking methods and flavors.

Serving Suggestions

Pair your crispy wings with classic Asian sides like fluffy white rice, savory fried rice, or steamed mixed vegetables for a complete meal. For an extra treat, serve them alongside crispy spring rolls or a refreshing cucumber salad. Don’t forget dipping sauces! Sweet chili sauce, tangy duck sauce, or even a simple soy-ginger dipping sauce elevate the experience of these amazing Chinese chicken wings.

Storage Instructions

To store leftover Chinese chicken wings, allow them to cool completely, then place them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For the best crispiness when reheating, use an air fryer or oven. Reheat at 375°F (190°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through and crispy again. Avoid the microwave if you want to maintain that desirable crunch.

Variations

Feel free to get creative with your cooking! These Chinese chicken wings can also be made using an air fryer or baked in the oven for a lighter option, although deep-frying yields the crispiest result. Experiment with different spice blends like a pinch of Chinese five-spice powder for an aromatic twist. You could also toss the hot, fried wings in a homemade honey-garlic glaze or a zesty orange chicken glaze for a sweet and savory finish.

Nutrition Information

Please note that the following nutrition information is an estimate. It may vary significantly depending on specific ingredients used, portion sizes, and preparation methods. This recipe yields approximately 4 servings.

Amount Per Serving
Calories	550
Total Fat	40g
Saturated Fat	10g
Cholesterol	150mg
Sodium	800mg
Total Carbohydrate	10g
Dietary Fiber	0g
Total Sugars	2g
Protein	35g

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What makes these wings “Chinese-style”?

The specific blend of Shaoxing wine, soy sauce, sesame oil, and white pepper gives these wings their distinct authentic Chinese flavor profile, similar to what you’d find in takeout.

Can I use boneless chicken for this recipe?

While you can, the cooking time will be significantly shorter. We recommend bone-in wings for the best flavor and texture in this particular Chinese chicken wings recipe.

Can these Chinese Chicken Wings be baked or air-fried instead of deep-fried?

Yes, you can! For baking, arrange them on a wire rack over a baking sheet and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 35-45 minutes. For air frying, cook at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway.

Conclusion

Making delicious, crispy Chinese Chicken Wings at home is easier than you ever imagined! This recipe brings all the authentic, savory flavors of your favorite takeout dish right to your kitchen. With simple steps and common ingredients, you can achieve perfectly golden, tender wings that will impress everyone.

Skip the delivery and enjoy the satisfaction of creating these incredible Chinese chicken wings from scratch. Give this recipe a try, and let us know how your homemade takeout experience turns out in the comments below! Happy cooking!