Go Back
+ servings
crispy wings with vegetables

Zesty Fried Chicken Wings With Vibrant Veggies

No ratings yet
These crispy fried chicken wings feature a complex flavor profile from vadouvan spice and fresh herbs, balanced by a refreshing vegetable medley. The brining process ensures juicy meat beneath the golden exterior, while the honey-vinegar reduction adds the perfect touch of sweetness and acidity.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 2 hours 50 minutes
Servings: 6 people
Course: Appetizer
Cuisine: American
Calories: 485

Ingredients
  

  • 1 tablespoon vadouvan mixed spice
  • 1 teaspoon fresh garlic minced
  • 1 tablespoon white sesame seeds toasted
  • 1 tablespoon black sesame seeds
  • 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • 1 tablespoon mint chopped
  • 1 tablespoon parsley chopped
  • 1 teaspoon oregano chopped
  • 1 bunch scallion sliced
  • 4 cups duck fat for frying
  • 20 chicken wings cleaned with tips removed
  • 3 cups water for brine
  • 1/2 cup sugar for brine
  • 1/2 cup salt for brine
  • 1 cup chicken stock
  • 2 cups apple cider vinegar
  • 2/3 cup honey
For the vegetable accompaniment
  • Japanese cucumber sliced
  • radishes sliced
  • kohlrabi julienned
  • red onion thinly sliced
  • lemon juice for dressing
  • olive oil for dressing
  • tahini for dressing
  • Greek yogurt for dressing
  • sumac for dressing

Equipment

  • Deep fryer or large pot
  • Paper towels
  • Large mixing bowl

Method
 

  1. Prepare the brine by combining 3 cups of slightly warmed water with 1/2 cup sugar and 1/2 cup salt in a container, stirring until completely dissolved.
  2. Submerge the cleaned chicken wings in the brine mixture and refrigerate for 2 hours.
  3. After brining, remove the wings, strain them, and pat thoroughly dry with paper towels.
  4. Heat 4 cups of duck fat in a deep fryer or large pot to 350°F.
  5. While the fat heats, prepare the flavor coating by combining vadouvan spice, minced garlic, white and black sesame seeds, and cayenne pepper in a large bowl.
  6. For the wing sauce, combine chicken stock, honey, and apple cider vinegar in a saucepan and reduce until slightly thickened.
  7. Carefully add wings to the hot duck fat in small batches to avoid crowding. Fry for 8-10 minutes until golden brown and cooked through (165°F internal temperature).
  8. Remove wings and drain briefly on paper towels.
  9. While still hot, toss the wings in the prepared spice mixture until evenly coated.
  10. Drizzle with the honey-vinegar reduction and sprinkle with the chopped herbs (mint, parsley, and oregano) and sliced scallions.
  11. For the vegetable accompaniment, combine sliced Japanese cucumber, radishes, julienned kohlrabi, and thinly sliced red onion.
  12. Make a dressing with lemon juice, olive oil, tahini, honey, Greek yogurt, and sumac. Toss with the vegetables.
  13. Serve the wings immediately alongside the dressed vegetable medley.

Nutrition

Calories: 485kcal

Notes

The brining process is essential for juicy wings - don't skip this step! If you can't find vadouvan spice, substitute with curry powder mixed with a pinch of shallot powder. For a lighter version, these wings can be air-fried instead of deep-fried. Vegetable oil can replace duck fat if needed, though the flavor won't be quite as rich.
Store any leftover wings in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes to restore crispiness.

Tried this recipe?

Let us know how it was!