Description
These Thai Chicken Wings with Spicy Peanut Sauce combine crispy, tender chicken wings with a rich, flavorful peanut dipping sauce that offers a perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and savory notes. Marinated in Greek yogurt for tenderness and baked to golden perfection, they are an irresistible appetizer or snack for any gathering.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken Wings
- 2 pounds chicken wingettes and/or drumettes
- Kosher salt & freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- ½ cup Greek yogurt
Spicy Peanut Sauce
- 1 jalapeno pepper, chopped (stem removed)
- ½ cup warm water
- ½ cup creamy peanut butter
- 4 tablespoons soy sauce
- ½ teaspoon sesame oil
- 2 teaspoons mild molasses
- 1 teaspoon rice wine vinegar
- 2 tablespoons Sweet Chili Sauce
- 1 tablespoon lemongrass paste (optional)
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1-2 teaspoons red pepper flakes
- ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro leaves
- 2 tablespoons toasted sesame seeds
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken Wings: In a large bowl, season the chicken wingettes and drumettes with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. Add the Greek yogurt and toss well to coat. Cover and refrigerate for at least 15 minutes, allowing the yogurt to tenderize the chicken and infuse flavor.
- Prepare the Spicy Peanut Sauce: In a medium bowl, combine the chopped jalapeno, warm water, creamy peanut butter, soy sauce, sesame oil, mild molasses, rice wine vinegar, Sweet Chili Sauce, lemongrass paste (if using), minced garlic, and red pepper flakes. Whisk thoroughly until smooth and well-blended.
- Preheat Oven and Arrange Wings: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a wire rack placed over a sheet to allow air circulation. Arrange the marinated wings in a single layer, ensuring they are not overcrowded for even cooking.
- Bake the Wings: Bake the chicken wings for about 40-45 minutes, turning halfway through, until they are golden brown and cooked through with crispy edges. Use a meat thermometer to confirm the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.
- Toss Wings in Sauce: Once cooked, transfer the baked wings to a large bowl. Pour the prepared spicy peanut sauce over them and toss gently to coat each wing evenly with the sauce.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle the chopped fresh cilantro leaves and toasted sesame seeds over the sauced wings. Serve immediately as a savory appetizer or snack, pairing with extra sauce if desired.
Notes
- Marinating in Greek yogurt for at least 15 minutes helps tenderize the chicken and enhances flavor.
- If you prefer less heat, reduce or omit the jalapeno and red pepper flakes.
- For crispier wings, cook on a wire rack or broil briefly at the end of baking.
- The lemongrass paste adds an authentic Thai flavor but is optional if unavailable.
- Leftover wings can be refrigerated and gently reheated; add fresh cilantro before serving.
