Hot Honey Peach Wings

Prepare to elevate your wing game with a tantalizing twist on a classic favorite – Hot Honey Peach Wings. These succulent chicken wings are bathed in a luscious blend of sweet honey, fiery paprika, and juicy peach jam, creating a symphony of flavors that will leave you craving more. Whether you’re hosting a game day gathering or simply indulging in a flavorful meal, these wings are sure to be the star of the show.

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs. chicken wing sections, tips discarded
• 1 1/4 cups low-fat buttermilk
• 1/3 cup honey
• 1 tsp. hot paprika
• 1 1/2 cups flour
• 2 tsp. coarse salt
• 1/2 tsp. pepper
• 3 cups vegetable oil (or 2 lbs. lard)
• 2/3 cup peach jam
• 2 tbsp. water
• Minced jalapeño

Instructions:

Marinating the Chicken:

1. In a large bowl, combine buttermilk, honey, and hot paprika. Add chicken wing sections, making sure they are well-coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or preferably overnight for maximum flavor.

Preparing the Coating:

1. In a shallow dish, combine flour, coarse salt, and pepper. Dredge marinated chicken wings in the seasoned flour mixture, shaking off any excess.

Frying the Wings:

1. In a heavy-bottomed pot or deep fryer, heat vegetable oil or lard to 375°F (190°C). Carefully add chicken wings in batches, frying until golden brown and crispy, about 8-10 minutes per batch. Drain on paper towels.

Making the Hot Honey Peach Sauce:

1. In a small saucepan, combine peach jam, water, and minced jalapeño. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the jam has melted and the sauce has thickened slightly, about 5-7 minutes.

Coating the Wings:

1. In a large bowl, toss fried chicken wings with the hot honey peach sauce until evenly coated.

Serving:

1. Transfer the coated wings to a serving platter and garnish with additional minced jalapeño for an extra kick if desired. Serve hot and enjoy!

Cook Notes and Variations:

• Spice Level: Adjust the amount of hot paprika and minced jalapeño to suit your personal preference for heat.
• Crispy Coating: For an extra crispy coating, double-dip the marinated wings in the seasoned flour mixture before frying.
• Glaze Thickness: Control the thickness of the hot honey peach sauce by adjusting the amount of water added. For a thicker glaze, use less water; for a thinner glaze, add more water.

Keto and Low-Carb Versions:

• Keto Option: Replace the flour with a combination of almond flour and grated Parmesan cheese for a low-carb coating. Use a sugar-free peach jam or make your own keto-friendly version using fresh peaches and a natural sugar substitute like erythritol.
• Low-Carb Option: Reduce the amount of honey in the marinade and sauce, or substitute with a sugar-free alternative like monk fruit sweetener. Instead of flour, coat the wings in a mixture of crushed pork rinds and grated Parmesan cheese for a low-carb, crunchy coating.

Hot Honey Peach Wings are a celebration of bold flavors and indulgent textures that are sure to delight your taste buds. With the perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and savory elements, these wings are a crowd-pleaser for any occasion. Whether you’re serving them up as a game day snack or as the main course for a family dinner, these wings are guaranteed to be a hit. So gather your ingredients, fire up the fryer, and get ready to savor every crispy, saucy bite of these irresistible wings.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

1. Can I bake these wings instead of frying them? Absolutely! To bake the wings, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and place the coated wings on a lined baking sheet. Bake for 45-50 minutes, turning halfway through, until the wings are crispy and golden brown. Toss them in the hot honey peach sauce before serving.

2. Can I use other fruit jams instead of peach? Certainly! Experiment with different fruit jams such as apricot, mango, or pineapple for a unique flavor twist. Just make sure to adjust the sweetness level accordingly.

3. How long can I marinate the wings for? You can marinate the wings for up to 24 hours for maximum flavor. However, if you’re short on time, even just 1 hour of marinating will infuse the wings with delicious flavor.

4. Can I make the sauce ahead of time? Absolutely! You can prepare the hot honey peach sauce ahead of time and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. Simply reheat the sauce gently on the stove or in the microwave before tossing it with the cooked wings.

5. Are these wings suitable for vegetarians or vegans? Unfortunately, these wings are not suitable for vegetarians or vegans as they contain chicken. However, you can adapt the recipe by using cauliflower florets or tofu cubes in place of the chicken for a vegetarian or vegan alternative.