Wingin' It: Last-Minute Sriracha Chicken Wings

You know how it goes. You're talking on the phone with a friend, and then…oh, wait, right, this is 2016.

Rewind.

You know how it goes. You're texting with a friend, and then she says how it's been forever since you've seen each other and you should make a date to get together. As a matter of fact, they're thinking of having some folks over, and would you like to come? It'll be casual, nothing fancy, just bring a bottle of wine and an appetizer.

Whether we're talking about a particular football game that's coming up this weekend that shall not be mentioned, or just friends getting together for wine and snacks, chicken wings are the perfect solution for a quick and easy, not to mention rave-worthy, appetizer for a crowd. These, with just a few simple ingredients, take almost no time at all and would even be perfect this summer for a pre-func with icy drinks in the backyard.

Sriracha Chicken Wings

2 lbs. chicken wings, sectioned in two (save the bony end pieces for stock)
1/2 c. rice vinegar
1/3 c. sugar
2 tsp. sriracha hot sauce
1 tsp. fish sauce
1 green onion, finely sliced crosswise
Lime sections, sesame seeds (optional)

Preheat oven to 350°.

Line a sheet pan with parchment paper and put the chicken wings on it, leaving a bit of space between each one. Place in the oven for 35-40 minutes until they're cooked through and have begun to brown slightly.

In a small saucepan over medium-high heat, pour in the rice vinegar and the sugar and stir it until the sugar dissolves. Bring it to a lively boil, and when it has reduced by half (it'll turn into a thick syrup), take it off the heat and stir in the sriracha, fish sauce and the onion.

Put the hot chicken wings in a large mixing bowl and pour the sriracha syrup over the top. Toss to combine. With tongs, remove wings to a platter. Garnish with lime sections and sesame seeds, if desired. Pour any remaining syrup into a small bowl and serve alongside.

Check out these other fantastic wing recipes: Susana's Vietnamese Chicken Wings, Tim's Spicy Wings.