Alton Brown Chicken Wings Recipe

This crispy, flavorful Alton Brown Chicken Wings Recipe delivers all the bold taste and golden crunch you want from a classic wing without the deep fryer. Steamed, chilled, and oven-roasted for maximum crispness, the wings are then tossed in a rich, garlicky butter-hot sauce blend. The method takes about 2 hours from start to finish and yields 12 saucy wings. Perfect for game day, parties, or anytime you’re craving a delicious, hands-on snack.

Alton Brown Chicken Wings Recipe Ingredients

• 12 whole chicken wings
• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup hot sauce
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt

How To Make Alton Brown Chicken Wings Recipe

1. Prep the wings: Remove wing tips and discard or save for stock. Cut each wing at the joint to separate.
2. Steam the wings: Place in a steamer basket set over 1 inch of boiling water in a 6-quart saucepan. Cover and steam over medium heat for 10 minutes.
3. Chill the wings: Pat dry, place on a rack over a paper towel-lined sheet pan, and refrigerate for 1 hour.
4. Preheat oven: Set oven to 425ºF.
5. Roast the wings: Replace paper towels with parchment. Roast wings on a rack over a half-sheet pan for 20 minutes, flip, and roast 20 more minutes until golden and crisp.
6. Make the sauce: Melt butter in a small bowl, add garlic, hot sauce, and salt. Stir to combine in a large mixing bowl.
7. Toss and serve: Transfer wings to the bowl and toss to coat. Serve warm.

Recipe Tips

• Steam first for crispy skin: Steaming removes excess fat and moisture, helping wings crisp in the oven.
• Chill before roasting: Refrigerating dries the skin further, improving crunch.
• Use parchment, not foil: It prevents sticking and keeps cleanup easy.
• Choose your favorite hot sauce: Use classic Buffalo, sriracha, or any blend you love.
• Double the sauce for extra coating: Especially if you like your wings saucy!

What To Serve With Chicken Wings

These wings are a crowd-pleaser served with celery sticks, carrot sticks, and a side of ranch or blue cheese dressing. Add french fries, coleslaw, or potato wedges to round out a full meal. They also pair perfectly with a cold beer or iced lemonade.

How To Store Chicken Wings

Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Reheat: Warm in a 375ºF oven for 10–12 minutes or until heated through and crisp.
Freeze: Freeze wings before tossing in sauce. Reheat directly from frozen in a hot oven, then coat in fresh sauce.

Chicken Wings Nutrition Facts (per wing)

• Calories: 110
• Total Fat: 9g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Carbohydrates: 1g
• Sugar: 0g
• Protein: 7g
• Sodium: 180mg

FAQs

Why steam the wings first?
Steaming renders some fat and helps achieve crispier skin in the oven.

Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes! Steam and chill in advance, then roast and sauce just before serving.

What hot sauce works best?
Frank’s RedHot is traditional, but any favorite wing sauce will work.

Can I use frozen wings?
Yes, but thaw them completely and pat dry before steaming.

Are these wings spicy?
Mild to medium, depending on the hot sauce you use. You can always adjust the amount to taste.

Try More Recipes:

• Alton Brown Granola Bars Recipe
• Alton Brown Corned Beef Recipe
• Alton Brown Pizza Dough Recipe