Ranch Chicken Wings Recipe
Overview
Ranch Chicken Wings are a beloved appetizer that combines the tangy flavors of ranch dressing with succulent chicken wings, perfect for any gathering from potlucks to game day parties. This recipe has been fine-tuned to ensure maximum flavor and tenderness, making it a crowd favorite every time it’s served.
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Prep Time: 24 hours (marinating)
- Total Time: 25 hours
- Servings: 20
- Yield: Approximately 5 lbs of wings
Description
These Ranch Chicken Wings are a testament to the enduring popularity of ranch flavoring. Whether you prefer mild or spicy, this recipe allows for customization with a touch of hot sauce to suit every palate. Marinating the wings overnight ensures they soak up all the delicious flavors, resulting in wings that are juicy on the inside and crispy on the outside.
Ingredients
- 5 lbs chicken wings
- 3 tbsp red wine vinegar
- 6 tbsp olive oil
- Hot sauce, to taste (start with 1 tbsp)
- Water
Instructions
-
Prepare the Marinade:
- In a large bowl, combine the ranch dressing mix, red wine vinegar, olive oil, and hot sauce to your preferred level of spiciness (mild to hot).
- Use a wire whisk to blend the ingredients, gradually adding water until the mixture reaches a thinner consistency that can coat the chicken wings evenly.
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Marinate the Chicken:
- Add the chicken wings to the marinade, ensuring they are well coated.
- For best results, cover the bowl and refrigerate overnight. This allows the flavors to penetrate the meat thoroughly.
-
Cooking the Wings:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Line a baking pan with foil, ensuring it’s deep enough to catch drippings.
- Arrange the marinated chicken wings in a single layer on the prepared pan.
- Bake for 20 minutes at 400°F (200°C).
- After 20 minutes, turn the wings over, drain excess drippings into a saucepan, and baste the wings with additional marinade.
- Increase the oven temperature to 425°F (220°C) and bake for an additional 25 minutes until the wings are cooked through and crispy. You can also broil them for a few minutes to achieve a golden brown finish.
-
Prepare the Sauce:
- While the wings are baking, prepare the sauce by combining the remaining marinade with all the drippings from the baking pan in a small saucepan.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, whisking continuously until it thickens and cooks through.
-
Serve:
- Transfer the cooked chicken wings to a serving platter, stacking them neatly in the center.
- Drizzle the thickened sauce over the wings or serve it on the side as a dipping sauce.
- Serve immediately while hot and enjoy the delicious ranch-infused flavors!
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
- Calories: 284.6
- Total Fat: 21.7g
- Saturated Fat: 5.6g
- Cholesterol: 87.4mg
- Sodium: 83.3mg
- Carbohydrates: 0g
- Fiber: 0g
- Sugar: 0g
- Protein: 20.8g
Tips for Success
- Marinate Overnight: The longer you marinate the wings, the more flavorful they will be.
- Adjusting Spice Level: Start with a small amount of hot sauce and adjust to your taste preference for mild, medium, or hot wings.
- Crispy Finish: Broiling the wings briefly at the end helps achieve a crispy texture.
- Sauce Thickness: Ensure the sauce boils and thickens adequately to coat the wings beautifully.
Conclusion
Ranch Chicken Wings are a versatile and delicious option for any occasion, guaranteed to please both kids and adults alike. With a bit of preparation and careful cooking, you can create a memorable dish that will have everyone asking for the recipe. Enjoy these wings hot and fresh out of the oven for the best experience!
