Are you a fan of chicken wings but struggling to keep your meals within the Paleo diet? Look no further! Today, we’re going to dive into a simple, flavorful recipe that is not only delicious but also aligns with your dietary needs – Paleo-Friendly Spicy Chicken Wings. These wings are perfect for weekend snacks, game days, or anytime you crave something spicy and savory without breaking your Paleo commitments.
Why Paleo-Friendly?
The Paleo diet focuses on consuming foods that were presumably eaten by early humans, emphasizing meats, fish, fruits, vegetables, nuts, and seeds while avoiding processed foods, grains, and dairy. This diet is known for its potential benefits like weight loss, improved insulin sensitivity, and reduced inflammation. By making our spicy chicken wings Paleo-friendly, you can enjoy this mouthwatering snack guilt-free.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Before we dive into the cooking process, let’s make sure you have all the necessary ingredients. For the wings:
- 2 pounds of chicken wings, preferably free-range or organic
- 1 tablespoon of olive oil or avocado oil
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
For the spicy sauce:
- ½ cup of hot sauce (make sure it’s Paleo-friendly)
- 2 tablespoons of ghee (clarified butter that’s Paleo-approved)
- 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon of garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon of paprika (for an extra kick, use smoked paprika)
- A pinch of cayenne pepper (adjust according to your spice tolerance)
Instructions
1. Prepping the Wings
First, preheat your oven to 400°F (205°C). While waiting for the oven to heat up, thoroughly wash the chicken wings and pat them dry with paper towels. It’s crucial for the wings to be as dry as possible to ensure they’ll be crispy.
Next, place the wings in a bowl, drizzle them with the olive oil, and season with salt and pepper. Toss the wings until they are evenly coated. This step helps them to crisp up in the oven.
2. Baking the Wings
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. Arrange the wings in a single layer on the sheet, ensuring they’re not touching so they can cook evenly.
Bake in the preheated oven for about 40-45 minutes. Halfway through cooking, flip the wings to ensure both sides get nicely browned and crispy.
3. Making the Spicy Sauce
While the wings are baking, it’s the perfect time to prepare the spicy sauce. In a small saucepan over low heat, combine the hot sauce, ghee, apple cider vinegar, garlic powder, paprika, and cayenne pepper. Whisk the mixture occasionally as the ghee melts and incorporates into the sauce.
Keep the sauce warm over low heat, stirring occasionally until the wings are ready.
4. Combining Wings and Sauce
Once the wings are done, they should be golden brown and crispy. Remove them from the oven and immediately transfer them to a large bowl. Pour the spicy sauce over the hot wings and toss until all the wings are evenly coated with the sauce.
5. Serving
Serve the wings hot, with some Paleo-friendly sides if desired. Good options include celery sticks, carrot sticks, or a simple side salad. These sides complement the spicy wings and add a refreshing crunch.
Tips for the Best Paleo-Friendly Spicy Chicken Wings
- Make sure your hot sauce is Paleo-friendly. Some brands add sugar or other non-Paleo ingredients, so read the labels carefully.
- For an extra layer of flavor, you can marinate the wings in the fridge with the oil and seasoning for a few hours before baking.
- If you want the wings to be even crispier, consider placing them on a wire rack over the baking sheet. This allows air to circulate around the wings, making them crispy all over.
Conclusion
Making Paleo-friendly spicy chicken wings is both easy and rewarding. This recipe provides a fantastic way to enjoy a beloved snack without straying from your dietary preferences. Whether you’re hosting a party, enjoying a family meal, or just craving some spicy goodness, these wings are sure to hit the spot. Dig in and enjoy the savory, spicy flavors guilt-free!
