Description
Juicy and flavorful chicken wings that start with a simple saltwater brine, ensuring crispy skin and tender meat perfect for grilling, baking, or frying.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 lbs chicken wings (whole or split)
- 4 cups water
- 1/4 cup kosher salt
- 2 tbsp sugar (optional for caramelization)
- 1 tsp black peppercorns
- 2 cloves garlic, smashed
- Optional: 1 bay leaf, fresh herbs, or chili flakes for flavor
- Oil for cooking (if baking or frying)
- Dry rub or sauce of choice (optional after brining)
Instructions
- 1. In a large bowl or container, whisk together water, salt, sugar, peppercorns, garlic, and any optional aromatics.
- 2. Submerge the chicken wings fully in the brine. Cover and refrigerate for 2 to 4 hours.
- 3. Remove wings from brine, rinse thoroughly under cold water, and pat very dry with paper towels.
- 4. Let wings rest uncovered in the refrigerator for 1 hour to air-dry if possible (for crispier skin).
- 5. Preheat grill, oven, or fryer to medium-high heat.
- 6. Cook wings until golden and cooked through about 25–30 minutes at 400°F if baking, flipping halfway.
- 7. Toss with your favorite sauce or seasoning and serve hot.
Notes
- Brining helps season the meat and retain moisture during cooking.
- Be sure to dry the wings thoroughly to ensure a crispy finish.
- Skip the sugar for a completely savory brine or adjust to taste.
- Prep Time: 10 min
- Cook Time: 30 min
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Brined and Baked
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 5–6 wings
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 21g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 3g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 26g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
Keywords: brined chicken wings, crispy wings, juicy wings, party appetizer, game day food