Healthy Hot Wings
Craving the bold flavors of classic hot wings without the guilt? These *Healthy Hot Wings* combine juicy, oven-baked chicken wings with a tangy, homemade hot sauce that's lighter yet equally indulgent. Coated in a flavorful dry rub of garlic powder, paprika, and a touch of baking powder for the perfect crispiness, these wings are baked—not fried—for a healthier twist. The sauce, made with unsweetened hot sauce, a hint of honey, and apple cider vinegar, strikes the ideal balance of spicy and sweet. Pair these wings with fresh celery sticks and optional light ranch dressing for a game-day snack or crowd-pleasing appetizer. Ready in just under an hour, they're the ultimate guilt-free comfort food that's easy to prepare and bursting with flavor.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 2 pounds chicken wings
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
- 0.5 cup unsweetened hot sauce (e.g., Frank's RedHot)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
- 4 pieces celery sticks
- 0.25 cup light ranch dressing (optional)
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a large baking sheet with aluminum foil. Place an oven-safe wire rack on top to help crisp the wings while they bake.
In a large mixing bowl, pat the chicken wings dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. This helps them crisp up in the oven.
In a small bowl, mix together the baking powder, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
Sprinkle the spice mixture over the chicken wings, tossing well to ensure they are evenly coated.
Arrange the wings in a single layer on the prepared wire rack. Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes, then flip the wings and bake for an additional 20 minutes, or until the wings are golden brown and crispy.
While the wings are baking, make the sauce: In a small saucepan over low heat, melt the butter and stir in the hot sauce, honey, and apple cider vinegar. Mix well and set aside.
Once the wings are done baking, transfer them to a large mixing bowl. Pour the prepared sauce over the wings and toss to coat them evenly.
Serve the hot wings immediately with celery sticks on the side. Add light ranch dressing for dipping if desired.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
3068 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 217.8 g | 279% | |
| Saturated Fat | 60.1 g | 300% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 51.2 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 1088 mg | 363% | |
| Sodium | 12620 mg | 549% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 90.7 g | 33% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 5.7 g | 20% | |
| Total Sugars | 23.3 g | ||
| Protein | 180.3 g | 361% | |
| Vitamin D | 1.8 mcg | 9% | |
| Calcium | 306 mg | 24% | |
| Iron | 11.4 mg | 63% | |
| Potassium | 2402 mg | 51% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
