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Forget Frying, the Best Chicken Wings Are Roasted

Recipe by America's Test Kitchen

These oven‑roasted chicken wings are cooked between two baking sheets so the hot metal renders the fat and browns the skin to a glossy, gelatin‑rich finish. No frying, no heavy sauces—just salt, pepper, a splash of oil, and the wing’s own drippings turned into a savory glaze.

MediumAmericanServes 6

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Source Video
35m
Prep
1h 5m
Cook
12m
Cleanup
1h 52m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$16.20
Total cost
$2.70
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Cutting the wings at the joints to separate drumettes, flats, and tips.
  • Arranging the wings between two parchment‑lined baking sheets (wing sandwich).
  • Roasting for the full 45 minutes to fully convert collagen to gelatin.
  • Separating fat from the rendered drippings with a fat separator.
  • Reducing the drippings to a syrupy glaze.
  • Broiling at the end to achieve a deep, glossy crust.

Safety Warnings

  • The roasting pan and drippings will be extremely hot; use oven mitts.
  • Hot fat can splatter when separating; keep face away and use a splatter guard if possible.
  • Broiling can cause rapid browning; watch closely to avoid burning.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of roasted chicken wings in American cuisine?

A

Chicken wings became a staple of American bar and sports‑event food in the 1960s, popularized by Buffalo, NY. Over time they evolved from deep‑fried, sauce‑coated bites to a variety of preparations, including oven‑roasted versions like this one that highlight the natural flavor of the skin.

cultural
Q

What are the traditional regional variations of chicken wings in United States cuisine?

A

Beyond the classic Buffalo hot sauce, regions offer BBQ‑glazed wings in the South, honey‑garlic in the West, and soy‑ginger Korean‑style wings in the Pacific Northwest. This recipe focuses on the pure, salty‑peppery flavor that showcases the wing’s own gelatin‑rich drippings.

cultural
Q

How is the authentic traditional way to serve roasted chicken wings in American home cooking?

A

At home, roasted wings are often served hot from the oven on a platter with celery sticks and a side of blue‑cheese or ranch dressing for dipping. The wings are typically eaten with the hands, emphasizing the crispy skin and juicy meat.

cultural
Q

What occasions or celebrations are chicken wings traditionally associated with in American culture?

A

Wings are a go‑to snack for Super Bowl parties, tailgate gatherings, casual bar nights, and game‑day viewing. Their finger‑food nature makes them perfect for informal celebrations and sports events.

cultural
Q

What makes these oven‑roasted wings special or unique in American cuisine?

A

The "wing sandwich" technique presses the wings between two hot baking sheets, mimicking the weight of a whole bird and forcing the skin to render and brown evenly. The resulting gelatin‑rich drippings are reduced into a natural glaze, eliminating the need for added sauces.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making crispy roasted chicken wings using the wing sandwich method?

A

Common errors include overcrowding the sheets (which traps steam), not preheating the metal surfaces, and cutting the wings unevenly, which leads to uneven cooking. Also, skipping the final broil can leave the skin less crisp.

technical
Q

Why does this recipe use a fat separator instead of simply skimming the fat off the drippings?

A

A fat separator quickly isolates the gelatin‑rich stock from the floating fat, preserving the savory depth while removing excess grease. Skimming alone can leave small fat droplets that cloud the glaze and affect texture.

technical
Q

Can I make these roasted chicken wings ahead of time and how should I store them?

A

Yes. Roast and cool the wings, then store the meat in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the reduced glaze separate; reheat both and brush just before serving to retain crispness.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel America's Test Kitchen specialize in?

A

America's Test Kitchen produces rigorously tested, science‑based recipes and cooking techniques for home cooks. The channel focuses on reliable, reproducible results across a wide range of cuisines and skill levels.

channel
Q

How does the YouTube channel America's Test Kitchen's approach to American comfort food differ from other cooking channels?

A

America's Test Kitchen emphasizes systematic testing, detailed explanations of why each step works, and provides alternatives for equipment and ingredients. This methodical style contrasts with many channels that rely on intuition or shortcuts.

channel

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