Firecracker Wings and Charleston Red Rice

Whole Firecracker Chicken Wings Recipe

Ingredients:

For the Wings:

• 2 lbs whole chicken wings

• 1 teaspoon salt

• ½ teaspoon black pepper

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika

• ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

For the Firecracker Sauce:

• ⅓ cup hot sauce (like Frank’s RedHot or Sriracha)

• ¼ cup honey

• 2 tablespoons brown sugar

• 1 tablespoon soy sauce

• 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)

• 1 tablespoon butter

Instructions:

Step 1: Season & Bake the Wings

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or use a wire rack for crispier wings.

2. Pat the wings dry with paper towels.

3. In a large bowl, toss the wings with olive oil, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper.

4. Arrange wings in a single layer on the baking sheet.

5. Bake for 45-50 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crispy.

Step 2: Make the Firecracker Sauce

1. In a small saucepan, combine hot sauce, honey, brown sugar, soy sauce, and red pepper flakes.

2. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally.

3. Stir in butter until melted and sauce is thick and glossy.

Step 3: Toss & Serve

1. Remove wings from the oven and toss them in the firecracker sauce until fully coated.

2. Serve hot with a side of Charleston Red Rice and a glass of Zinfandel or Riesling. 🍷

Charleston Red Rice Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 cup long-grain white rice (rinsed)

• 4 strips thick-cut bacon (chopped)

• ½ cup onion (chopped)

• ½ cup green bell pepper (chopped)

• 2 cloves garlic (minced)

• 1 cup canned diced tomatoes (with juices)

• 2 tablespoons tomato paste

• 1 ½ cups chicken broth

• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika

• ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)

• ½ teaspoon salt

• ½ teaspoon black pepper

Instructions:

Step 1: Cook the Bacon & Vegetables

1. In a large skillet or Dutch oven, cook chopped bacon over medium heat until crispy.

2. Add onions, bell peppers, and garlic. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened.

Step 2: Add Tomatoes & Rice

1. Stir in diced tomatoes, tomato paste, smoked paprika, cayenne (if using), salt, and black pepper.

2. Add the uncooked rice and mix well to coat in the tomato mixture.

Step 3: Simmer Until Perfect

1. Pour in chicken broth and bring to a gentle simmer.

2. Cover and cook for 20-25 minutes, until the rice is tender and has absorbed all the liquid.

3. Fluff with a fork and serve hot with Firecracker Wings!