Balsamic-Glazed Fried Chicken Wings Recipe

Gather your balsamic-glazed chicken wings ingredients

To prepare this recipe, gather several pounds of chicken wings, along with flour, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, balsamic vinegar, brown sugar, crushed red pepper, and vegetable oil (or another oil suitable for high heat) for frying. Once you’ve separated the wings into drumettes and flats, you can begin the cooking process.

Step 1: Heat the oil

Pour vegetable oil into a large, heavy-bottomed pot and heat it on high until it reaches 350°F.

Step 2: Make the seasoned flour

In the meantime, combine flour, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, and salt on a large plate.

Step 3: Dredge the wings, and start frying

When the oil reaches 350°F, coat the dredge wings in seasoned flour and gently add them to the oil in small batches, ensuring not to overcrowd the pot.

Step 4: Fry the rest of the wings

Cook each batch of wings until they are golden brown on the outside and fully cooked inside, approximately 10 minutes.

Step 5: Drain the wings and check for doneness

Move the fried wings to a plate lined with paper towels to soak up any extra oil. Use a meat thermometer to check the thickest part of a wing, making sure it reaches a minimum temperature of 165°F to confirm they are fully cooked.

Step 6: Start making the glaze

In the meantime, prepare the balsamic glaze by combining balsamic vinegar, brown sugar, garlic powder, crushed red pepper, and salt in a small saucepan set over medium-low heat.

Step 7: Let it thicken

Cook the glaze on low heat for 10-12 minutes, or until it thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon. Take it off the heat.

Step 8: Pour the glaze on the chicken

After preparing the wings and glaze, place the wings in a large bowl and drizzle the glaze over them.

Step 9: Toss to coat

Coat the wings thoroughly, then place them on a serving platter.

Step 10: Garnish and serve

Serve warm, topped with chopped parsley, extra crushed red pepper, and grated Parmesan cheese, if you like.

Which balsamic vinegar should I use for balsamic-glazed fried chicken wings?

With the wide array of balsamic vinegars available — differing in price, quality, and flavor — selecting the right one for a recipe can be daunting. Traditionally, balsamic vinegar is made from reduced grape must, which includes the juice of freshly pressed grapes along with the skins, seeds, and stems. This must is aged in wooden barrels for 12 years or more, resulting in a thick, syrupy vinegar that is perfect for drizzling over green salads or fresh mozzarella with sliced tomatoes. However, traditional balsamic is not the only option available today.

Many of the vinegars labeled as balsamic in stores are produced using non-traditional methods. Often, these products are blended with wine vinegar and other ingredients to create a more affordable yet still tasty alternative. For this recipe, especially since it calls for ½ cup of balsamic vinegar for the glaze, we recommend opting for one of the more budget-friendly varieties. In this glaze, we will reduce the vinegar and incorporate sugar, spices, and heat, which may overshadow some of the nuances found in higher-end balsamics.

What is the best temperature for frying balsamic-glazed chicken wings?

When it comes to deep frying, achieving the right oil temperature is crucial for the success of your dish. If the oil is too cold, the result will be greasy; if it's too hot, the exterior will burn while the interior remains undercooked. Typically, the optimal temperature for deep frying falls between 325°F and 375°F. Within this range, there is a specific temperature that works best for each type of food, determined by various factors, especially the cooking time required for the ingredient.

For fried chicken wings, we should aim for the lower end of this frying spectrum. Chicken wings generally take about 10 minutes to reach a safe internal temperature of 165°F, which is relatively lengthy for deep-fried items. Because of this longer cooking time, the ideal frying temperature for chicken wings is around 350°F. At this temperature, the wings have sufficient time to cook thoroughly without the risk of overcooking the exterior. When fried for approximately 10 minutes at 350°F, chicken wings will emerge with a juicy interior and a perfectly crisp, golden-brown exterior.