Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Kroger Wings are not only easy to make, but they’re also incredibly versatile. You can adjust the seasoning, marinate the wings to your liking, and coat them in your favorite sauce to create the perfect wing. The best part? They come out crispy and flavorful every time! Whether you like your wings mild, spicy, or somewhere in between, these homemade wings will quickly become a favorite for your next party or family dinner.
Ingredients
For the wings:
- 10-12 chicken wings (whole or split into drums and flats)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
For the sauce:
- 1/4 cup melted butter
- 1/4 cup hot sauce (like Frank’s RedHot or your preferred brand)
- 1 tablespoon honey (for sweetness)
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (optional, for tang)
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce (optional)
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
- Prep the Wings:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Pat the chicken wings dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. This will help them become extra crispy when baked.
- Place the wings in a large bowl and drizzle with olive oil. Toss to coat.
- Add the garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, pepper, and cayenne pepper (if using). Toss again to evenly coat the wings with the seasoning.
- Bake the Wings:
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil for easy cleanup.
- Place a cooling rack on top of the baking sheet and arrange the wings in a single layer on the rack. The cooling rack will allow air to circulate around the wings, ensuring they cook evenly and get crispy.
- Bake the wings in the preheated oven for 30-40 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they are golden brown and crispy.
- Prepare the Sauce:
- While the wings are baking, combine the melted butter, hot sauce, honey, apple cider vinegar, and Worcestershire sauce in a small bowl. Stir until well combined.
- Toss the Wings in Sauce:
- Once the wings are done, remove them from the oven and transfer them to a large bowl. Pour the sauce over the wings and toss them gently to coat.
- Serve and Enjoy:
- Serve your Kroger Wings immediately with your favorite sides such as celery, carrots, and ranch or blue cheese dressing.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 2-3 (for 10-12 wings)
- Total cook time: 40-50 minutes
- Prep time: 10 minutes
- Cook time: 30-40 minutes
Variations
- Spicy Buffalo Wings: Increase the amount of hot sauce in the sauce mixture or add extra cayenne pepper for more heat.
- Sweet BBQ Wings: Replace the hot sauce with your favorite BBQ sauce for a sweet and tangy alternative.
- Lemon Pepper Wings: For a citrusy twist, use lemon pepper seasoning in place of the paprika and toss the baked wings with a mixture of melted butter, lemon zest, and lemon juice.
- Garlic Parmesan Wings: Skip the sauce and toss the baked wings with melted butter, garlic, and grated parmesan cheese for a rich, garlicky flavor.
- Dry Rub Wings: If you prefer dry rub wings, skip the sauce altogether and coat the wings in a blend of your favorite dry spices like cumin, chili powder, and smoked paprika before baking.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store any leftover wings in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat the wings in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for 10-12 minutes, or until heated through and crispy again. You can also reheat them in an air fryer for 5-7 minutes.
FAQs
Can I use frozen wings for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen wings. Just make sure to thaw them completely before preparing them. If you bake them from frozen, you may need to increase the cooking time by about 5-10 minutes.
How do I make the wings extra crispy?
To make the wings extra crispy, make sure to pat them dry before seasoning, use a cooling rack on top of the baking sheet, and bake at a high temperature (400°F or 200°C). Also, flipping the wings halfway through ensures they cook evenly and get crispy on both sides.
Can I use a different sauce besides hot sauce?
Absolutely! You can use BBQ sauce, honey mustard, teriyaki sauce, or any other sauce you like. Feel free to experiment with flavors.
Can I make these wings in an air fryer?
Yes, you can! Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and cook the wings for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crispy.
Can I prepare the wings ahead of time?
You can prep the wings by seasoning them and storing them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. Just make sure to bring them to room temperature before cooking.
Can I use boneless chicken for this recipe?
While this recipe is for bone-in wings, you can use boneless chicken breast or thighs. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly, as boneless chicken cooks faster.
How do I know when the wings are fully cooked?
The wings are done when they are golden brown and crispy, and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) when checked with a meat thermometer.
Can I bake the wings without a cooling rack?
Yes, you can bake the wings directly on the baking sheet. However, using a cooling rack will help the wings cook evenly and get crispier by allowing air circulation around the chicken.
What should I serve with these wings?
Kroger Wings go perfectly with sides like French fries, coleslaw, mashed potatoes, or a simple salad. You can also serve them with dipping sauces like ranch or blue cheese dressing.
Can I make these wings on the grill?
Yes, you can grill the wings instead of baking them. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat and cook the wings for about 20-25 minutes, turning occasionally, until they are crispy and fully cooked.
Conclusion
Kroger Wings are a simple, flavorful, and customizable way to enjoy delicious chicken wings at home. Whether you prefer them spicy, tangy, or sweet, this recipe gives you the freedom to create the perfect wings to suit your taste. With easy-to-follow instructions and minimal prep time, these crispy wings are perfect for any occasion. They’re sure to be a hit at your next gathering, or even just for a cozy night in. Enjoy these homemade wings with your favorite sides and sauces for the ultimate comfort food experience!
PrintKroger Wings
Kroger Wings are flavorful, crispy chicken wings that you can easily make at home. Perfect for game day, family gatherings, or a casual meal, these wings are customizable with various seasonings and sauces to suit your cravings.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30-40 minutes
- Total Time: 40-50 minutes
- Yield: 2-3 servings (for 10-12 wings)
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking, Frying
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 10–12 chicken wings (whole or split into drums and flats)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
- For the sauce:
- 1/4 cup melted butter
- 1/4 cup hot sauce (like Frank’s RedHot or your preferred brand)
- 1 tablespoon honey (for sweetness)
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (optional, for tang)
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce (optional)
Instructions
Prep the Wings:
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Pat the chicken wings dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. Drizzle olive oil over the wings, tossing to coat. Add the garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, pepper, and cayenne pepper (if using), and toss again to evenly coat the wings.
- Bake the Wings:
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil. Place a cooling rack on top of the baking sheet and arrange the wings in a single layer on the rack. Bake for 30-40 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crispy. - Prepare the Sauce:
In a small bowl, combine melted butter, hot sauce, honey, apple cider vinegar, and Worcestershire sauce. Stir well to combine. - Toss the Wings in Sauce:
Once the wings are done, remove them from the oven and place them in a large bowl. Pour the sauce over the wings and toss gently to coat. - Serve and Enjoy:
Serve the wings immediately with your favorite sides like celery, carrots, and ranch or blue cheese dressing.
Notes
- For a spicier version, increase the hot sauce or add extra cayenne pepper to the sauce mixture.
- Try substituting the hot sauce with BBQ sauce for a sweet and tangy alternative.
- If you prefer dry rub wings, skip the sauce and coat the wings in a blend of spices before baking.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 27g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 20g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 9g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 110mg