If you are craving a dish that packs bold, vibrant flavors and irresistible crispy texture, look no further than this Thai Chicken Wings with Spicy Peanut Sauce Recipe. These wings combine tender, juicy chicken with a silky, spicy peanut sauce that bursts with savory, sweet, and tangy notes. It’s the perfect appetizer or party snack that never fails to impress. Every bite delivers a delightful balance of heat and creaminess, accented with fresh herbs and toasted sesame seeds to keep things exciting on your palate. Trust me, once you make these wings, they will become your go-to for gatherings or a cozy night in.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Don’t let the ingredient list intimidate you—each component here is straightforward yet essential for building the layered flavors that make these wings unforgettable. From the creamy peanut butter to the zesty jalapeno, everything plays a crucial role in texture, taste, and visual appeal.
- 2 pounds chicken wingettes and/or drumettes: The perfect size for finger food, they’re juicy and cook evenly to a crisp.
- Kosher salt & freshly ground black pepper: Simple seasoning that enhances natural flavor.
- ½ cup Greek yogurt: Adds tang and helps tenderize the chicken.
- 1 jalapeno pepper (chopped; stem removed): Brings heat and a fresh kick to the sauce.
- ½ cup warm water: Helps create a smooth peanut sauce.
- ½ cup creamy peanut butter: The star of the sauce, giving richness and that signature Thai flavor.
- 4 tablespoons soy sauce: Adds deep umami and salty balance.
- ½ teaspoon sesame oil: Infuses a nutty aroma that complements the peanut butter.
- 2 teaspoons mild molasses: Offers a subtle sweetness and depth.
- 1 teaspoon rice wine vinegar: Provides brightness and acidity to balance the richness.
- 2 tablespoons Sweet Chili Sauce: Lends a sweet heat and lovely glaze effect.
- 1 tablespoon lemongrass paste (optional): Brings a fresh citrusy note, elevating the dish.
- 2 garlic cloves (minced): Adds robust savoriness and a bit of bite.
- 1-2 teaspoons red pepper flakes: Adjust to control the spice level to your liking.
- ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro leaves: This herb brings freshness and a vibrant green color.
- 2 tablespoons toasted sesame seeds: For that final nutty crunch and gorgeous garnish.
How to Make Thai Chicken Wings with Spicy Peanut Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Season the Chicken
Start by patting your chicken wings dry with paper towels to ensure crispiness during cooking. Season them generously with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper on all sides. Then, toss the wings with the Greek yogurt, which not only adds a tangy flavor but also helps tenderize the meat. Let the wings sit for about 10 minutes while you prepare the sauce, allowing the marinade to begin its magic.
Step 2: Make the Spicy Peanut Sauce
In a mixing bowl, combine the creamy peanut butter, warm water, soy sauce, sesame oil, mild molasses, rice wine vinegar, Sweet Chili Sauce, lemongrass paste (if using), minced garlic, chopped jalapeno, and red pepper flakes. Whisk everything thoroughly until you get a smooth, creamy consistency that’s both spicy and slightly sweet. This sauce is where all those rich Thai flavors really shine!
Step 3: Bake the Wings
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Arrange the chicken wings in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a wire rack to allow air circulation, which helps achieve that perfect crispy skin. Bake for about 40 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the wings are golden brown and cooked through.
Step 4: Coat Wings in Peanut Sauce
Once baked, transfer the hot wings to a large bowl and pour the spicy peanut sauce over them. Toss well to coat every wing generously with the sauce. The warmth of the wings will help the sauce cling and soak in just a bit — trust me, this is the moment everything comes together beautifully.
How to Serve Thai Chicken Wings with Spicy Peanut Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
For that extra pop of flavor and presentation, sprinkle chopped fresh cilantro leaves and toasted sesame seeds over the wings. The cilantro brings a fresh, herbal contrast while the sesame seeds add crunch and visual appeal. You can also add a few thin slices of jalapeno on top for an eye-catching garnish that lets guests know these wings have a spicy kick.
Side Dishes
These wings pair wonderfully with light, refreshing sides to balance out their richness. Think crisp cucumber salad, sticky jasmine rice, or even a crunchy cabbage slaw dressed in lime and fish sauce. These sides not only complement the sauce but also provide a variety of textures and temperatures to your meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties or casual get-togethers, serve these wings on a large platter lined with banana leaves or fresh greens for a tropical touch. You can provide extra peanut sauce in a dipping bowl on the side to double down on the flavor. For an elegant twist, stack the wings on a skewer with grilled pineapple chunks or serve them atop mini lettuce cups for a fun hand-held option.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, place any leftover Thai Chicken Wings with Spicy Peanut Sauce Recipe into an airtight container and refrigerate. They will stay fresh for up to 3 days, allowing you to enjoy a quick snack or lunch without fuss.
Freezing
If you want to save them for later, freeze the wings without the sauce first by arranging them in a single layer on a baking sheet, then storing them in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw in the fridge overnight and toss with freshly made peanut sauce for best results.
Reheating
To reheat, place the wings on a baking sheet and warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10-15 minutes until heated through and crispy again. Then recoat with the peanut sauce or add a little fresh drizzle to revive flavors. Microwaving is possible but may soften the skin, so oven reheating is preferred.
FAQs
Can I use other types of chicken pieces for this recipe?
Absolutely! While wingettes and drumettes are ideal for their size and crispiness, you can use chicken thighs or drumsticks. Keep in mind the cooking time will vary slightly depending on size and thickness.
How spicy is the Thai Chicken Wings with Spicy Peanut Sauce Recipe?
The level of heat is adjustable by the amount of jalapeno and red pepper flakes you use. If you prefer mild wings, reduce or omit the peppers. For those who love heat, add extra for a fiery kick!
Is the peanut sauce gluten-free?
It can be gluten-free if you use tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce alternative. Always check labels on your ingredients, especially the Sweet Chili Sauce and lemongrass paste.
Can I prepare the sauce in advance?
Yes! The peanut sauce can be made ahead and stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Bring it to room temperature and whisk before tossing with freshly cooked wings.
What should I serve to make this a full meal?
Pair the wings with steamed jasmine rice, a fresh green salad, or grilled vegetables. Add a light soup like Tom Yum or a mango salad to complete the Thai-inspired feast.
Final Thoughts
Making the Thai Chicken Wings with Spicy Peanut Sauce Recipe at home is a joyful experience that delivers fantastic flavors and crowd-pleasing results. These wings are bursting with character and perfect for sharing with friends and family. I can’t wait for you to try this recipe and see how the creamy, spicy peanut sauce elevates simple chicken wings into something truly special!
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Thai Chicken Wings with Spicy Peanut Sauce Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Thai
Description
These Thai Chicken Wings with Spicy Peanut Sauce offer a deliciously tangy and spicy twist on classic chicken wings. Marinated in a creamy Greek yogurt mixture and baked to perfection, they are generously coated with a rich, flavorful peanut sauce featuring jalapeno, lemongrass, and a hint of sweetness from molasses and Sweet Chili Sauce. Garnished with fresh cilantro and toasted sesame seeds, these wings are perfect for parties, appetizers, or a flavorful main dish.
Ingredients
For the Chicken Wings
- 2 pounds chicken wingettes and/or drumettes
- Kosher salt & freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- ½ cup Greek yogurt
For the Spicy Peanut Sauce
- 1 jalapeno pepper, chopped (stem removed)
- ½ cup warm water
- ½ cup creamy peanut butter
- 4 tablespoons soy sauce
- ½ teaspoon sesame oil
- 2 teaspoons mild molasses
- 1 teaspoon rice wine vinegar
- 2 tablespoons Sweet Chili Sauce
- 1 tablespoon lemongrass paste (optional)
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1–2 teaspoons red pepper flakes
For Garnish
- ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro leaves
- 2 tablespoons toasted sesame seeds
Instructions
- Prepare and Season the Wings: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Pat the chicken wings dry with paper towels to ensure crispiness. Season them generously with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. In a large bowl, toss the wings with Greek yogurt until well coated. This marinade will tenderize the wings and add tangy flavor.
- Bake the Wings: Arrange the yogurt-coated wings on a wire rack placed on a rimmed baking sheet, allowing air circulation for even cooking. Bake in the preheated oven for about 40-45 minutes or until wings are cooked through and skin is crispy, turning halfway through baking to ensure even crispness.
- Make the Spicy Peanut Sauce: While the wings bake, combine the chopped jalapeno, warm water, creamy peanut butter, soy sauce, sesame oil, molasses, rice wine vinegar, Sweet Chili Sauce, lemongrass paste (if using), minced garlic, and red pepper flakes in a blender or food processor. Blend until smooth and creamy, adjusting seasoning to taste. If the sauce is too thick, add a little more warm water to reach desired consistency.
- Toss Wings in Sauce: When the wings are done baking, transfer them to a large mixing bowl. Pour the prepared spicy peanut sauce over the hot wings and toss gently until they are evenly coated in the sauce.
- Garnish and Serve: Transfer the sauced wings to a serving platter. Sprinkle chopped fresh cilantro and toasted sesame seeds over the top for added freshness and crunch. Serve immediately while warm and enjoy your flavorful Thai-inspired chicken wings.
Notes
- You can adjust the heat level by increasing or decreasing the amount of red pepper flakes and jalapeno.
- Using a wire rack on the baking sheet helps the wings cook evenly and get crispy skin.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute soy sauce with tamari.
- The lemongrass paste is optional but adds a lovely citrus aroma.
- Leftover sauce can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
