Name: Crispy Chinese Salt and Pepper Chicken Wings You’ll Crave
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 55 min
Ingredients: 0.25 cup Shaoxing wine (Substitute with sake or dry sherry if unavailable); 2 tablespoons Minced ginger (Fresh ginger is best for flavor); 4 cloves Garlic cloves (Using fresh garlic enhances the dish); 1 tablespoon Kosher salt (Feel free to use your preferred type of salt); 2.5 pounds Chicken wings (Wing sections work best but drumsticks are also delicious); 1 cup Potato starch (Cornstarch makes a great substitute); 2 to 3 cups Oil for frying (Use neutral oils like canola for best results); 4 to 6 Chiles (Sliced, choose based on your heat tolerance); 3 to 4 cloves Additional garlic (Sliced); 1 tablespoon Butter (Brings richness to the sautéed mixture); 0.125 teaspoon Ground white pepper (Offers heat and complex flavor); 0.25 to 0.5 teaspoon Szechuan pepper-salt (Can substitute with kosher salt and black pepper if needed)

As the sizzling sounds filled my kitchen, the aroma of garlic and ginger instantly transported me to my favorite Chinese takeout joint. These crispy Chinese Salt and Pepper Chicken Wings are not just a meal; they’re an experience. With a delightful crunch on the outside and succulent juiciness inside, they make for the perfect appetizer or game-day snack. The exciting blend of Szechuan peppercorn and zesty chiles delivers a unique heat that’s simply irresistible. Plus, they’re quick to whip up and a major crowd-pleaser! Can you hear the crunch already? Let’s dive in and create a dish that’ll become a staple in your home!

Why are these wings irresistible?

Crispy Texture: The potato starch coating results in a wonderfully crunchy exterior that’s hard to resist. Unique Flavor: Packed with garlic and ginger, each bite bursts with savory goodness that’s truly exceptional. Quick to Prepare: These wings come together in a flash, perfect for last-minute gatherings or weeknight cravings. Versatile Options: Enjoy classic chicken wings or switch it up with the suggested Salt and Pepper Tofu for a delightful vegetarian twist. Crowd-Pleasing: Everyone will love this dish, making it ideal for parties or casual dinners. You’re also going to adore these Air Fryer Salt and Pepper Chicken for a lighter take!

Chinese Salt and Pepper Chicken Wings Ingredients

For the Marinade
• Shaoxing wine – Adds depth and flavor; substitute with sake or dry sherry if unavailable.
• Minced ginger – Provides a zesty kick; fresh ginger is best for flavor.
• Garlic cloves – Infuses aromatic richness; using fresh garlic cloves enhances the dish.
• Kosher salt – Enhances overall flavor; feel free to use your preferred type of salt.

For the Chicken
• Chicken wings (2½ pounds) – The star of the dish; wing sections work best, but drumsticks are also delicious.
• Potato starch (1 cup) – Ensures a crispy coating; cornstarch makes a great substitute.
• Oil for frying (2 to 3 cups) – Essential for that golden crisp; use neutral oils like canola for best results.

For the Topping
• Chiles (4 to 6, sliced) – Adds the perfect spiciness; choose based on your heat tolerance.
• Additional garlic (3 to 4 cloves, sliced) – Elevates the flavor in the topping mix.
• Butter (1 tablespoon) – Brings richness to the sautéed mixture.
• Ground white pepper & Szechuan pepper-salt (⅛ teaspoon & ¼ to ½ teaspoon) – Offers heat and complex flavor; can substitute with kosher salt and black pepper if needed.

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Chinese Salt and Pepper Chicken Wings

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
In a large mixing bowl, combine ¼ cup of Shaoxing wine, 2 tablespoons of minced ginger, and 4 minced garlic cloves along with 1 tablespoon of kosher salt. Add the 2½ pounds of chicken wings and toss them until thoroughly coated. Allow the wings to marinate for 20 minutes at room temperature, or for enhanced flavor, place them in the refrigerator overnight.

Step 2: Heat the Oil
In a large skillet or wok, pour in 2 to 3 cups of neutral oil, such as canola or peanut oil. Heat the oil over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F, which is the optimal temperature for frying. You’ll know it’s ready when the oil shimmers and small bubbles form at the bottom of the pan, creating a tantalizing atmosphere for frying those Chinese Salt and Pepper Chicken Wings.

Step 3: Coat the Chicken
After marinating, remove the chicken wings from the bowl and gently shake off any excess marinade. Dredge the wings in 1 cup of potato starch until they are fully coated, creating a thin layer that will yield a crispy result. Make sure to shake off the excess starch as well, preparing them perfectly for the hot oil.

Step 4: Fry the Chicken
Once the oil is hot, carefully add the chicken wings in small batches, approximately 5 to 7 pieces at a time. Fry the wings for about 5 minutes on each side until they turn a beautiful golden brown and crispy. As they cook, avoid overcrowding the skillet to ensure even frying, and then drain the finished wings on paper towels to remove excess oil.

Step 5: Prepare the Topping
In another skillet, melt 1 tablespoon of butter over medium-high heat. Add 4 to 6 sliced chiles and 3 to 4 sliced garlic cloves to the melted butter, stirring and sautéing them for about 1 to 2 minutes. Watch for the garlic to turn lightly golden while the chiles soften and become fragrant, creating a delicious topping for your chicken wings.

Step 6: Serve the Dish
Place your crispy fried chicken wings on a serving platter, beautifully arranged to catch everyone’s eyes. Top them generously with the sautéed chiles and garlic mixture, and sprinkle ⅛ teaspoon of ground white pepper along with ¼ to ½ teaspoon of Szechuan pepper-salt over everything. Serve them immediately while they’re hot and crispy, inviting everyone to dive into your delightful Chinese Salt and Pepper Chicken Wings.

Make Ahead Options

These Chinese Salt and Pepper Chicken Wings are perfect for meal prep, making busy weeknights much easier! You can marinate the chicken wings in the Shaoxing wine, ginger, garlic, and salt mixture up to 24 hours in advance, allowing the flavors to infuse deeply. Once marinated, store the wings in the refrigerator until you’re ready to cook. You can also dredge the wings in potato starch up to 3 days ahead; just keep them in an airtight container to prevent moisture from ruining the crispiness. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply heat the oil and fry the wings as directed for just-as-delicious results that will impress your family and friends!

Expert Tips for the Best Chinese Salt and Pepper Chicken Wings

Hot Oil Check: Always ensure your oil is heated to 350°F before frying to achieve the perfect crispy texture. Use a thermometer for accuracy.
Avoid Overcrowding: Fry in small batches to prevent steaming, which can lead to soggy wings instead of crispy goodness.
Right Coating: Dredge chicken well in potato starch for that unmatched crunch; using flour won’t give you the same result.
Flavor Boost: For an extra layer of flavor, let the wings marinate overnight. This deepens the taste and makes every bite delightful.
Air Fryer Option: Try using an air fryer for a healthier version of the Chinese Salt and Pepper Chicken Wings, just adjust your cooking time accordingly.
Serving Warm: Serve immediately after frying for the best taste and texture. Crispy wings are best enjoyed fresh out of the skillet!

What to Serve with Spicy Chinese Salt and Pepper Chicken Wings

The perfect meal is just around the corner with these delightful crispy wings, inviting you to explore bold flavors and complementary tastes.

Steamed Jasmine Rice: The delicate, fluffy rice balances the spiciness of the wings and absorbs any lingering sauce, making every bite harmonious. A scoop of this fragrant side can create a soothing contrast while adding heartiness to your meal.
Crispy Egg Rolls: Crunchy and filled with fresh vegetables, egg rolls add an extra layer of texture and flavor. These delightful bites are perfect for pairing with your wings, creating a mini Chinese feast that everyone will love.
Stir-Fried Vegetables: A colorful mix of bell peppers, broccoli, and snap peas provides a fresh crunch and nutrition, complementing the rich flavors of the wings. Sautéed with garlic and soy sauce, they become a delightful contrast to the spices on the chicken.
Wonton Soup: This light, savory broth filled with wontons makes a comforting addition to your meal. The warm broth is a lovely precursor to the bold flavors of the wings, enhancing the overall experience with its soothing warmth.
Szechuan Noodles: These spicy noodles bring a kick that echoes the wings’ flavor profile, creating a cohesive and delicious pairing. Topped with fresh cilantro and a swirl of sesame oil, they add a delightful noodle dish that’s simple and satisfying.
Iced Green Tea: Refreshing and light, this drink balances the heat of the wings while offering a gentle sweetness to cleanse the palate. The herbal notes of green tea make it an excellent choice to sip alongside your meal, enhancing the dining experience.
Chilled Cucumber Salad: This cool and crunchy salad dressed in rice vinegar provides a refreshing contrast to the wings. The bright, crisp flavors enhance the overall meal while offering a lighter option to balance the crispy goodness of the chicken.
Chinese Beer or Plum Wine: Pair your wings with an ice-cold Chinese beer or sweet plum wine for a delightful taste experience. These beverages cool down the heat from the wings and lift the meal’s festive atmosphere, making it perfect for gatherings.

Chinese Salt and Pepper Chicken Wings Variations

Feel free to explore exciting twists on this flavorful dish that will tickle your taste buds!

Air Fryer Option: Use your air fryer for a lighter version. Simply coat the wings as directed and cook at 375°F for about 25 minutes, flipping halfway.
Salt and Pepper Tofu: For a vegetarian delight, cube firm tofu and marinate like you would the chicken. Fry until golden for a crunchy, satisfying meal.
Spicy Honey Drizzle: After frying, drizzle a mixture of honey and sriracha over the wings. This adds a sweet and fiery kick that’s simply addictive!
Lemon Zest Boost: Incorporate fresh lemon zest into your marinade for a citrusy pop that brightens up the dish. It’s a refreshing twist that pairs wonderfully with the spices.
Sweet Chili Glaze: Toss your crispy wings in a homemade or store-bought sweet chili sauce before serving to add a unique sweet and spicy depth.
Sesame Seed Topping: Before serving, sprinkle toasted sesame seeds and chopped green onions over the wings for added nuttiness and color. It elevates the presentation beautifully!
Crispy Garlic Version: For even more garlic flavor, toss in additional crushed garlic cloves into the frying oil. The results are intensely aromatic and oh-so-delicious.
Alternative Protein: Switch out chicken wings for boneless chicken thighs or even shrimp. Just adjust cooking times and enjoy a new take on this classic dish.

Experimenting with variations can lead to new family favorites. And if you’re in the mood for something else, consider trying the flavors of Cheesy Garlic Chicken or the spicy kick of Bang Bang Chicken!

How to Store and Freeze Chinese Salt and Pepper Chicken Wings

Fridge: Store cooked wings in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven to restore their crispy texture.

Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the cooked wings on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 2 months.

Reheating: When ready to enjoy, reheat directly from frozen in a preheated oven at 375°F for about 25-30 minutes, or until heated through and crispy.

Make-Ahead: Marinate the wings a day in advance and store in the refrigerator. This enhances flavor and makes for convenient last-minute cooking.

Chinese Salt and Pepper Chicken Wings Recipe FAQs

What kind of chicken should I use for this recipe?
You should ideally use chicken wings, as they offer the best flavor and texture for this dish. Wing sections are preferred for their crispy skin and juicy meat; however, you can also substitute drumsticks or cubed chicken thighs if that’s what you have on hand.

How do I know when the oil is hot enough for frying?
Absolutely! The oil should reach around 350°F for perfect frying. You can check this using a thermometer, or simply drop in a small piece of chicken or a pinch of potato starch. If it sizzles and bubbles vigorously, your oil is ready for frying!

How should I store leftovers?
To store cooked wings, place them in an airtight container and store in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, I recommend using an oven to restore their original crispiness—warm them at 375°F for about 10-15 minutes for best results.

Can I freeze the Chinese Salt and Pepper Chicken Wings?
Yes! For freezing, lay the cooked wings out on a baking tray in a single layer until firm, then transfer them to a freezer bag for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, reheat from frozen at 375°F for about 25-30 minutes until heated through and crisp.

What should I do if my wings end up soggy?
Very! To avoid soggy wings, always ensure the oil is hot enough before adding the chicken. Also, avoid overcrowding the frying pan, as this can cause the temperature to drop and lead to steaming rather than frying. If you’ve fried them right but still find them soggy post-cooking, you can try briefly placing them in a hot oven to help crisp them up a bit.

Are these wings suitable for special diets?
Yes! The recipe can easily be made gluten-free by using gluten-free sauces and ensuring that your oils and spices are certified gluten-free. If you’re cooking for someone with allergies, always double-check your ingredients, especially the sauces and seasonings, to ensure they’re safe for everyone indulging in these delicious wings.