KFC-Style ( inspired) Crispy Fried Chicken Wings

There’s nothing quite like the joy of biting into a perfectly crispy fried chicken wing—and this recipe is extra special because it was a team effort with my son, Angus. Inspired by the bold, spicy flavours of KFC-style chicken, Angus and I worked together to tweak the spice blend and frying method until we landed on a version that’s crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and absolutely bursting with flavour.

What takes it over the top? A zesty, creamy dipping sauce—another one of Angus’s creations—that pairs perfectly with the crunchy wings. Whether you're making this for game night, a weekend indulgence, or just because, these wings are sure to impress.

Ingredients

For the Chicken Wings:

1.6 kg chicken wings (cleaned, washed, and patted dry)

Marinade:

4 grams peri peri spice powder

¼ tsp red chilli powder

¼ tsp ginger powder

½ tsp garlic powder

A pinch of salt

Method:

1. Marinate:

Rub the marinade all over the chicken wings and let it rest for 1 hour.

2. Shallow Fry:

Heat oil in a pan and shallow fry the marinated wings until they’re lightly golden. Set aside.

Spice Mix 2 (for coating):

2 tbsp dried oregano

2 tbsp dried basil

1½ tsp fennel seeds

1½ tsp peppercorns

1½ tsp garlic powder

1 tsp ginger powder

1 tsp white pepper powder

1 tbsp red chilli powder

½ tsp mustard seeds

Preparation:

1. Dry grind all the ingredients above into a fine powder.

2. Mix this spice blend with ½ cup flour (maida or self-raising flour).

For Crumb Coating:

4 eggs (whisked with a pinch of salt)

Panko breadcrumbs or regular breadcrumbs

Spice Mix 3:

4 grams peri peri spice powder

1 tsp dried oregano

1 tsp dried basil

(Mix well)

To Assemble and Fry:

1. Coat the shallow-fried wings in the spiced flour mix.

2. Dip each wing in beaten egg.

3. Coat with panko breadcrumbs for an extra crunch.

4. Sprinkle the wings lightly with Spice Mix 3 before frying.

5. Shallow fry until crisp and golden brown.

Angus’s Dipping Sauce

A creamy, sweet, smoky, and tangy sauce that pairs perfectly with crispy wings.

Ingredients:

1 cup mayonnaise

¼ cup barbeque sauce

1 tbsp mustard sauce

1½ tsp honey

Mix everything together until smooth. Adjust to taste if you prefer more sweetness or tang.

Serving Suggestion:

Serve the crispy hot chicken wings with a generous drizzle—or side—of the dipping sauce. Add some crunchy coleslaw or fries on the side for a complete meal.

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