The Romanian spicy chicken wings make me go back to my office days, when I would often order them for lunch. They are always cheap and delicious, paired with a generous portion of fries and the garlic mayo dipping sauce which should never miss.
The beauty of this recipe is that it is very easy to make and the marinade is customisable to your own taste. The result will always be crispy chicken wings, tender inside, which taste so delicious that you won’t be able to get enough of them.
Ingredients for the Romanian Spicy Chicken Wings Recipe
For this recipe of Romanian spicy chicken wings, you’ll need 1 kilogram of chicken wings, ensuring they are fresh and plump for the best results. The marinade consists of 100 milliliters of kefir, which tenderizes the meat. To season, I used a blend of minced garlic, thyme, oregano, sweet paprika, and a dried chili pepper for that spicy kick. You will also need flour for coating the chicken before frying in sunflower oil.
How to Make Romanian Spicy Chicken Wings
Begin by preparing the chicken wings. Trim the tips and discard them or save them for soup stock, then place the wings in a large mixing bowl. Add the thyme, oregano, sweet paprika, and chopped dried chili pepper to the bowl. Mince the garlic and add it to the wings, followed by the kefir. Season generously with salt and pepper, then mix everything thoroughly to ensure the wings are evenly coated. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 4 hours.
Once the marination is complete, remove the wings from the fridge and let them come to room temperature. I shallow fried the wings, but you can deep fry them or even used the air fryer. I have a very good pan that doesn’t require a lot of oil, even for deep frying, so that’s why you will barely see oil in the photos.
Heat the oil in a large frying pan over medium heat. While the oil heats, coat each wing in flour, shaking off any excess. Carefully place the wings into the hot oil, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Fry the wings for approximately 15 minutes, turning them occasionally to achieve even browning.
Once the wings are golden and cooked through, remove them from the oil and place them on a plate lined with kitchen paper to absorb any excess oil. Serve the spicy chicken wings hot, paired with a creamy garlic mayo sauce or your preferred dip.
Notes and Tips:
- The longer you marinate the wings, the better the flavour. Aim for at least 4 hours, but overnight marination yields even tastier results.
- If you prefer less spice, reduce the amount of chili pepper or omit it altogether. Alternatively, add more chili for an extra fiery kick.
- Ensure the oil is hot enough before frying. If the oil isn’t at the right temperature, the wings will absorb more oil and become greasy.
- For a healthier twist, you can bake the wings instead of frying, or use the air fryer. Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F), arrange the coated wings on a baking sheet, and bake for 30-35 minutes, flipping them halfway through. In an air fryer, cook the wings for 20-25 minutes at 190 degrees Celsius, shaking the basket halfway through.
Romanian Spicy Chicken Wings
Ingredients
- 1 kg chicken wings
- 100 ml kefir or yogurt
- 2-3 garlic cloves
- 1 tbsp thyme
- 1 tbsp oregano
- 1 tbsp sweet paprika
- 1 dried chili pepper
- 250 gr flour
- salt and pepper to season
Instructions
- Cut the end of the chicken wings and discard
- Place the wings in a large bowl.
- Add the herbs and spices.
- Add the kefir.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Mix well to create a marinade for the chicken.
- Leave the chicken wings to marinate in the fridge for at least 4 hours
- Take the chicken out of the fridge after it rested and marinated.
- Heat some oil in a large pan.
- Coat the chicken wings with flour, remove the excess, and place in the pan to fry.
- Fry for 15 minutes, until cooked throughout.
- Take the chicken wings out on kitchen towel, to remove the excess of oil.
- Serve hot, alongside a garlic mayo sauce
FAQ:
Can I use yogurt instead of kefir?
Yes, plain yogurt can be used as a substitute for kefir. It will also tenderize the meat and add a slightly tangy flavour.
Can I prepare these wings in an air fryer?
Absolutely! Preheat your air fryer to 190°C (375°F) and cook the wings for 20-25 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftover wings in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the oven or air fryer for a crispy texture.
For more similar recipes check out my recommendations below:
- Romanian garlic chicken stew recipe
- Romanian chicken and peas stew recipe
- Romanian fried cheese recipe
Like it? Pin it!
