Fourth of July

Orange-Sesame Chicken Wings

March 22, 2016
5
9 Ratings
Photo by Bobbi Lin
  • Serves 4 to 6
Author Notes

Every time I make these sticky, glazed wings—inspired by the flavors of classic orange chicken—my friends devour them. The sweetness of the orange is perfectly offset by umami-packed soy sauce, zippy Chinese black vinegar, toasty sesame oil, and a touch of heat from cayenne powder. I love serving them with quick-pickled cucumbers and a simple green salad. —Asha Loupy

Test Kitchen Notes

Don’t assume these are run-of-the-mill wings. Get some napkins—a lot of napkins, actually—because these wings are elevated! The sauce is complex, and while it favors the orange and sweet, these flavors balance equally with the sesame, soy, and vinegar. The wings were juicy and well-flavored, and the five-minute glaze at the end provided gorgeous caramelized bits. I’ll be making them again this weekend with a bit more heat. —Kacy Smith

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Ingredients
  • 1/4 cup soy sauce
  • 1 1/2 tablespoons Chinese black vinegar
  • 3 tablespoons orange juice
  • 2 teaspoons toasted sesame seed oil
  • 3 tablespoons dark brown sugar, divided
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 teaspoons fresh ginger, peeled and minced
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons orange zest
  • 1 1/2 tablespoons sesame seeds, lightly toasted
  • 1/2 teaspoon cayenne powder
  • 3 pounds chicken wings, tips removed, cut in two pieces at the joint
Directions
  1. In a large bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, Chinese black vinegar, orange juice, sesame seed oil, and 2 tablespoons of the brown sugar until the sugar has dissolved. Stir in the garlic, ginger, orange zest, cayenne powder, and one tablespoon toasted sesame seeds. Add the chicken wings and toss to coat. Transfer wings and marinade to a gallon zip-top bag and refrigerate for 2 hours to overnight.
  2. Preheat the oven to 425° F. Line a large rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper and place a wire baking rack on top. Remove the wings from the marinade, reserving the marinade for the glaze, and place the wings in a single layer on the prepared rack. Roast for 40 to 45 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the wings are golden brown.
  3. While the wings are roasting, make the glaze: In a saucepan over medium heat, stir the reserved marinade and the remaining tablespoon of brown sugar, and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium low and simmer for 3 to 5 minutes, until the glaze has reduced by about a third and coats the back of a spoon. Remove from the heat and set aside.
  4. Remove the wings from the oven, brush both sides with the reserved glaze and return to the oven for another 5 minutes until the wings are caramelized and golden. Pile on a platter and garnish with the remaining 1/2 teaspoon of toasted sesame seeds. Serve hot and enjoy!

See what other Food52ers are saying.

13 Reviews

Emily M. January 20, 2021
Delicious! Will definitely make this again. I didn't have a wire rack so I baked them right on the ray and they still turned out great. Replaced the vinegar with balsamic like most others suggested.
mcewenrw November 10, 2019
I make wings pretty much every Sunday during football season. Stumbled upon this recipe and decided to give it a try. These are probably the best I’ve ever made, and high in the running for best I’ve eaten including at restaurants. I grilled them instead of baking them, and subbed balsamic vinegar for black vinegar. Also I squeezed the juice of two oranges because I forgot to buy orange juice at the store. These are going to be a staple in the rotation going forward.
Asha L. November 11, 2019
I am so happy to hear you love these wings as much as I do!! Thank you so much for the kind words.
Cindy June 28, 2019
So good, tangy sweet (but not too sweet) with a kick! Loved the extra toasted sesame seeds on top. Didn't have black vinegar, so I used white rice vinegar. Will definitely be making these again!
Jasser A. November 30, 2016
Asha these things were out of this world!!! I'm addicted. This are my new favourite wings.
Terry G. July 6, 2016
what or where can you get Chinese black vinegar? A substitute?
Asha L. July 6, 2016
I find Chinese black vinegar at myour local Asian groceryo store or its sometimes in the international aisle of chain grocery stores. Chinese black vinegar has a little sweetness and warm spice to it - you could substitute balsamic vinegar and a half teaspoon of five spice powder.
Nancy December 19, 2022
Ordered mine from Amazon where everything comes from!! It was about $11
acey May 25, 2016
Made them tonight! Came out AWESOME! The whole family loved them!
Asha L. May 26, 2016
I am so glad that they were a hit, acey! I am gonna make a big batch and grill them instead of roasting them for my Memorial Day festivities this weekend.
Barb168 April 27, 2016
I agree, these look amazing - will have to make them!
Mark T. April 10, 2016
These look awesome,
Asha L. April 11, 2016
Thanks, Mark!