1. Prepare the Wings:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (204°C) if using an oven, or prepare your grill if you prefer grilling.
- Pat the wings dry with paper towels. This helps to achieve a crispy skin.
- Toss the wings with vegetable oil, salt, and pepper in a large bowl. Make sure each wing is evenly coated.
2. Cook the Wings:
- For Oven: Arrange the wings on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone mat. Bake for about 40-45 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the wings are golden brown and crispy.
- For Grill: Place the wings on the grill over medium heat. Grill, turning occasionally, until cooked through and crispy, about 25-30 minutes.
3. Make the Orange Honey Pepper Sauce:
- While the wings are cooking, combine orange juice, honey, soy sauce, orange zest, garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes in a small saucepan over medium heat. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
- Add the cornstarch slurry to the saucepan, stirring constantly. Continue to cook and stir until the sauce thickens, about 2-3 minutes. Remove from heat.
4. Toss the Wings in Sauce:
- Once the wings are cooked and crispy, remove them from the oven or grill and place them in a large bowl.
- Pour the hot orange honey pepper sauce over the wings and toss to coat evenly.
5. Serve:
- Serve the wings hot, garnished with additional orange zest or sliced green onions if desired.
- Optional: Serve with carrot sticks, celery sticks, and blue cheese or ranch dressing for dipping.
Tips for Perfect Wings:
- Dry Patting: Ensure the wings are thoroughly dried before oiling for optimal crispiness.
- Sauce Application: Apply the sauce right after the wings are cooked so the heat from the wings helps the sauce adhere better.
- Adjusting Spiciness: You can adjust the amount of red pepper flakes based on your spice preference. More flakes for a spicier kick, less for a milder flavor.
These orange honey pepper chicken wings are sure to be a hit with their vibrant flavor and satisfying texture. Enjoy your delicious creation!