Serious Eats Basics - Braising
**Braised Chicken Wings: A Rustic Recipe for Football Season**
---
Hello, food enthusiasts! Today, we’re diving into the kitchen with Meg Moran and Chef Danielle Buo to explore a unique twist on a classic game-day favorite—chicken wings. This time, we’re bringing you a hearty braised chicken wing recipe that’s perfect for football season, especially as the Super Bowl approaches.
### The Ingredients
Chef Danielle starts by discussing the ingredients needed for this delicious dish. He emphasizes the importance of selecting chicken wings with cartilage intact. “I just cut over the cartilage and remove the nugget so there’s something to grab when you’re eating,” he explains. This step ensures that the wings are easier to handle, especially since they’ll be smothered in sauce.
For this recipe, Chef Danielle opts for a simple yet flavorful seasoning: salt and pepper. The chicken wings are liberally seasoned before being placed in a hot pan to brown. While browning, he adds hot red peppers to kick up the heat level, which adds a nice zing to the dish.
### Layering the Vegetables
To complement the chicken wings, Chef Danielle includes a substantial amount of vegetables. He suggests using as many vegetables as there are wings, ensuring that you have a full side dish in one pot. The vegetables used include:
- **Onion**: Sliced thinly and sautéed until they melt down into a sweet layer.
- **Garlic**: Added after the onion for extra flavor without overpowering it.
- **Hot Red Pepper Flakes**: These add a nice kick to the braising liquid.
- **Tomato**: Diced Roma tomatoes are included for depth of flavor and texture.
### The Braising Liquid
Once the chicken wings and vegetables are prepped, Chef Danielle moves on to the braising liquid. He uses:
- **Olive Oil**: As the base for sautéing the ingredients.
- **White Wine**: Adds a touch of acidity and enhances the overall flavor profile.
- **Tomato Paste**: For richness and umami.
- **Raisins**: Rehydrated and plumped up to add natural sweetness.
- **Fresh Margarine**: Provides a creamy texture and ties all flavors together.
### The Braising Process
After layering all the ingredients in the pot, Chef Danielle explains the braising technique. He stresses the importance of bringing the braising liquid to a boil before placing it in the oven. This step ensures that the flavors meld together properly and the chicken wings become tender.
The dish is baked for at least an hour and a half, allowing the flavors to simmer and infuse into the meat. By the end of cooking, the chicken wings will be fork-tender, and the sauce will have reduced into a rich, flavorful glaze.
### Serving Suggestions
Once the chicken wings are done, Chef Danielle recommends serving them with a fork, knife, or spoon to easily enjoy every bite. The combination of tender meat, smoky bacon flavor (from the slab bacon used earlier), and the robust braising sauce makes for a messy but delicious dish.
This braised chicken wing recipe is not only hearty but also budget-friendly. It’s a perfect way to feed a crowd during football season or any time you’re craving something flavorful and satisfying.
---
**Conclusion**
Thank you, Chef Danielle Buo, for sharing this fantastic twist on chicken wings. This rustic, braised version is sure to become a new family favorite. So, the next time you’re hosting game day or just want to impress your dinner guests, give this recipe a try—it’s messy, flavorful, and guaranteed to be a hit!
Bon appétit!