A platter full of glazed sticky chicken wings is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser! The only way to get them really glossy and sticky is to re-glaze while cooking a few times. Keep on going (about 3-4 times) until you get the desired result, then serve hot or at room temperature with this zippy Southern-style blue cheese dip and a glass of Signature Chenin Blanc.
For the hot sticky marinade: (serves 4)
• 1/4 cup (60ml) tomato sauce (ketchup)
• 3/4 cup (180ml) smoky BBQ sauce
• 15-30ml (1-2 tablespoons) Sriracha sauce (or hot chilli sauce)
• 15ml (1 tablespoon) Worcestershire sauce
• 30ml (2 tablespoons) dark brown sugar (muscovado or demerara)
• 5ml (1 teaspoon) smoked paprika
• 2,5ml (1/2 teaspoon) salt
• About 16 chicken wings, for covering in the marinade
For the dip:
• 100g blue cheese, crumbled
• 1 cup (250ml) thick sour cream or crème fraiche
• 1/4 cup (60ml) mayonnaise
• 15-30 ml (1-2 tablespoons) milk
• 10ml (2 teaspoons) lemon juice (or apple cider vinegar)
• Salt and pepper to taste
Method:
Make the sticky marinade: In a medium size mixing bowl, add all the ingredients for the marinade (except the chicken) and mix together. Pour over the chicken wings in a ziplock bag or plastic container, then seal/cover and leave to marinate for 30 to 60 minutes (or longer – overnight).
Preheat oven to 200C. Line a roasting tray with foil, then arrange the marinated wings in a single layer. Roast for 30 minutes, then remove from oven and use a pastry brush to brush with more marinade. Return to the oven, and keep on brushing every 10 minutes until the wings are very tender and the edges are dark, glossy and sticky. Remove from the oven and serve hot or at room temperature.
Make the dip (while the chicken is cooking): place all the ingredients in a food processor and process until smooth and thick, add a little more milk if too thick. Keep any leftovers refrigerated in a covered glass jar.
About the wine: Signature Chenin Blanc
This Chenin is both crisp and fruity with green guava, pear, apple and hints of litchi on the nose. A well-balanced palate and a strong finish. Maturation occurred on the fine lees for another three months to give extra body and elegance. The wine is not oaked.