Some history
The history of crispy chicken wings, particularly those paired with a sweet chilli sauce, is rooted in a blend of culinary traditions from around the world. The concept of frying chicken has been a staple in various cultures for centuries, with the Chinese, Scots, and West Africans all having their versions of fried chicken.
The modern popularity of chicken wings can be traced back to the United States in the mid-20th century. Specifically, the creation of Buffalo wings in Buffalo, New York, in 1964, marked the beginning of the chicken wing craze. This original version featured deep-fried wings coated in a spicy vinegar-based cayenne pepper hot sauce and served with celery sticks and blue cheese dressing.
Sweet chilli sauce, on the other hand, has its origins in Southeast Asia, particularly Thailand. This sauce, known for its balance of sweetness and heat, is traditionally made from red chillies, vinegar, sugar, and garlic. It is widely used as a dipping sauce and in various dishes across Asian cuisines.
The combination of crispy chicken wings with sweet chilli sauce likely emerged as part of the global fusion cuisine trend, where chefs and home cooks began blending elements from different culinary traditions. This fusion dish captures the essence of American comfort food and the vibrant flavors of Southeast Asian cuisine, resulting in a deliciously satisfying dish. Today, it is a popular appetizer and party food enjoyed by people all over the world, showcasing the versatility and universal appeal of both crispy chicken wings and sweet chilli sauce.
- Serves: 4 servings
- Serving size: 400 gr
- Fat: 29 g
- Saturated fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated fat: 18 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Sugar: 26 g
- Sodium: 2271 mg
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 40 g
- Cholesterol: 252 mg

- 2 pounds chicken wings, separated into drumettes and flats
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 2 tablespoons baking powder (aluminum-free)
- Cooking spray or oil
- 1 cup of your favourite Sweet Chilli Sauce
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and place a wire rack on top. Lightly grease the rack with cooking spray or oil.
- In a large bowl, toss the chicken wings with salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and baking powder until evenly coated.
- Arrange the wings in a single layer on the prepared wire rack, ensuring they are not touching each other.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, then flip the wings and bake for an additional 20-25 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crispy.
- Transfer the wings to a large mixing bowl and pour the sweet chilli sauce over them. Toss the wings gently to ensure they are evenly coated with the sauce.
- Serve:
- Arrange the sauced wings on a serving platter.
- Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro, sesame seeds, or thinly sliced green onions if desired.
- Serve immediately with additional sweet chilli sauce on the side for dipping.