Introduction
There’s something about chicken wings that always feels like a celebration. Whether you’re hosting a casual gathering or indulging in a late-night snack, wings are always a hit. But what happens when you take those crispy, tender wings and give them a little twist? Enter Red Curry Chicken Wings—the spicy, aromatic dish that will transport your taste buds straight to Southeast Asia. These wings are glazed with a flavorful red curry sauce that is rich, creamy, and just the right amount of heat. The blend of spices will give your chicken wings an irresistible depth of flavor that you won’t be able to stop eating.
What makes this recipe extra special is how easy it is to prepare. With just a few ingredients and minimal prep time, you’ll have a dish that looks like it came from a five-star restaurant. I stumbled upon this recipe on a cozy Sunday afternoon, and I haven’t looked back since. It’s one of those dishes that makes your house smell incredible, and the flavors are so comforting, they practically hug you from the inside out. If you’re a fan of bold flavors, this is your new favorite recipe!
The combination of the smoky red curry paste, coconut milk, and spices creates a sauce that clings perfectly to the wings, giving them a spicy, savory kick with a creamy finish. You can easily adjust the level of heat depending on your taste, making it a flexible recipe that everyone can enjoy.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
If you’re wondering why these Red Curry Chicken Wings should make it to the top of your must-try list, here are a few reasons:
- Easy to Make: This recipe doesn’t require hours of preparation or a ton of ingredients. With just a handful of simple, everyday items, you’ll have wings that taste like they came from a high-end restaurant.
- Family-Friendly: These wings are the perfect blend of spice and flavor, and you can easily tweak the heat level to make them milder for kids or spice them up for adults who love bold flavors.
- Rich in Flavor: The sauce is a star here. The creamy coconut milk balances out the bold red curry paste, while a dash of honey and lime juice adds just the right sweetness and tang to round out the dish. Every bite is a perfect harmony of flavors.
The crispy, golden exterior of the wings combined with the rich, spiced coating makes this dish absolutely irresistible. Whether you’re sharing them with family, friends, or enjoying them solo, these wings are bound to impress everyone at the table.
Preparation Time and Servings
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Preparation Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 35 minutes
- Servings: 4 servings
- Nutrition Facts:
- Calories per serving: 350
- Protein: 28g
- Carbs: 18g
- Fat: 22g
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need for these Red Curry Chicken Wings:
- 2 lbs chicken wings (about 10-12 wings)
- 2 tablespoons red curry paste
- 1/2 cup coconut milk (full-fat for the best flavor)
- 2 tablespoons honey (for a touch of sweetness)
- 1 tablespoon lime juice (freshly squeezed)
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro (for garnish)
- 1 teaspoon sesame seeds (for garnish)
For a halal option, you can use turkey bacon or beef bacon instead of pork, and if you prefer an alcohol-free recipe, simply replace any wine-based ingredients with alternatives like chicken broth or lemon juice.
The red curry paste brings the signature spicy kick, while the coconut milk balances it out with its creamy richness. Honey adds sweetness, while the lime juice brightens the entire dish. The garlic and ginger round out the flavors, giving it that savory depth.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Making these wings is easier than you might think. Here’s how to do it:
- Preheat your oven: Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This temperature will help crisp up the wings while allowing the curry sauce to coat them perfectly.
- Prepare the chicken wings: Pat the chicken wings dry with paper towels. This will help them crisp up better in the oven. Once dry, season them with a little salt and pepper.
- Make the red curry sauce: In a bowl, whisk together the red curry paste, coconut milk, honey, soy sauce, lime juice, garlic, and grated ginger. Stir everything together until the sauce is smooth and well combined. If you like it spicier, you can add an extra tablespoon of red curry paste or even some chili flakes.
- Toss the wings in the sauce: Place the seasoned chicken wings in a large mixing bowl. Pour half of the red curry sauce over the wings and toss them well until they are fully coated. Save the other half of the sauce for later; it will be used for basting and serving.
- Arrange the wings on a baking sheet: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil for easy cleanup. Arrange the wings in a single layer, making sure they’re not overcrowded. This will ensure they bake evenly and become nice and crispy.
- Bake the wings: Place the wings in the preheated oven and bake for about 30-35 minutes, flipping halfway through. The wings should be golden brown and crispy on the outside, with an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). If you like extra crispy wings, you can broil them for the last 2-3 minutes of cooking.
- Baste the wings: While the wings are baking, heat the remaining curry sauce in a small saucepan over medium heat. Once it’s warmed up, remove it from the stove. When the wings are done, brush them with the warmed-up sauce to add an extra layer of flavor.
- Garnish and serve: Once your wings are cooked to perfection, sprinkle them with freshly chopped cilantro and sesame seeds for an extra pop of color and flavor. Serve them with lime wedges on the side for an added citrusy kick.
How to Serve
These Red Curry Chicken Wings are perfect on their own or as part of a larger spread. Here are a few ideas for serving:
- Serve with a side of jasmine rice: The coconut and curry flavors pair beautifully with fluffy white rice, which will soak up the extra sauce.
- Pair with a crisp salad: A fresh cucumber and mint salad with a light vinaigrette will balance the richness of the wings.
- Add some dipping sauces: A cool, creamy yogurt dip or a tangy tamarind chutney will complement the heat of the curry sauce perfectly.
Additional Tips
Here are a few tips to ensure your wings turn out perfectly every time:
- Dry the wings well: The key to crispy wings is moisture control. Pat them dry before seasoning and baking to ensure that they cook to a golden crisp.
- Use full-fat coconut milk: Full-fat coconut milk will give your curry sauce the richest flavor and creamy texture. Avoid low-fat versions for this recipe.
- Flip the wings halfway through baking: Flipping ensures that both sides of the wings get crispy and golden.
- Don’t overcrowd the wings: Spread them out on the baking sheet. Overcrowding will cause them to steam instead of crisping up.
- Make extra sauce: This curry sauce is so delicious, and you’ll likely want extra for dipping or drizzling on your rice. Double the sauce if you’re serving a crowd.
Recipe Variations
Feel free to get creative with these Red Curry Chicken Wings:
- Vegetarian option: Swap the chicken wings for cauliflower florets or tofu for a vegetarian take. Both options soak up the curry sauce beautifully.
- Gluten-free: This recipe is naturally gluten-free, but double-check that your soy sauce is gluten-free or substitute with tamari.
- Spicy kick: Add some fresh chopped Thai red chilies or a dash of chili flakes to the sauce for extra heat.
- Herb variations: Use Thai basil instead of cilantro for a different flavor profile, or try adding mint for a refreshing twist.
Serving Suggestions
- Side dishes: Serve these wings with roasted vegetables, grilled corn on the cob, or a fresh cucumber salad. The balance of heat and freshness will make your meal complete.
- Beverages: Pair with a chilled, crisp beer or a refreshing iced tea to cool down the heat. For something more unique, serve with a coconut water-based cocktail for a tropical twist.
Freezing and Storage
- Storage: Store leftover wings in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.
- Freezing: Freeze cooked wings by laying them flat on a baking sheet in a single layer. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, reheat in the oven at 350°F until heated through.
Special Equipment
To make this recipe even easier, these tools might help:
- Baking Sheet with Wire Rack: This will help the wings crisp up beautifully while baking.
- Tongs: To flip the wings halfway through cooking without making a mess.
- Whisk: To combine the red curry sauce ingredients smoothly.
FAQ Section
Can I use store-bought red curry paste?
Yes, store-bought red curry paste is a great option and will save you time. Just make sure to adjust the heat level according to your taste.
How can I make this recipe ahead?
You can prepare the wings and toss them in the sauce a day ahead. Store them in the fridge, then bake them right before serving.
Can I freeze the uncooked wings?
Yes, freeze them before baking. Just arrange them on a baking sheet, freeze, and then store in a freezer bag. When ready, bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes of cook time.
What if I don’t have coconut milk?
You can substitute coconut milk with heavy cream or even regular milk for a different flavor profile, though it will lose some of the signature coconut richness.
Red Curry Chicken Wings
- Total Time: 45 minutes
Ingredients
- 2 lbs chicken wings (about 10–12 wings)
- 2 tablespoons red curry paste
- 1/2 cup coconut milk (full-fat for the best flavor)
- 2 tablespoons honey (for a touch of sweetness)
- 1 tablespoon lime juice (freshly squeezed)
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro (for garnish)
- 1 teaspoon sesame seeds (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven: Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This temperature will help crisp up the wings while allowing the curry sauce to coat them perfectly.
- Prepare the chicken wings: Pat the chicken wings dry with paper towels. This will help them crisp up better in the oven. Once dry, season them with a little salt and pepper.
- Make the red curry sauce: In a bowl, whisk together the red curry paste, coconut milk, honey, soy sauce, lime juice, garlic, and grated ginger. Stir everything together until the sauce is smooth and well combined. If you like it spicier, you can add an extra tablespoon of red curry paste or even some chili flakes.
- Toss the wings in the sauce: Place the seasoned chicken wings in a large mixing bowl. Pour half of the red curry sauce over the wings and toss them well until they are fully coated. Save the other half of the sauce for later; it will be used for basting and serving.
- Arrange the wings on a baking sheet: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil for easy cleanup. Arrange the wings in a single layer, making sure they’re not overcrowded. This will ensure they bake evenly and become nice and crispy.
- Bake the wings: Place the wings in the preheated oven and bake for about 30-35 minutes, flipping halfway through. The wings should be golden brown and crispy on the outside, with an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). If you like extra crispy wings, you can broil them for the last 2-3 minutes of cooking.
- Baste the wings: While the wings are baking, heat the remaining curry sauce in a small saucepan over medium heat. Once it’s warmed up, remove it from the stove. When the wings are done, brush them with the warmed-up sauce to add an extra layer of flavor.
- Garnish and serve: Once your wings are cooked to perfection, sprinkle them with freshly chopped cilantro and sesame seeds for an extra pop of color and flavor. Serve them with lime wedges on the side for an added citrusy kick.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 350
- Fat: 22g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Protein: 28g
Conclusion
If you’re craving bold, savory flavors with just the right amount of heat, these Red Curry Chicken Wings are a must-try! Whether you’re making them for a casual dinner or as a crowd-pleasing appetizer, they’re sure to impress. The crispy wings and creamy, spicy sauce are a match made in heaven, and I promise, once you try them, they’ll become a go-to recipe in your kitchen.
I’d love to hear how your wings turn out! Be sure to tag me on Instagram and share your photos—I can’t wait to see how you make them your own!