Picture sinking your teeth into crispy, golden-brown Chinese fried chicken wings, where the savory aroma of five-spice powder dances in the air. Each bite reveals tender, juicy meat coated in a delightful crunch that makes you forget all your worries—except for the next wing, of course.
Growing up, family gatherings were never complete without a plate piled high with these addictive wings. Whether it was game day or a casual weekend, nothing brought everyone together quite like the irresistible flavors of this dish. Get ready to experience a flavor explosion that will leave you craving more; these wings are sure to become the star of your next gathering!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This delightful chinese fried chicken wings recipe makes meal prep super simple with just a handful of easy-to-find ingredients
- Bursting with flavor from soy sauce and five-spice powder, these wings will have your taste buds dancing
- The golden brown crispy exterior is so tempting, you’ll struggle to resist sneaking one before dinner
- Versatile enough for any occasion, these wings can be the star of your game day spread or a cozy family dinner
I remember the joy on my family’s faces when I served these crispy Chinese fried chicken wings at our last gathering.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make these mouthwatering Chinese fried chicken wings:
-
Chicken Wings: Use 2 pounds of chicken wings, separated into wing sections for even cooking and crispiness.
For the Marinade:
-
Soy Sauce: Opt for low-sodium soy sauce to enhance flavor while managing salt content effectively.
-
Rice Vinegar: This adds a tangy kick; choose a quality brand for the best taste.
-
Sesame Oil: A little goes a long way; this oil infuses the wings with a rich, nutty flavor.
-
Five-Spice Powder: A key ingredient that delivers complex aromatic flavors; don’t skip this!
-
Garlic Powder: Use this for convenience, but fresh garlic can also elevate the dish.
-
Ginger Powder: Ground ginger adds warmth and depth; it’s an essential part of the marinade.
-
Black Pepper: Freshly ground black pepper can enhance the overall flavor profile significantly.
-
Cornstarch: Coating the wings in cornstarch ensures they become wonderfully crispy when fried.
For Frying:
-
Vegetable Oil: Use 4 cups for frying; ensure the oil is hot enough for a perfect fry without sogginess.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it together
Marinate the Chicken: Start by gathering a large mixing bowl and the ingredients for your marinade. Combine 3 tablespoons of low-sodium soy sauce, 2 tablespoons of rice vinegar, 1 tablespoon of sesame oil, 1 tablespoon of five-spice powder, 1 teaspoon each of garlic powder and ginger powder, and finally, 1 teaspoon of black pepper. As you mix these ingredients, you’ll notice the rich aroma of the sesame oil mingling with the spices—this is where the magic begins! Add in your 2 pounds of chicken wings, ensuring they are fully coated with this flavorful marinade. Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap or a lid and let it rest in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This step is crucial as it allows the flavors to penetrate the chicken, making every bite delectable.
Prepare for Frying: Once your wings have marinated and absorbed all those wonderful flavors, it’s time to prepare them for frying. Grab your cornstarch—just 1 tablespoon will do—and sprinkle it over the marinated wings. Using your hands (or a pair of tongs if you prefer), toss the wings gently to ensure they’re evenly coated. This little bit of cornstarch is what will give your wings that irresistible crispy texture once fried. The moment you feel that silky coating on the wings, you know you’re on your way to a delicious dish.
Fry the Wings: Now comes the exciting part! Heat up 4 cups of vegetable oil in a frying pan over medium-high heat. You’ll want to check if it’s hot enough by carefully dropping a small piece of bread into the oil; if it sizzles immediately, you’re ready to fry! Carefully add in your chicken wings in batches—don’t overcrowd the pan as this can lower the oil temperature and make them soggy. Fry each batch for about 8-10 minutes until they turn golden brown and crispy. Using tongs, gently turn them midway through cooking to ensure even browning and crispness all around.
Drain and Serve: Once your wings are perfectly fried, remove them from the oil with tongs and place them on paper towels arranged on a plate to drain any excess oil—this helps keep them nice and crispy. As you set them aside, take a moment to enjoy that tantalizing scent wafting through your kitchen; it’s hard to resist! Serve these deliciously crispy Chinese fried chicken wings hot with your favorite dipping sauce on the side. Whether it’s sweet chili or classic soy sauce, these wings are sure to be a hit at any gathering!
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Always marinate the chicken wings for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to penetrate thoroughly
- Use a thermometer to ensure the oil is hot enough before frying, which prevents greasy wings
- For extra crispiness, let the coated wings sit for 10 minutes before frying to help the cornstarch adhere better
Perfecting the Cooking Process

To achieve the best results with your Chinese fried chicken wings, start by marinating the wings for at least 30 minutes. While they marinate, heat vegetable oil in a frying pan over medium-high heat until hot. This ensures that the wings fry evenly and develop a golden, crispy exterior in about 8-10 minutes.
How to Make Chinese Fried Chicken Wings
Chinese fried chicken wings are a delightful dish that brings the perfect blend of flavors and textures to your table. With a simple marinade and a quick frying process, these wings are sure to impress anyone who tries them.
Ingredients for Chinese Fried Chicken Wings
To prepare this mouthwatering recipe, you will need 2 pounds of chicken wings, which should be separated into wing sections. For the marinade, gather 3 tablespoons of low sodium soy sauce, 2 tablespoons of rice vinegar, 1 tablespoon of sesame oil, 1 tablespoon of five-spice powder, 1 teaspoon each of garlic powder and ginger powder, and finally, 1 teaspoon of black pepper. You will also require 1 tablespoon of cornstarch for coating the wings before frying them in 4 cups of vegetable oil.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Start by marinating the chicken wings. In a large mixing bowl, combine soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, five-spice powder, garlic powder, ginger powder, and black pepper. Add the chicken wings to this mixture and mix well to ensure they are coated thoroughly. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld together.
After marinating the wings, sprinkle cornstarch over them and toss to coat evenly. This step is crucial as it helps create that signature crispy texture when frying.
Next, heat vegetable oil in a frying pan over medium-high heat. Once the oil reaches a hot temperature (around 350°F), carefully add the coated chicken wings in batches. Fry them for approximately 8-10 minutes or until they turn golden brown and crispy. Use tongs to turn the wings during cooking for even browning.
Once cooked, remove the wings from the oil and place them on paper towels to drain any excess oil. Serve your delicious Chinese fried chicken wings hot alongside your favorite dipping sauce for an unforgettable meal experience.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to customize your chinese fried chicken wings by experimenting with different spices or marinades. For a spicy kick, add some chili flakes or Sriracha to the marinade. You can also try swapping soy sauce for tamari for a gluten-free option or using fresh garlic and ginger for added flavor depth.
Storing & Reheating
To store leftover chinese fried chicken wings, place them in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to three days. For reheating, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake the wings for about 10-15 minutes until heated through and crispy.
FAQ
What are the main ingredients in chinese fried chicken wings?
The main ingredients include chicken wings, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and five-spice powder.
How long should I marinate the chicken wings for chinese fried chicken wings?
Marinate the chicken wings for at least 30 minutes to enhance flavor and tenderness.
What type of oil is best for frying chinese fried chicken wings?
Vegetable oil is preferred for frying, providing a high smoke point for crispy results.