BBQ Recipe: Hoisin Chicken Wings Skewers with Homemade Sweet Chilli Sauce

 

BQ Recipe: Hoisin Chicken Wings Double  Skewers with Homemade Sweet Chilli Sauce

This recipe elevates classic BBQ chicken wings with a flavour-packed Hoisin marinade and a fun double-skewer presentation for even cooking and easy handling. The homemade sweet chilli sauce adds a vibrant kick that perfectly complements the rich, savoury wings. Prepare for an explosion of sweet, savoury, and subtly spicy deliciousness!

Yields: Approximately 12 double-skewered wings (serving 4-6)

Prep time: 30 minutes (plus at least 2 hours marinating)

Cook time: 20-25 minutes

Ingredients:

For the Chicken Wings:

• 24 chicken wing drumettes and flats (separated)
• 1/4 cup hoisin sauce
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
• 1/2 teaspoon five-spice powder
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro, for garnish (optional)
• Wooden or metal skewers (you'll need 12 pairs)

For the Homemade Sweet Chilli Sauce:

• 1 red bell pepper, roughly chopped
• 2-3 red chillies (adjust to your spice preference), roughly chopped (remove seeds for less heat)
• 2 cloves garlic, roughly chopped
• 1/4 cup rice vinegar
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon fish sauce
• 1 tablespoon lime juice
• 1/2 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon cold water (slurry)

Instructions:

1. Marinate the Chicken Wings:

• In a large bowl, whisk together the hoisin sauce, soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, minced garlic, grated ginger, five-spice powder, and vegetable oil.
• Add the chicken wings to the bowl and toss thoroughly to ensure they are evenly coated in the marinade.
• Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow the flavours to meld.¹

2. Prepare the Sweet Chilli Sauce:

• Combine the chopped red bell pepper, chillies, and garlic in a food processor or blender. Process until you have a relatively smooth paste.
• Pour the pepper mixture into a small saucepan. Add the rice vinegar, sugar, and fish sauce.
• Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally until the sugar is dissolved.
• Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer gently for 10-15 minutes, or until the sauce has slightly thickened.
• Stir in the lime juice.
• Pour in the cornstarch slurry and stir continuously for 1-2 minutes, or until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency.
• Remove the saucepan from the heat and let the sweet chilli sauce cool completely. You can strain it through a fine-mesh sieve for an extra smooth sauce if desired. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

3. Thread the Chicken Wings onto Skewers:

• Soak wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes before using to prevent them from burning on the grill. If using metal skewers, no soaking is needed.
• For each wing, thread one skewer through the drumette and another parallel skewer through the flat. This double-skewer method provides better stability and prevents the wings from spinning while grilling, ensuring even cooking.

4. Grill the Chicken Wings:

• Preheat your grill to medium heat (around 350-400°F or 175-200°C). Lightly oil the grill grates to prevent sticking.
• Arrange the double-skewered chicken wings on the preheated grill.
• Grill for 10-12 minutes per side, turning occasionally, until the wings are cooked through and the skin is nicely caramelised and slightly charred. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
• During the last few minutes of grilling, you can brush the wings with a little extra hoisin marinade for a more intense flavour and glaze, but be mindful of potential burning due to the sugar content.

5. Serve:

• Remove the grilled Hoisin chicken wing double skewers from the grill and let them rest for a couple of minutes.
• Garnish with fresh chopped cilantro, if desired.
• Serve the wings hot with the homemade sweet chilli sauce on the side for dipping.

Method Summary:

1. Marinate: Coat chicken wings in a flavourful Hoisin-based marinade and refrigerate.
2. Sauce: Simmer a blend of peppers, chillies, garlic, vinegar, sugar, and fish sauce, then thicken with cornstarch.
3. Skewer: Thread marinated wings onto double skewers for even cooking.
4. Grill: Cook the skewered wings over medium heat, turning until cooked through and caramelised.
5. Serve: Enjoy the grilled wings with the homemade sweet chilli dipping sauce.

Tips for Success:

• Marinating Time: Don't skimp on the marinating time! The longer the wings marinate, the more flavourful they will be.
• Spice Level: Adjust the number and type of chillies in the sweet chilli sauce to your preferred level of spiciness. You can also remove the seeds for less heat.
• Grill Temperature: Maintain a medium heat to ensure the wings cook through without burning on the outside.
• Don't Overcrowd: Avoid overcrowding the grill to ensure even cooking and proper browning. Cook in batches if necessary.
• Resting Time: Allowing the wings to rest for a few minutes after grilling helps the juices redistribute, resulting in more tender and flavourful meat.²
• Alternative Cooking Methods: If you don't have a grill, these wings can also be baked in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 30-35 minutes, flipping halfway through, or air-fried at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes, flipping occasionally.

A Symphony of Sweet, Savoury, and Spicy:

Prepare your taste buds for a delightful experience! The Hoisin marinade infuses the chicken wings with a rich, umami-packed sweetness, perfectly balanced by the salty notes of soy sauce and the aromatic warmth of garlic, ginger, and five-spice. Grilling imparts a smoky char that enhances the depth of flavour. Then comes the homemade sweet chilli sauce – a vibrant and tangy concoction that offers a refreshing sweetness followed by a pleasant kick of heat. Each bite is a harmonious blend of textures and tastes, leaving you craving more of these irresistible Hoisin chicken wing double skewers. They are the perfect centrepiece for your next BBQ, guaranteed to impress your guests and tantalise their palates!