Schezwan Chicken Wings
Crispy fried chicken wings tossed in a fiery, tangy, and savory Schezwan sauce. This popular Indo-Chinese appetizer is the perfect crowd-pleaser for game nights or parties, delivering an irresistible punch of flavor.
For 4 servings
4 steps. 25 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Marinate the Chicken Wings
- b.Pat the chicken wings completely dry with paper towels. This is a crucial step for achieving a crispy finish.
- c.In a large bowl, combine the chicken wings, ginger garlic paste, light soy sauce, salt, and black pepper powder.
- d.Mix thoroughly to ensure each wing is evenly coated.
- e.Cover the bowl and let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours for deeper flavor.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Coat and Fry the Chicken Wings
- b.In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and 1/4 cup of corn starch.
- c.Heat oil for deep frying in a wok or deep pan over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C).
- d.Dredge each marinated wing in the flour mixture, ensuring a light, even coating. Shake off any excess flour.
- e.Carefully place the coated wings into the hot oil in batches, avoiding overcrowding the pan.
- f.Fry for 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown, crispy, and fully cooked. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
- g.Remove the fried wings with a slotted spoon and let them drain on a wire rack.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Prepare the Schezwan Sauce
- b.While the chicken is frying, prepare the sauce. Heat 2 tbsp of oil in a large pan or wok over medium heat.
- c.Add the finely chopped garlic, ginger, and green chillies. Sauté for 30-40 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
- d.Add the Schezwan sauce, red chilli sauce, tomato ketchup, rice vinegar, and sugar. Stir well to combine.
- e.Pour in 1/4 cup of water and bring the sauce to a gentle simmer.
- f.In a small bowl, mix 1 tsp of corn starch with 2 tbsp of water to create a smooth slurry. Pour it into the simmering sauce, stirring continuously until the sauce thickens slightly, about 1-2 minutes.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Toss and Serve
- b.Add the hot, crispy fried chicken wings to the pan with the prepared Schezwan sauce.
- c.Working quickly, gently toss everything together until all the wings are evenly coated in the glossy sauce.
- d.Turn off the heat. Garnish with chopped spring onion greens and toasted sesame seeds.
- e.Serve immediately to enjoy the best crispy texture.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For extra crispy wings, use the double-fry method. Fry once for 6-7 minutes, rest for 5 minutes, then fry again for 2-3 minutes at a slightly higher temperature until deep golden brown.
- 2Ensure the oil is at the correct temperature (350°F / 175°C). If it's too low, the wings will be greasy; if it's too high, they'll burn before cooking through.
- 3Do not skip patting the wings dry. Moisture is the enemy of crispiness.
- 4Toss the wings in the sauce just before serving. This prevents them from becoming soggy and preserves their crunch.
- 5For a deeper flavor, consider making your own Schezwan sauce at home. This allows you to control the spice level and sodium content.
Adapt it for your goals.
Vegetarian Delight
Replace chicken wings with cauliflower florets (Gobi), paneer cubes, or large mushrooms. Follow the same coating and frying process, adjusting the cooking time as needed.
Healthier VersionHealthier Version
For a lower-fat option, bake the coated wings at 400°F (200°C) for 40-45 minutes, or air-fry at 380°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crispy. Then toss in the sauce.
Seafood TwistSeafood Twist
Try this recipe with large prawns or fish fillets cut into bite-sized pieces. The frying time will be much shorter, typically 2-4 minutes depending on the size.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Protein for Muscle Health
Chicken is an excellent source of high-quality lean protein, which is essential for building and repairing tissues, supporting muscle growth, and maintaining overall body function.
Metabolic Boost from Spices
The capsaicin found in the chillies used in Schezwan sauce can provide a temporary boost to your metabolism and may aid in fat oxidation.
Flavorful Antioxidants
Key ingredients like garlic and ginger are packed with powerful antioxidants and compounds like allicin and gingerol, known for their anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting properties.
Frequently asked questions
A serving of 3-4 Schezwan Chicken Wings contains approximately 450-550 calories, primarily due to the deep-frying process and the sugar and oils in the sauce.