As we gather to celebrate the 4th of July, there’s no better way to honor the land of the free and the home of the brave than with a mouthwatering chicken wing feast. In a time when the world seems more divided than ever, food has a magical power to unite us all. This Independence Day, let’s come together over a tantalizing array of chicken wings that embody the spirit of unity and patriotism.

Whether you prefer them smoky and grilled, spicy and saucy, or crispy and fried, wings cater to all taste preferences, making them the perfect centerpiece for your Independence Day festivities.

Adding yet another layer of patriotism, this feast was meticulously curated by Josh Kemp, a U.S. Army veteran who served one tour in Iraq and another in an 11C Infantryman from 2003 to 2007.

“This recipe is all about taking your time to elevate a classic American party dish into something memorable. The brine and dry aging of the wings are the key to making these wings the best that they can be.”

– Josh Kemp

Elevate with Brining

Brining chicken wings is a crucial step in achieving maximum flavor and juiciness. The process involves soaking the wings in a mixture of salt, water, and spices, allowing the flavors to penetrate deep into the meat. This not only enhances the taste but also helps to tenderize the chicken, ensuring that each bite is succulent.

Wing Brine

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Cuisine American

Ingredients

2 ½ Lb Chicken Drumlettes & Winglettes 'Wingettes' are also known as 'flats'
6 Cups Warm Water
½ Cup Kosher Salt
4 Tbsp Soy Sauce
⅓ Cup Brown Sugar
3 Tbsp Red Pepper Flakes
2 Bay Leaves
2 Sprigs Rosemary Or other herbs
2 Tbsp Ground Black Pepper
¼ Cup Cider Vinger Or vinegar of your choice (black vinegar, sherry, rice)

Instructions

In a large mixing bowl, combine all ingredients except the wings. Mix thoroughly, then taste the brine. It should be as salty as seawater; using too little salt will prevent the flavors from infusing into the chicken.
Once the flavor profile meets your satisfaction, immerse the wings in the brine and refrigerate for 4 to 24 hours—the longer, the better.
After the wings are brined and happy, drain the liquid from them and wash off the excess brine and herbs with cold water. Once the wings are clean of brine, pat them dry completely. The next step is to dry rub and chill the wings in the fridge. This will ensure maximum crispiness on the wings.

Notes

Note: Change the ingredients in the brine to introduce new and exciting flavors to your brined meats.

The Fireworks of a Dry Rub

A dry rub is a key ingredient in elevating ordinary chicken wings to an extraordinary culinary experience. It accentuates and enhances the flavors, creating a balanced and robust taste profile.

One of the most significant advantages of using a dry rub is the unparalleled crispy texture it imparts to the wings with a delectable crust. This crispy, flavorful exterior perfectly contrasts with the juicy, tender meat inside, creating a delightful textural experience.

Wing Dry Rub

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Ingredients

1 Tbsp Baking Powder
2 Tbsp Brown Sugar
1 Tsp Garlic Salt
1 Tsp Smoked Paprika
½ Tsp Onion Powder
½ Tsp White Pepper
½ Tsp Fresh Ground Black Pepper
¼ Tsp Cayenne Pepper

Instructions

Combine all dry ingredients creating your dry rub.
Pat wings dry with paper towels and add them to a mixing bowl and toss them in half of the dry rub.
Place wings on a wire rack, skin side facing up, and add the rest of the dry rub to the wings' skin. Pat the dry rub into the wings by hand.
Place the wings in your refrigerator uncovered overnight. This allows the skin on the wings to shrink slightly as moisture evaporates. Although the skin will appear to dry out a bit, this process helps achieve a crispier texture when cooked.

Cook Wings: 3 Easy Ways for Perfectly Crispy Results

When it comes to making the perfect chicken wings, you have three foolproof methods to choose from: baking, grilling, or frying. Each method offers a unique way to achieve crispy, juicy wings, whether you prefer the ease of baking, the smoky flavor from grilling, or the golden crunch of frying. Follow these simple steps to ensure your wings are cooked to perfection, reaching the ideal internal temperature of 160°F without overcooking. With a little attention to detail, you’ll have delicious wings ready to serve every time!

Cook Wings : 3 Easy Ways

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Instructions

Option 1

Bake the wings skin-side up at 425°F for 45 minutes or until they reach an internal temperature of 160°F. Convection ovens or air fryers are ideal for achieving crispier skin and may require less time.

Option 2

Grill the wings until they are crispy and reach an internal temperature of 160°F.

Option 3

Fry 'em up! Fry wings in batches in neutral oil at 350 degrees until crispy and golden brown. Once the wings look golden and crispy, check the internal temperature of 160°F.

Notes

Note: Once wings are cooked to 160°F, they will continue to rise to the safe temperature of 165°F on their own. If you wait to remove them at 165°F they will overcook which will result in dry wing. Timing and close attention are crucial to a juicy wing.

American-Style Sauces

To ignite a sense of patriotism, the wings will be coated in the colors of our great nation. These vibrant sauces not only add a burst of flavor to your chicken wings but also visually celebrate the red, white, and blue of our nation’s flag. Together, these sauces not only enhance the flavors but also encapsulate the spirit of Independence Day. Each of the colors of our flag has a meaning.

Red Symbolizes Valor & Bravery

You’ll need some bravery to try this spicy sauce! For a fiery kick and vibrant hue, we’ll use Gochujang Chili Sauce. This tangy and spicy sauce delivers a bold flavor that will ignite your taste buds.

Gochujang Chili Sauce for Wings

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Ingredients

1 Tbsp Neutral Oil Avocado oil suggested
1 Clove Garlic Minced or micro-planed
1 Tbsp Ginger Minced or micro-planed
½ Tsp Salt
½ Tsp Ground Black Pepper
2 Tbsp Soy Sauce
2 Tbsp Brown Sugar
½ Tsp Toasted Sesame Oil
1 Tbsp Rice Vinegar
3 Tbsp Gochujang
1 Tbsp Toasted Sesame Seeds
2 Green Onions Sliced thin for garnish

Instructions

Heat oil on medium to low heat. Cook garlic and ginger for 2 minutes, but do not brown them.
Remove from heat and mix in the rest of the ingredients minus the garnish.
Toss wings in sauce before serving then sprinkle with green onions and sesame seeds.

White Symbolizes Purity and Innocence

Next, for a creamy and tangy contrast, there’s the classic Alabama White Sauce. This mayonnaise-based sauce, with its hints of vinegar and mustard, brings a touch of purity that perfectly complements the crispy texture of the wings.

Alabama White Sauce for Wings

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Ingredients

1 Cup Mayonnaise
⅓ Cup Apple Cider Vinegar
2 Tbsp Honey
1 Tsp White Pepper
1 Tsp Ground Black Pepper
½ Tsp Garlic Salt
¼ Tsp Cayenne Pepper
½ Tsp Dijon Mustard Maille preferred

Instructions

Mix all ingredients in a large bowl until well combined, then set aside to allow the flavors to meld together.
Toss them in the prepared sauce, ensuring each wing is evenly coated. Serve immediately for the best flavor and texture.

Notes

Note: The sauce can be made in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When ready to use, simply reheat and toss with freshly cooked wings.

Blue Symbolizes Vigilance, Perseverance and Justice

Finally, to complete our patriotic palette, Sticky Blueberry Sauce will bring a surprising and delightful sweetness. This unique sauce not only adds a pop of color but also a tantalizing twist to your chicken wings, embodying the spirit of perseverance in every bite.

Sticky Blueberry Sauce for Wings

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Ingredients

1 Tsp Garlic Salt
½ Tsp Freshly Ground Black Pepper
½ Cup Blueberry Preserves
1 Tbsp Low-Sodium Soy Sauce
1 Clove Fresh Garlic Grated
½ Tbsp Fresh Ginger Minced
1 Tsp Lemon Juice
½ Cup Fresh Blueberries
2 Jalapeños One minced, one thinly sliced

Instructions

Add the blueberry preserves, soy sauce, garlic, ginger, lemon juice, minced jalapeños, and fresh blueberries to a small pot over low heat. Stir to combine.
Bring to a simmer and continue to cook on low until reduced and slightly thickened, about 15 minutes.
Note: Taste the minced jalapeno for heat level before adding to the sauce. Many store-bought jalapenos are no longer hot, but sometimes you will buy a properly hot one. Add to your preferred heat level. You can remove the seeds to reduce the heat level if preferred.
Toss wings in sauce and garnish with fresh thin jalapeno slices and a few fresh blueberries before serving.

Embracing the diversity of flavors that make American cuisine so special, these perfectly brined and creatively seasoned wings are a true homage to the “Home of the Brave.” Whether enjoyed during a festive gathering or a casual cookout, these wings promise to bring people together in a celebration of taste and tradition. So, fire up that oven, grill, or fryer, and dive into the bold, uncharted flavors of these uniquely American wings. God bless America!

Table of Contents:

Elevate with Brining

Wing Brine

Ingredients

Instructions

Notes

The Fireworks of a Dry Rub

Wing Dry Rub

Ingredients

Instructions

Cook Wings: 3 Easy Ways for Perfectly Crispy Results

Cook Wings : 3 Easy Ways

Instructions

Option 1

Option 2

Option 3

Notes

American-Style Sauces

Red Symbolizes Valor & Bravery

Gochujang Chili Sauce for Wings

Ingredients

Instructions

White Symbolizes Purity and Innocence

Alabama White Sauce for Wings

Ingredients

Instructions

Notes

Blue Symbolizes Vigilance, Perseverance and Justice

Sticky Blueberry Sauce for Wings

Ingredients

Instructions

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