Five-Spice Chicken Wings for Your Nuwave/Flavorwave Oven

There’s a particular aroma that instantly transports me back to my childhood kitchens, a symphony of warm spices and savory notes that promised something truly special. For me, that scent is inextricably linked to Chinese five-spice powder. I remember my grandmother, with her nimble hands and a twinkle in her eye, conjuring up dishes that were both comforting and exotic. These five-spice chicken wings, made in the marvel that is the Nuwave or Flavorwave oven, are a direct echo of those cherished memories, offering a shortcut to that deeply satisfying flavor without sacrificing authenticity. They’re the perfect weeknight indulgence, a crowd-pleasing appetizer, or even a flavorful main course that will have everyone asking for the recipe.

Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 18 to 20 minutes
• Total Time: 33 to 35 minutes
• Servings: 4
• Yield: Approximately 16 wing pieces
• Dietary Type: Dairy-Free

Ingredients

• 1 1⁄2 teaspoons minced garlic
• 1 1⁄2 teaspoons Chinese five-spice powder
• 1 1⁄4 teaspoons salt
• 1 1⁄2 teaspoons soy sauce
• 3 lbs chicken wings (about 16 wings)

Equipment Needed

• Nuwave or Flavorwave Oven
• Large mixing bowl
• Kitchen shears or a large, heavy knife
• Nuwave oven pan
• Cooling rack (optional, for serving)

Instructions

1. Begin by preparing the flavor base for your chicken wings. In a large mixing bowl, combine the minced garlic, Chinese five-spice powder, salt, and soy sauce. Stir these ingredients together thoroughly until they form a cohesive paste or marinade. This blend of aromatic spices and savory notes is the heart of the dish.

2. Next, prepare the chicken wings. If your wings come with wing tips, carefully cut them off and discard them using kitchen shears or a large, heavy knife. This step ensures a more enjoyable eating experience, as the wing tips can be a bit bony and less meaty. Then, halve each wing at the joint, separating the drumette from the flat. This not only makes them easier to manage and eat but also allows the marinade to coat each piece more effectively.

3. Add the prepared chicken wings to the bowl with the spice mixture. Toss them well, ensuring that each wing is completely coated with the aromatic marinade. Make sure to get into all the nooks and crannies for maximum flavor penetration.

4. Now, it’s time to cook your wings in your Nuwave or Flavorwave oven. Arrange the marinated chicken wings in a single layer in the Nuwave oven pan. Ensure they are not overcrowded, as this will steam them rather than crisp them. Place the pan on the 4-inch rack inside your Nuwave or Flavorwave oven.

5. Set your oven to cook. The wings will need to cook for a total of 18 to 20 minutes. During the cooking process, it’s crucial to turn the wings over once. This ensures that both sides achieve a beautiful golden-brown color and become perfectly cooked and slightly crispy.

6. Once the cooking time is complete, your Five-Spice Chicken Wings will be browned and cooked through. You can check for doneness by ensuring the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) or by piercing the thickest part of a wing with a fork; the juices should run clear.

Expert Tips & Tricks

To achieve an even crispier skin, consider patting the chicken wings very dry with paper towels before adding them to the marinade. This helps to remove excess moisture, which is the enemy of crispiness. If you find your oven runs a little hot or cool, it’s always a good idea to use a meat thermometer to ensure your wings are cooked to a safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). For an extra layer of flavor, you can let the marinated wings sit in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes (or up to 4 hours) before cooking. This allows the flavors to meld and deepen.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

These Five-Spice Chicken Wings are best served immediately, hot from the oven, when they are at their most succulent and crispy. Arrange them on a platter, perhaps garnished with some fresh chopped scallions or a sprinkle of sesame seeds for a restaurant-quality presentation. They pair wonderfully with a side of steamed rice, a crisp Asian-inspired slaw, or your favorite dipping sauce, such as a sweet chili sauce or a simple soy-ginger concoction.

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, your best bet for maintaining some crispiness is to place them back in the Nuwave or Flavorwave oven at a moderate temperature (around 350°F or 175°C) for a few minutes, or in a toaster oven. Microwaving will soften them considerably.

Nutritional Information

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value
Calories	758.8 kcal	N/A
Calories from Fat	N/A	489 g
Total Fat	54.4 g	83%
Saturated Fat	15.3 g	76%
Cholesterol	262.2 mg	87%
Sodium	1101.1 mg	45%
Total Carbohydrate	0.5 g	0%
Dietary Fiber	0 g	0%
Sugars	0.1 g	0%
Protein	62.7 g	125%

Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.

Variations & Substitutions

While this recipe is designed for classic chicken wings, the principle of the five-spice marinade can be adapted. For a different cut, you could try using chicken thighs or drumettes, adjusting cooking time as needed to ensure they are cooked through. If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, ensure your soy sauce is replaced with tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce alternative. For a touch of heat, a pinch of red pepper flakes can be added to the spice mixture.

FAQs

Q: Can I make these wings in a regular oven?
A: Absolutely! While the Nuwave/Flavorwave oven is fantastic for this, you can bake these wings in a conventional oven. Preheat to 400°F (200°C) and bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and cooked through.

Q: Is Chinese five-spice powder very strong?
A: It has a complex, warm, and slightly sweet flavor profile from cinnamon, cloves, fennel, star anise, and Sichuan peppercorns. The amount in this recipe is balanced, but you can adjust it slightly to your preference.

Q: How do I know if the chicken wings are fully cooked?
A: The most reliable way is to use a meat thermometer; they should register 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part. Visually, the juices should run clear when pierced.

Q: Can I prepare the marinade ahead of time?
A: Yes, the marinade can be mixed a day in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Just add the wings when you’re ready to cook.

Q: What can I serve with these wings?
A: They are incredibly versatile! Steamed rice, stir-fried vegetables, a simple green salad, or even French fries are excellent accompaniments.

Final Thoughts

There’s a certain magic that happens when simple ingredients are transformed by a few well-chosen spices and the right cooking method. These Five-Spice Chicken Wings are a testament to that, offering a delightful balance of savory, aromatic, and slightly sweet flavors that are incredibly satisfying. They’re more than just a recipe; they’re a quick trip to a world of flavor, perfect for any occasion where good food and good company come together. I encourage you to give them a try and let the irresistible aroma fill your kitchen. I’d love to hear how they turn out for you!