Greetings, food enthusiasts, tailgating aficionados, and lovers of all things quirky! Have you ever had one of those serendipitous moments where the universe nudge-nudges you and yells, “Hey! Mix it up a tad!”? If you have, you’ll know that’s precisely how the epic saga of the Big Orange Chicken Wings unfolded. Imagine it as destiny serenading with a delectable marinade.
Last month, I found myself wandering the streets of New Haven, Connecticut, primarily there for a wedding.(Certainly not mine – because let’s face it, if dance moves determined marital fate, I’d be solo for eternity.) But as a seasoned caterer with an insatiable appetite for culinary adventures, I’ve developed a knack, a built-in radar if you will, for detecting gastronomic goldmines. Think of it as Spidey senses, albeit with less wall-crawling action and more wall…salivating?
In my wanderlust, I fortuitously stumbled upon a hidden jewel: a family-owned Peruvian culinary oasis. Not embarking on any grand culinary expedition, I was merely a famished soul in dress shoes with a penchant for good food. The ceviche? Nothing short of phenomenal. Yet, the true pièce de résistance was uncovering their clandestine ingredient for the world’s finest sweet potatoes: our childhood’s bubbly delight, orange soda. Oh yes, you’re reading this crystal clear. Orange soda! It’s not just the elixir of childhood summers, but also aculinary secret weapon!
This revelation sent my imagination into overdrive. How could I fuse this unconventional element with the
hearty soul of Tennessee? With tailgating season in full swing, the Vols showing immense promise, and my taste buds itching for a new creation, voilà! The “Big Orange Chicken Wings” soared into existence. And dear folks, let me tell you, these wings at a tailgating event are akin to envisioning the Vols’ mascot suiting up as quarterback—utterly unexpected yet comically delicious!
Chef’s Market’s Big Orange Chicken Wings
Ingredients:
2 pounds chicken wings, halved at the joint
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1 tablespoon non-aluminum baking powder
1 cup Orange Crush Soda
3 tablespoons hot sauce (e.g., Frank’s Red Hot)
2 tablespoons brown sugar, packed
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 tablespoon fresh orange zest
1 teaspoon soy sauce
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes, crushed
1 tablespoon cornstarch
Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish, if desired)
Steps:
Preheat your oven to 250°F (120°C). Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil for easy cleanup.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine chicken wings with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion
powder, and baking powder. Mix well to ensure even coating. - Lay the wings on the prepared baking sheet, skin side facing up. Initially bake for 30 minutes at
250°F. - After the initial baking, boost the oven’s temperature to 425°F , much like how the crowd’s
energy boosts during halftime. Continue to bake the wings for an additional 30-40 minutes, or
until they achieve a crispy, golden texture. - While the wings are baking, start the Big Orange Glaze. In a medium-sized saucepan, combine
orange soda, hot sauce, brown sugar, butter, orange zest, soy sauce, crushed red pepper flakes,
and cornstarch. Stir and bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, lower
the heat and let it simmer for about 20 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened to a glossy
glaze. - Once the wings are done baking, transfer them to a large bowl. Pour the orange soda glaze over
the wings and toss to coat evenly while singing Rocky Top. - Plate your wings and, if desired, sprinkle freshly chopped cilantro over the top for garnish.
To wrap it up, whether you’re traversing across state boundaries seeking palate-pleasing sensations or simply elevating your backyard BBQ, here’s a nugget of wisdom: the most memorable dishes often spring from the zaniest of inspirations. And when in a culinary conundrum, ponder this, “What outlandish recipe would a Tennessee caterer whip up in Connecticut?”
Until our paths cross on another food-fueled escapade! Stay curious and let those taste buds wander!
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