A Spicy Kick: How to Make Hot Braised Chicken Wings?

Are you looking for an easy and delicious way to prepare hot braised chicken wings? If so, then this is the perfect recipe for you! This pressure cooker version of hot braised chicken wings will give you a flavorful and tender dish that can be enjoyed by everyone.

With just a few ingredients and minimal effort, you can have a delicious meal ready in no time. So if you’re looking for an amazing dinner option that doesn’t take too much time or energy to make, try this hot braised chicken wings recipe today!

What is hot braised chicken?

Hot braised chicken, also known as “La Zi Ji” in Mandarin, is a popular dish that originated from the Sichuan province of China. It is said to have been created by a chef who was preparing a banquet for a governor in the early 1900s.

However, the dish gained widespread popularity during the 1980s and 1990s, when Sichuan cuisine gained popularity throughout China and other parts of the world.

Hot braised chicken Chinese is known for its bold flavors and spicy kick, which is achieved through the use of Sichuan peppercorns and chili peppers. The dish typically features bite-sized pieces of chicken that are stir-fried with vegetables and a flavorful sauce.

Today, hot braised chicken is enjoyed not only in China, but also in many other countries where Sichuan cuisine has gained a following.

Is hot braised chicken spicy?

Yes, hot braised chicken is indeed spicy! The level of spiciness depends on the amount of Sichuan peppercorns and chili peppers used in the dish. If you’re sensitive to spicy food or just want a milder flavor, you can adjust the amount of chili peppers used in the recipe. But if you’re looking to bring the heat, then feel free to add more Sichuan peppercorns and chili peppers.

The difference between Hot Braised Chicken vs General Tso’S Chicken?

Hot braised chicken and General Tso’s chicken are both popular Chinese-American dishes that are known for their bold flavors and spicy kick. However, there are some key differences between the two dishes.

One major difference is their origin. Hot braised chicken originated from the Sichuan province of China, while General Tso’s chicken is a Chinese-American dish that was first created in New York City in the 1970s.

In terms of flavor, hot braised chicken is known for its bold and spicy flavor that comes from the use of Sichuan peppercorns and chili peppers. The chicken is typically stir-fried with vegetables and a flavorful sauce that has a slightly sweet and sour taste.

General Tso’s chicken, on the other hand, is known for its sweet and spicy flavor. The chicken is coated in a batter and deep-fried, then tossed in a sweet and spicy sauce that is made with soy sauce, vinegar, sugar, and chili flakes.

Overall, while both dishes are spicy and flavorful, they have distinct differences in terms of their origin and flavor profile.

How long does it take to braise chicken in pressure cooker?

Braised chicken typically takes about 45 minutes to an hour to cook. But in this recipe, we’ll be using a pressure cooker to reduce the cooking time significantly. With this method, you can have hot braised chicken wings ready in just 25 minutes!

Hot braised chicken wings recipe

Cooking notes

• Cuisine: Chinese
• Course: Main Course
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Servings: 4 people

Ingredients

• Chicken wings: 1 kg mid joint wings
• Vegetable oil: 2 tablespoons
• Light soy sauce: 3 tablespoons
• Shao Xing wine or huang jiu: 2 tablespoons
• Dark soy sauce (thick caramel type, sweet not salty): 2 tablespoons
• Sugar : ½ teaspoon
• Garlic: 12 cloves, minced or sliced
• Ginger: 2-inch piece, peeled and sliced
• Sweet Thai basil leaves: 1 bunch

Instructions

1. In a large bowl, combine the chicken wings, sesame oil, light soy sauce, Shao Xing wine or huang jiu, dark soy sauce, sugar, garlic and ginger. Mix together with your hands to combine the ingredients.

2. Transfer the chicken wings to a pressure cooker and spread them out in an even layer. Lock the lid on the pressure cooker, set it to high pressure and cook for 25 minutes.

3. When done cooking, release the steam from the pressure cooker, then open up the lid.

4. Add the sweet Thai basil leaves and stir to combine. Serve hot with steamed rice or noodles.

Note: If you don’t have a pressure cooker, you can also cook hot braised chicken wings in a regular pan. In this case, you should increase the cooking time to about 45 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Tips for making hot braised chicken wings

• Choose the right type of chicken: It’s best to use high-quality, mid joint wings for hot braised chicken wings. The mid joint is where you can find the most tender pieces of meat which are perfect for this dish.
• Marinate the chicken beforehand Marinating the chicken in a mixture of spices and seasonings helps to enhance the flavor of hot braised chicken wings. You can do this at least an hour before cooking, or even overnight for maximum flavor.
• Adjust the spice level to personal preference: Hot braised chicken wings have a hot kick from the addition of Sichuan peppercorns, chili peppers and other spices. You can adjust the spice level to your personal preference by reducing or increasing hot pepper powder.
• Use high-quality ingredients: When making hot braised chicken wings, it’s important to use quality ingredients like dark soy sauce, Shao Xing wine or huang jiu, and fresh herbs such as sweet Thai basil. This will make all the difference in terms of flavor and texture.

Calories in hot braised chicken wings

Each serving of hot braised chicken wings contains approximately 300 calories. However, this may vary slightly depending on how much oil is used and how large the portion is. It’s best to consult a nutritional guide or use an app to track your exact caloric intake.

How to customize this hot braised chicken wings recipe?

You can customize hot braised chicken wings to your individual tastes. For example, you can add vegetables such as bell peppers and onions for a more colorful dish. You can also use different types of hot peppers or chili flakes depending on how hot you like it. If you want a sweeter version, you can add a bit more sugar. However, I strongly urge you to give this pure version with minimal ingredients a try.

How to make hot braised chicken wings in Korean way?

Korean hot braised chicken wings are a spicy and flavorful dish that is made with gochujang (hot pepper paste) and garlic. To make this dish, you will need to marinate the chicken wings in a mixture of gochujang, soy sauce, sugar, garlic, sesame oil, honey and ginger for at least a few hours, or overnight for best results.

Once the wings have been marinated, they should be fried in hot oil until golden brown and crispy. Finally, the hot braised chicken wings are simmered in a mixture of gochujang, soy sauce, sugar and garlic to create a thick and spicy sauce. Serve hot with steamed white rice and stir-fried vegetables.

Read more: Spice Up Your Kitchen with Delicious Chicken Fry Indian: A Step-by-Step Guide

What to serve with braised chicken?

Braised chicken is a hearty, flavorful dish that pairs best with light accompaniments. To balance out the richness of the chicken and its sauce, try serving it with steamed white rice or glass noodles. You can also add some crunch by adding stir-fried vegetables on the side.

When it comes to drinks, cool, refreshing options like iced tea are ideal for cutting through the fat and spices of hot braised chicken wings. Beer is also a great companion to this dish, while white wine will help to enhance the flavors of the marinade.

How to store this hot braised chicken?

Leftover hot braised chicken wings can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure that you cool down the chicken completely before transferring it into an airtight container.

How to reheat this hot braised chicken?

If you plan to reheat hot braised chicken wings, gently heat them in a pan or oven with some oil until hot and serve. Alternatively, you can also bake the chicken wings in an oven preheated to 375°F (190°C). Bake for 15 minutes or until hot.

Reheating hot braised chicken wings in the microwave is also a quick and easy way to enjoy this dish. To get the best results, you should wrap the chicken wings with aluminum foil before placing them in the microwave. This will help keep the moisture in and prevent them from drying out. Heat on high for 2 minutes or until hot. I love this way more than others^^

FAQs

Can I make it less spicy?

Yes, you can make hot braised chicken less spicy by adjusting the amount of Sichuan peppercorns and chili peppers used in the recipe. If desired, you can also replace some of the chili peppers with sweet bell peppers for a milder flavor. 

Alternatively, you could use milder varieties of chili peppers such as jalapeños or banana peppers. However, keep in mind that this will affect the flavor of the dish. So feel free to experiment and find a combination that works best for your taste buds.

Can I use other types of chicken?

Yes, you can use other types of chicken such as thighs or breast in place of wings for this hot braised chicken recipe. However, keep in mind that different cuts of chicken will require different cooking times. Thighs and breasts are generally larger pieces of meat and will take longer to cook through completely.

Can I prepare hot braised chicken wings ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare hot braised chicken wings ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When ready to serve, cook the chicken wings in a pan or oven until hot. The sauce can also be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

Can I freeze hot braised chicken?

Yes, you can freeze hot braised chicken for up to 2 months. Make sure that the chicken wings are completely cooled down before freezing in an airtight container or resealable plastic bag. When ready to serve, thaw the chicken wings in the refrigerator overnight and then cook until hot.

Conclusion

To sum things up, hot braised chicken is a delicious and flavorful Chinese dish with many variations. You can make it mild or spicy, depending on your preferences. It is also very versatile and can be made with different cuts of chicken, as well as other ingredients such as bell peppers or mushrooms. Hot braised chicken wings can be enjoyed freshly cooked, reheated or frozen for later. This dish is sure to become a hit with your family and friends!