Description
These African Chicken Wings are marinated in a bold blend of garlic, shallots, Chinese five-spice, paprika, rosemary, and cayenne before being baked until golden and crispy. Served alongside a rich coconut peanut dipping sauce, these wings deliver a delicious combination of savory, nutty, smoky, and mildly spicy flavors that make them perfect for entertaining, game days, or family gatherings.
Equipment Needed
- Large mixing bowl
- Small food processor or mortar and pestle
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- Cutting board
- Chef's knife
- Baking sheet or broiler pan
- Aluminum foil
- Wire rack
- Blender or food processor
- Small serving bowl
- Serving platter
Ingredients
For the Wings
- 4 garlic cloves
- 2 shallots
- 1½ teaspoons salt
- 1 tablespoon Chinese five-spice powder
- 2 teaspoons paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary, crumbled
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (or to taste)
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 4 pounds chicken wings, tips removed
For the Coconut Peanut Sauce
- ⅓ cup natural peanut butter
- ¼ cup cream of coconut
- 2 garlic cloves
- ¼ cup water
- ¼ cup red bell pepper, chopped
- ⅛ teaspoon red pepper flakes (or to taste)
- 1 teaspoon soy sauce
- Salt, to taste
Garnish
- Fresh cilantro or coriander sprigs
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Marinade
In a food processor, combine the garlic, shallots, and salt. Process until a smooth paste forms.
Transfer the mixture to a large bowl and stir in the Chinese five-spice powder, paprika, rosemary, cayenne pepper, and vegetable oil.
Step 2: Marinate the Wings
Add the chicken wings and toss thoroughly until evenly coated.
Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight for maximum flavor.
Step 3: Bake the Wings
Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
Line a baking sheet or broiler pan with foil and place a wire rack on top.
Arrange the wings in a single layer, skin side up.
Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until golden brown, crispy, and cooked through.
Step 4: Prepare the Sauce
While the wings bake, combine the peanut butter, cream of coconut, garlic, water, bell pepper, red pepper flakes, and soy sauce in a blender.
Blend until completely smooth.
Season with salt to taste.
Transfer to a serving bowl.
Step 5: Serve
Arrange the wings on a serving platter around the bowl of coconut peanut sauce.
Garnish with fresh cilantro or coriander sprigs and serve immediately.
Recipe Notes
Make Ahead
The wings may be marinated up to 24 hours in advance for deeper flavor.
Adjust the Heat
For spicier wings, increase the cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes.
Serving Suggestion
Serve with grilled vegetables, rice, or a fresh cucumber salad for a complete meal.
Nutrition Information
Per Serving (Approx. 6 servings)
- Calories: 520
- Protein: 34g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Total Fat: 39g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Cholesterol: 145mg
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 4g
AFRICAN CHICKEN WINGS (Spiced Wings with Creamy Coconut Peanut Dipping Sauce)
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a food processor, combine the garlic, shallots, and salt. Process until a smooth paste forms.
- Transfer the mixture to a large bowl and stir in the Chinese five-spice powder, paprika, rosemary, cayenne pepper, and vegetable oil.
- Add the chicken wings and toss thoroughly until evenly coated.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight for maximum flavor.
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Line a baking sheet or broiler pan with foil and place a wire rack on top.
- Arrange the wings in a single layer, skin side up.
- Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until golden brown, crispy, and cooked through.
- While the wings bake, combine the peanut butter, cream of coconut, garlic, water, bell pepper, red pepper flakes, and soy sauce in a blender. Blend until completely smooth.
- Season with salt to taste. Transfer to a serving bowl.
- Arrange the wings on a serving platter around the bowl of coconut peanut sauce.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro or coriander sprigs and serve immediately.
Nutrition
Notes
For spicier wings, increase the cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes.
Serve with grilled vegetables, rice, or a fresh cucumber salad for a complete meal.
Tried this recipe?
Let us know how it was!Inspired By
This recipe was inspired by African-inspired spice blends and traditional peanut-based sauces that combine warm spices, aromatics, and creamy nutty flavors into a rich and satisfying dish.
Inspired By: https://www.africanbites.com
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Marinate Time: 4 hours
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 4 hours 50 minutes
Servings: 6
Difficulty: Easy
