How to clean chicken wings?
In this brief article, we will answer the question, “How to clean chicken wings?” and provide information on why it is necessary to clean chicken wings, tips to keep in mind while handling raw chicken, how to cut chicken wings as well as bake them.
How to clean chicken wings?
You can clean chicken wings by placing them under a running tap. Rinse the wing thoroughly under the water.
Check the chicken wings to see any feathers. If any feathers come off, pluck them and remove them. Use your fingers to clean the chicken wings further.
Close the tap water and dry the chicken wings thoroughly using a paper towel. Now start cleaning the next chicken wing in a similar manner.
Why is it important to clean the chicken before cooking?
It is essential to clean chicken before cooking to reduce the risk of developing food-borne diseases. Food poisoning can cause vomiting, fatigue, and diarrhea.
What are some tips to keep in mind while handling chicken wings?
Some tips to keep in mind while handling chicken wings are as follows:
- If you are using a cutting board or knives to clean chicken pieces, make sure to sanitize the utensil properly. This would kill any possible bacteria present in them. You can also wash them with warm soapy water as well.
- After drying the chicken using paper towels, throw the paper towels away and sanitize your hands.
- Use a separate cutting board to cut or clean meat pieces. This can prevent the transfer of pathogens from one cutting board to another. If the chicken is not cleaned and cooked thoroughly there can be an increased risk of transfer of pathogens.
- Make sure to wash your hands thoroughly after touching a raw chicken. The juices in chicken may be present on your hands even if they might not be obvious.
- Once you start to cook the chicken, make sure to clean the entire kitchen surface and sanitize them. This includes kitchen countertops, cutting boards, utensils (that came in contact with chicken), sinks, taps surface, etc.
- Use a proper scrubber to clean the porous cutting boards. This is because a porous cutting board tends to absorb the chicken juices, increasing the risk of food poisoning. As a result, clean the cutting boards before and after using them.
How to cut chicken wings?
You can follow the given steps to cut chicken wings:
- Stretch the parts of the chicken wing. The chicken wings are made up of a wing tip (called a flapper), a middle part (wingette), and a meaty part (drumette).
- Flip the wings. Place the chicken wing in such a way that the inside portion of them faces up. You would be able to notice the joints present in them.
- Make a cut between the wing tip and the wingette portion of the chicken. Cut the wing tips. The wing tips can be used for preparing chicken stock or you can discard them.
- Make a second cut between the drumette and wingette.
- Keep a knife at the high ridge area. If it is difficult to cut through, apply a bit more pressure.
How to bake chicken wings?
- Preheat the oven and allow them to heat to a temperature of 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Line a casserole dish properly with foil. Place the 4 pounds of chicken wings inside the foil.
- Add 2 tbsp of olive oil to the chicken wings and mix them properly so that the chicken soaks in the oil.
- Add a tablespoon of garlic powder and onion powder each.
- Bake the chicken wings in the oven for an hour.
- Meanwhile in another bowl, mix one cup of hot sauce, one tablespoon of garlic powder, one tablespoon of onion powder, ½ cup of honey, 1 tsp of olive oil, ½ cup of honey, 1 tsp of paprika, 2 tsp molasses, and ½ cup of barbecue sauce. Whisk them well.
- Wear gloves and open the oven door. Take the foil off the top portion of the chicken. Pour the sauce over the chicken. Any liquid present on the bottom part of the foil can also be poured on the top of the chicken.
- Select the broil option in your oven. (Check the oven’s manual to figure out how to broil chicken if there is no broil option seen).
- Remove the foil and cook the chicken uncovered for a period of 10 minutes. Cook till the meat browns.
- Once that has been done, remove the chicken from the oven and serve.
Conclusion
In this brief article, we have answered the question, “How to clean chicken wings?” and provided information on why it is necessary to clean chicken wings, tips to keep in mind while handling raw chicken, how to cut chicken wings as well as bake them.
