“This is an absolute banger of a starter,” says Tom Kerridge. “Juicy, crispy wings are coated in punchy spices that bring the heat, but I’ve got you covered: the cool, creamy ranch dressing keeps things balanced.
“These are the ultimate crowd-pleaser and you’ll likely be making them on repeat all summer long.”
Dry-rub buffalo chicken wings
Ingredients:
(Serves 6)
16 large chicken wings (1.5kg in total), tips removed and jointed
200g table salt
10 black peppercorns
4 bay leaves
2tbsp light olive oil
For the dry rub:
1tsp chilli powder
½tsp cayenne powder
1tsp sweet smoked paprika
2tsp garlic powder
1tsp onion powder
1tsp ground cumin
1tsp dried thyme leaves
For the ranch dressing:
3 heaped tbsp soured cream
3 heaped tbsp mayonnaise
½ garlic clove, finely grated
3 dashes of Worcestershire sauce
1tsp white wine vinegar
1tsp mild American mustard
1tbsp finely chopped dill
1tbsp finely chopped chives
Salt and freshly ground pepper
To serve:
Hot sauce
Celery sticks
Method:
1. First brine the chicken. Pour two litres water into a large bowl, add the table salt and whisk to dissolve, then add the black peppercorns and bay leaves. Immerse the chicken wings in the brine and place in the fridge for two hours.
2. Remove the chicken wings from the brine and pat them dry with kitchen paper.
3. For the dry rub, mix all the ingredients together in a bowl. Drizzle both sides of the chicken wings with the olive oil and sprinkle with the dry rub to coat the wings evenly all over.
4. Cover and leave to marinate in the fridge for at least 30 minutes, ideally two to three hours.
5. For the ranch dressing, mix all the ingredients together in a bowl, seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
6. When you’re ready to cook, place the chicken wings on a hot barbecue in a single layer, making sure you have an area with some indirect heat to move them to, as and when you need a lower heat. Cook for 10 to twelve minutes until the wings are nicely browned on each side, turning regularly.
7. Serve up the chicken wings with the ranch dressing on the side for dipping. Accompany with your favourite hot sauce and some crunchy celery sticks.
The BBQ Book by Tom Kerridge is published in hardback by Bloomsbury, priced £25. Photography by Cristian Barnett.
