Mathania Chilli Chicken Wings
Crispy, juicy chicken wings tossed in a fiery, smoky sauce made from authentic Rajasthani Mathania chillies. A perfect appetizer with a unique Indian twist that brings a vibrant red color and a balanced heat.
For 4 servings
5 steps. 30 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Prepare the Mathania Chilli Paste
- b.Place the dried Mathania chillies in a bowl and cover with hot water. Let them soak for 20-30 minutes until they are soft.
- c.Drain the softened chillies, reserving a few tablespoons of the soaking water.
- d.Transfer the chillies to a grinder along with the garlic cloves. Add 2-3 tablespoons of water (or the reserved soaking water) and grind to a smooth, vibrant red paste. Set aside.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Marinate the Chicken Wings
- b.Wash the chicken wings and pat them completely dry with paper towels. This is crucial for crispy skin.
- c.In a large bowl, combine the wings with ginger-garlic paste, lemon juice, 1 tsp of salt, and black pepper powder.
- d.Mix thoroughly to ensure each wing is well-coated. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes at room temperature, or up to 4 hours in the refrigerator.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Fry the Chicken Wings
- b.In a separate bowl, whisk together the corn flour and all-purpose flour.
- c.Dredge each marinated wing in the flour mixture, ensuring a light, even coating. Shake off any excess flour.
- d.Heat oil for deep frying in a heavy-bottomed pan or kadai over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C).
- e.Carefully place the coated wings into the hot oil, one by one. Do not overcrowd the pan; fry in 2-3 batches.
- f.Fry for 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally, until the wings are golden brown, crispy, and fully cooked (internal temperature of 165°F or 74°C).
- g.Remove the wings with a slotted spoon and let them drain on a wire rack.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Prepare the Mathania Chilli Sauce
- b.In a large wok or pan, heat 2 tbsp of oil over medium heat.
- c.Add the cumin seeds and let them sizzle for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- d.Add the finely chopped onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until it becomes soft and translucent.
- e.Stir in the prepared Mathania chilli-garlic paste. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring frequently, until the paste darkens in color and you see oil separating from the sides.
- f.Add the vinegar, soy sauce, sugar, and the remaining 0.5 tsp of salt. Mix well and cook for another 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
- 5
Step 5
- a.Toss and Serve
- b.Add the crispy fried chicken wings to the pan with the prepared sauce.
- c.Toss quickly and gently to coat all the wings evenly in the sauce.
- d.Turn off the heat, garnish with chopped coriander leaves and spring onion greens.
- e.Serve immediately to enjoy them while they are hot and crispy.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For extra crispy wings, you can double-fry them. Fry once for 6-7 minutes, rest for 10 minutes, then fry again for 2-3 minutes at a slightly higher temperature (375°F / 190°C).
- 2Patting the chicken wings completely dry with paper towels before marinating is the most important step for achieving crispy skin.
- 3Do not overcrowd the pan while frying. This lowers the oil temperature and results in soggy, greasy wings. Fry in batches for the best results.
- 4Adjust the number of Mathania chillies based on your spice preference. For less heat, deseed the chillies before soaking.
- 5Toss the wings in the sauce just before serving to maintain their crispiness.
Adapt it for your goals.
Healthier Version
For a lower-fat option, bake the coated wings on a wire rack at 400°F (200°C) for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through. You can also use an air fryer set to 380°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes, shaking the basket occasionally. Then, toss in the sauce.
Vegetarian/VeganVegetarian/Vegan
Replace chicken wings with cauliflower florets, paneer cubes, or firm tofu. Adjust the cooking time accordingly. For a vegan version, ensure all other ingredients are plant-based.
Chilli SubstituteChilli Substitute
If Mathania chillies are unavailable, substitute with a combination of Kashmiri chillies (for vibrant color and mild heat) and a few Byadgi or Guntur chillies (for extra heat and smoky flavor).
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Protein
Chicken is an excellent source of high-quality lean protein, which is essential for building and repairing tissues, supporting muscle growth, and maintaining overall body function.
Metabolism Boost from Capsaicin
The active compound in chillies, capsaicin, is known to provide a temporary boost to metabolism. It also possesses anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
Source of Essential Vitamins
Chicken wings provide important B-vitamins, particularly Niacin (B3) and B6, which are crucial for energy metabolism, brain function, and the formation of red blood cells.
Frequently asked questions
A single serving of 4 wings contains approximately 450-550 calories. The majority of the calories come from the chicken itself and the oil absorbed during deep-frying.