Boneless Chicken Wings

Boneless chicken wings are the perfect crowd-pleaser for game days, parties, or even a simple family dinner. These juicy, bite-sized chicken pieces are coated in a flavorful crispy breading and tossed in your favorite sauce, offering the satisfaction of traditional wings without the mess of bones. Whether you’re dipping them in ranch, blue cheese, or enjoying them as they are, these wings are a hit.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to make: With just a few ingredients and steps, you can enjoy delicious homemade boneless wings in no time.
• Customizable: You can choose your favorite sauces or seasonings to suit any craving.
• Healthier option: Since they can be baked or air-fried, this recipe offers a lighter alternative to traditional deep-fried wings.
• Kid-friendly: The boneless nature of these wings makes them perfect for kids and less messy to eat.
• Great for meal prep: Make a batch ahead and enjoy them throughout the week for quick lunches or dinners.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Chicken breasts, boneless and skinless
• All-purpose flour
• Cornstarch
• Eggs
• Panko breadcrumbs
• Salt
• Pepper
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Your choice of sauce (buffalo, BBQ, honey garlic, etc.)
• Vegetable oil (for frying) or cooking spray (for baking/air-frying)

Directions

1. Prepare the chicken: Cut the boneless chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces.
2. Set up your coating stations: In one bowl, mix flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. In a second bowl, beat the eggs. In a third bowl, place the panko breadcrumbs.
3. Coat the chicken: Dredge the chicken pieces first in the flour mixture, then dip them into the egg, and finally roll them in panko breadcrumbs, ensuring each piece is fully coated.
4. Cook the chicken:
   • For frying: Heat oil in a large pan over medium heat. Fry the chicken pieces in batches for 5-7 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove and place on paper towels to drain excess oil.
   • For baking: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the coated chicken pieces on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, spray with cooking spray, and bake for 18-20 minutes, flipping halfway through.
   • For air-frying: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Arrange the chicken pieces in a single layer, spray with cooking spray, and cook for 12-15 minutes, shaking halfway through.
5. Toss in sauce: Once the chicken is cooked, toss it in your favorite sauce until fully coated.
6. Serve: Serve hot with a side of ranch or blue cheese dressing and celery sticks, if desired.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: This recipe serves 4-6 people, depending on portion sizes.
• Prep time: 15 minutes
• Cook time: 20 minutes (frying) or 18-20 minutes (baking/air-frying)
• Total time: About 35 minutes

Variations

• Spicy boneless wings: Add some cayenne pepper or chili powder to the flour mixture for an extra kick.
• Garlic Parmesan: Toss the cooked chicken in melted butter, garlic, and grated Parmesan cheese.
• Honey BBQ: Mix honey with your favorite BBQ sauce for a sweet and tangy twist.
• Lemon Pepper: After cooking, sprinkle lemon zest and black pepper over the wings for a fresh, citrusy flavor.
• Gluten-free option: Use gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs to make this recipe suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store any leftover boneless wings in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: To reheat, place the wings on a baking sheet and warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 8-10 minutes until heated through. You can also reheat them in an air fryer for 5-7 minutes at 375°F (190°C). Avoid microwaving as it may make the wings soggy.

FAQs

How can I make these boneless chicken wings crispy without frying?

You can achieve crispy boneless wings by baking or air-frying them with panko breadcrumbs. Spraying the chicken with cooking spray before baking or air-frying helps achieve that golden, crispy texture.

What’s the best sauce for boneless chicken wings?

Buffalo sauce, BBQ sauce, honey garlic, and garlic Parmesan are all popular choices, but you can experiment with any sauce you love.

Can I make these wings ahead of time?

Yes, you can cook the chicken pieces ahead and store them in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to serve, reheat them in the oven or air fryer, then toss them in sauce.

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Yes, chicken thighs can be used for a juicier texture. Just make sure to cut them into bite-sized pieces and follow the same coating and cooking instructions.

Are boneless chicken wings healthier than traditional wings?

Boneless wings can be healthier, especially if you bake or air-fry them instead of deep-frying. They also use lean chicken breast, which is lower in fat than wings.

Can I freeze boneless chicken wings?

Yes, you can freeze the cooked wings. Lay them on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer them to a freezer-safe container or bag. Reheat them in the oven or air fryer for best results.

How do I make these boneless wings keto-friendly?

To make these keto-friendly, use almond flour instead of all-purpose flour and skip the breadcrumbs or use pork rind crumbs for a crispy coating.

What side dishes go well with boneless wings?

Boneless wings pair well with fries, onion rings, coleslaw, or a simple salad. You can also serve them with celery and carrot sticks for a lighter side.

Can I double this recipe for a larger crowd?

Yes, simply double the ingredients and make the wings in batches. You can keep cooked wings warm in the oven while you finish cooking the remaining batches.

How do I prevent the breading from falling off?

Make sure the chicken pieces are thoroughly coated in each step—flour, then egg, then breadcrumbs. Press the breadcrumbs firmly onto the chicken to help the coating stick. Also, avoid overcrowding the pan or air fryer when cooking.

Conclusion

Boneless chicken wings are a fantastic, versatile dish that you can customize to your taste. Whether you’re making them for a party or a family dinner, they’re sure to be a hit. With the option to fry, bake, or air-fry, you can enjoy these crispy, flavorful bites with less guilt and more flavor. Experiment with different sauces and seasonings to make them your own!

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