Honey Habanero Bacon Chicken Wings

This recipe is from the Honey & Habanero episode of A is for Apple, hosted by Leah Wildman.

Serves: 4 as an appetizer

Ingredients

• 24 chicken wings (cut into wing and drumette pieces)
• 2 cups (500ml) flour
• 2 teaspoons (10ml) salt
• 1 teaspoon (5ml) ground pepper
• 2 teaspoons (10ml) smoked paprika
• 2 teaspoons (10ml) garlic powder
• Vegetable oil for frying
• ½ pound (227g) medium sliced bacon

Sauce

• 1 cup (250ml) buckwheat honey
• ¼ cup (60ml) apple cider vinegar
• 1-2 habanero peppers (finely minced)
• Optional garnish thin sliced green onion

Directions

1. Preheat oil to 350F (176°C).
2. Rinse and pat dry chicken.
3. In a medium bowl mix together flour, salt, black pepper, garlic powder and smoked paprika.
4. Toss about 6 wings at a time into the flour mixture and coat lightly.  Repeat with remaining wings.
5. Place wings into the hot oil being careful not to over crowd and fry until crispy and golden brown about 10 minutes.
6. Remove using a spider or slotted spoon and place onto a paper towel-lined tray.
7. Repeat with remaining wings.
8. Preheat oven to 350F (176°C).
9. Place protective gloves on and remove seeds and veins from the habanero pepper.
10. Fine dice and place in a bowl.
11. Cook bacon in a large pan set over medium heat.  Cook bacon until golden and crispy.  Remove from pan and place on a paper towel-lined tray to drain.
12. In a bowl combine the honey, apple cider vinegar and the chopped chili.
13. Toss the wings in the honey mixture to evenly coat
14. Place on foil lined tray and place in the oven for 15-20 minutes or until crispy and golden.
15. Remove from oven and immediately crumble with bacon while still hot so the bacon sticks to the wing.
16. Garnish with slices of green onion if desired.