Chicken Wings with Red Beans & Rice Recipe

Introduction

Chicken Wings with Red Beans & Rice is a delicious, hearty meal that brings together the savory flavor of seasoned chicken wings with the comfort of traditional Southern red beans and rice. This dish is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a gathering with friends and family. The combination of crispy, flavorful chicken wings and the rich, creamy beans over fluffy rice is sure to satisfy your taste buds.

Ingredients

Chicken Wings

• 2 pounds chicken wings, split at joints, tips removed
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for heat)
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme

Red Beans & Rice

• 1 cup dried red kidney beans (or 2 cans of cooked red beans, drained and rinsed)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 1 bell pepper, finely chopped
• 2 celery stalks, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for heat)
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1/2 pound smoked sausage, sliced (optional)
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 2 cups cooked white rice
• 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)

Instructions

Preparing the Chicken Wings

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil or parchment paper and place a wire rack on top.
2. Season the Wings: In a large bowl, toss the chicken wings with olive oil, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, cayenne pepper (if using), and dried thyme until evenly coated.
3. Bake the Wings: Arrange the wings in a single layer on the wire rack. Bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, turning halfway through, until the wings are crispy and golden brown.

Making the Red Beans

4. Prepare the Beans: If using dried beans, soak them overnight or use the quick soak method. To quick soak, place beans in a pot, cover with water, bring to a boil, and let them soak for 1 hour. Drain and rinse the beans.
5. Cook the Vegetables: In a large pot, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, bell pepper, and celery. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until the vegetables are soft and translucent.
6. Add Garlic and Spices: Add the minced garlic, dried thyme, dried oregano, bay leaf, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper (if using). Cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
7. Add Beans and Broth: Add the soaked and drained red beans (or canned beans) and chicken broth to the pot. If using smoked sausage, add it now. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer for about 1.5-2 hours (or 30 minutes if using canned beans), stirring occasionally, until the beans are tender and creamy.
8. Season and Serve: Season the red beans with salt and black pepper to taste. Remove the bay leaf before serving.

Serving

9. Plate the Dish: Serve the red beans over cooked white rice. Place the crispy chicken wings on the side or on top of the beans and rice.
10. Garnish: Garnish with sliced green onions for a fresh touch.

Conclusion

Chicken Wings with Red Beans & Rice is a comforting and flavorful dish that combines the crispy goodness of seasoned chicken wings with the hearty, creamy red beans and rice. It’s a perfect meal for any occasion, bringing the best of Southern cooking to your table. Enjoy this delicious and satisfying dish with family and friends!