Ingredients

For the Wings:

  • 2 lbs chicken wings (about 20-24 wings), split into flats and drumettes
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp kosher salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp smoked paprika

For the Carolina Mustard Gold Sauce:

  • 1/2 cup yellow mustard
  • 1/4 cup honey
  • 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
  • 2 tbsp brown sugar
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tsp hot sauce (adjust to taste)
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp onion powder
  • 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper

For Garnish (Optional):

  • Chopped fresh parsley
  • Sliced green onions

Equipment Needed

  • Large mixing bowl
  • Baking sheet with a wire rack
  • Small saucepan
  • Whisk
  • Tongs
  • Measuring cups and spoons

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Wings

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place a wire rack on a baking sheet lined with foil for easy cleanup.
  2. Pat the chicken wings dry with paper towels to ensure crispiness.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, toss the wings with olive oil, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika until evenly coated.
  4. Arrange the wings in a single layer on the wire rack, ensuring they don’t overlap.
  5. Bake for 40-45 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the wings are golden brown and crispy. Alternatively, you can grill them at medium-high heat (about 400°F) for 20-25 minutes, turning occasionally.

Step 2: Make the Carolina Mustard Gold Sauce

  1. In a small saucepan over medium-low heat, combine the yellow mustard, honey, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and black pepper.
  2. Whisk the mixture until smooth and bring to a gentle simmer.
  3. Reduce the heat to low and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens slightly and the flavors meld. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.

Step 3: Coat the Wings

  1. Once the wings are cooked, transfer them to a large clean mixing bowl.
  2. Pour the Carolina Mustard Gold Sauce over the wings and toss gently with tongs until evenly coated. For a lighter coating, you can brush the sauce onto the wings instead.

Step 4: Serve

  1. Arrange the sauced wings on a serving platter.
  2. Garnish with chopped parsley or sliced green onions, if desired.
  3. Serve immediately with extra sauce on the side for dipping, along with celery sticks, carrot sticks, or your favorite side dishes.

Tips

  • Make Ahead: The sauce can be prepared up to 3 days in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Reheat gently before tossing with the wings.
  • Spice Level: Adjust the hot sauce and cayenne pepper to your preferred heat level.
  • Air Fryer Option: Cook wings in an air fryer at 400°F for 20-25 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until crispy.
  • Storage: Store leftover wings in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 10-12 minutes to maintain crispiness.

Serving Suggestions

  • Pair with classic Southern sides like coleslaw, baked beans, or cornbread.
  • Serve with a cold beverage like sweet tea or a crisp lager to complement the tangy sauce.

Nutritional Information (Approximate, per serving)

  • Serving Size: 5 wings
  • Calories: 450 kcal
  • Fat: 28g
  • Carbohydrates: 15g
  • Protein: 30g

Enjoy your tangy, sweet, and spicy Carolina Mustard Gold Wings!