Welcome to July!
We’re in the midst of a beautiful summer here in Idaho, and while perhaps talks of HEAT aren’t what you’re daydreaming about while the temps rise – this recipe is sure to refresh the pallet in the best way. We’re pairing our delightfully sweet Nectar with some spicy chicken wings! Keep scrolling and take some notes: Cork to Fork: When Sweet Meets Heat is here!
Servings: 4-6
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 45 mins
Total Time: ~1 hour
Ingredients
For the Wings:
- 2.5–3 lbs chicken wings (split and tips removed)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp garlic powder
For the Spicy Sweet Nectar Sauce:
- 1 cup Williamson Nectar wine
- ¼ cup honey
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 tsp fresh lime juice
- 1 tbsp finely grated fresh ginger
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1–2 tsp red pepper flakes (adjust for heat)
- 1–2 tsp sriracha or hot sauce (optional, for extra kick)
- 1 tbsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp cold water (slurry)
Garnish (optional but encouraged):
- Fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped
- Thinly sliced red chili
- Lime wedges
- Toasted sesame seeds
Instructions
1. Prep and Roast the Wings
Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
Pat chicken wings dry with paper towels (this helps them crisp).
In a large bowl, toss wings with olive oil, salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and garlic powder.
Arrange wings in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet or on a wire rack over a baking tray.
Bake for 40–45 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden, crispy, and cooked through.
2. Make the Sweet & Spicy Nectar Sauce
While wings bake, combine Nectar wine, honey, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, soy sauce, lime juice, ginger, garlic, red pepper flakes, and sriracha (if using) in a small saucepan over medium heat.
Bring to a simmer, stirring occasionally. Let reduce by about ⅓ (this takes ~10–12 minutes).
Mix cornstarch and cold water into a slurry, then whisk into the sauce.
Continue cooking until the sauce thickens to a glossy glaze, about 2–3 minutes.
Taste and adjust: add more lime for acidity, more heat, or more honey depending on your preference.
3. Toss and Serve
Once wings are done, transfer them to a large bowl.
Pour the warm Nectar sauce over the wings and toss to coat evenly.
Plate and garnish with fresh herbs, red chili slices, lime wedges, or sesame seeds.
Serving Tip
Pair with chilled glasses of Nectar, a tangy slaw, or grilled peaches for a full “sweet meets heat” spread!