Chicken shop inspired wings

 

🍗 Chicken Shop Scare Turned Soul Food — Grandma-    Inspired Chicken Wings (Air Fryer Option Included)

Not long ago, something happened that reminded me of the power of home cooking — not just for nourishing our bodies, but for comforting our hearts.

My son, who loves chicken wings, went to our local chicken shop. Funny enough, that day he didn’t even order chicken — just a portion of chips. The next morning, I woke up to the sound of him heaving in the bathroom. It was a horrible moment as a mum. We ended up taking him to hospital, where they told us it was most likely food poisoning. They stressed the importance of keeping him hydrated and resting to avoid complications.

Since then, my son made the decision all on his own — no more from that chicken shop.

So, as a treat, and honestly as a way to reconnect through food, I decided to make him some homemade chicken wings. And not just any wings — wings inspired by my late grandmother, who taught me everything I know and love about cooking.

From a young age, I was always in the kitchen. I was the girl known at school for her curry goat, a Jamaican staple, and I’ve carried that love for food through to motherhood. Cooking brings me so much joy — and whenever I start seasoning or stirring, memories of my grandmother come flooding back. She used to cook for all of us grandchildren, especially when our cousins stayed over. Her meals weren’t just tasty — they were felt.

These wings are based on the way she used to make chicken — simple, seasoned with love, and always cooked with care. Plus, I’ve given it a healthier twist:

• I only cook with olive oil 
• I limit the salt
• I’m moving toward organic seasonings
•  I often use an air fry instead of deep frying

This meal brought my son joy again — and that made it even more special.

🍗 Grandma-Inspired Chicken Wings Recipe (with Air Fryer Option)

🧂 Ingredients:

• 1 pack of chicken wings (about 10–12 pieces)

• Juice of 1 lemon

• 1 tbsp white vinegar

• Water to rinse

• 3 tbsp Vegeta seasoning

• 2 tbsp paprika

• 2 cups plain flour

• 1 cup olive oil (for pan-frying)

• Optional side: Costco skin-on chips, air-fried

🧼 Step 1: Clean & Prep the Chicken

1. Cut off the pointed tip of each wing.

2. Separate each into two parts — the drumette and flat.

3. Wash thoroughly using lemon juice, vinegar, and cold water.

4. Drain the water completely.

   
   

   🌶 Step 2: Season

   1. Sprinkle 3 tbsp Rejita seasoning and 2 tbsp paprika over the wings.

   2. Cover the bowl with a plate and shake until the wings are evenly coated.

   🧂 Step 3: Coat in Flour

   1. Pour 2 cups of plain flour onto a plate.

   2. Coat each wing, then shake off the excess flour.

      
      

      🍳 Step 4: Frying Option

      1. Heat a Dutch pot or heavy frying pan over medium heat (Gas Mark 5).

      2. Add 1 cup olive oil and let it heat for 3–4 minutes.

      3. Fry 5 wings at a time for about 3 minutes per side, or until golden brown.

      4. Turn often and use a fork or knife to make a small incision in the thickest part to ensure it cooks through.

      5. Once golden and cooked, place the wings on a rack over a tray to let excess oil drain.

         
         

         🔄 Air Fryer Option (Healthier)

         1. Lightly brush the coated wings with olive oil.

         2. Place in the air fryer basket at 200°C (390°F).

         3. Air fry for 3–4 minutes per side, or until golden and crispy.

            
            

            🍟 Serving Suggestion

            I serve these wings with Costco skin-on chips cooked in the air fryer — no extra oil or seasoning needed. They're simple, crispy, and delicious.

            
            

            💬 Final Thoughts

            This recipe means more than just tasty wings — it’s a story of motherhood, healing, and the beautiful memories we carry from our loved ones. I hope these chicken wings bring comfort and joy to your table, just as they did for mine.

            Let me know in the comments if you try it — and if you’re team deep-fry or air fryer!