Spicy Lacquered Chicken

Talented chefs can put together layers of flavors and the result is something greater than the sum of the parts.  This is one such recipe - the marinade is delicious!  It didn't come out looking "lacquered" however (see photos below).

Of course, I made some executive decisions - I omitted the cucumbers, cilantro and the orange slices in the garnish and used thighs, drumsticks and breasts instead of wings.  The breasts got too dry, so just dark meat next time .  

4-6 servings

20 calculated points

(Mine)

(Theirs)

Ingredients

3 pounds meaty chicken wings, tips removed
Salt
3 tablespoons soy sauce
3 tablespoons rice wine or sherry
3 tablespoons brown sugar
1 tablespoon grated ginger
6 garlic cloves, minced
½ teaspoon five-spice powder
¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
½ teaspoon grated orange zest
1 small cucumber, diced (about 1 cup)
6 scallions, slivered
2 or 3 small hot red chiles, very thinly sliced (or hot green chiles), optional
2 tablespoons crushed roasted peanuts
1 teaspoon sesame oil
1 handful cilantro leaves
2 navel oranges, sliced

Directions
1. Season wings lightly with salt and put them in a large bowl. In a separate bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, rice wine, brown sugar, ginger, garlic, five-spice powder, cayenne and orange zest, then pour over the wings and massage well. Let marinate for 1 hour at room temperature or refrigerate (overnight is fine) and bring to room temperature.

2. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees. Arrange the wings in one layer in a low-sided baking dish or roasting pan (or use 2 pans) and place on middle shelf. Every 8 to 10 minutes, brush the wings with the marinade from the pan, adding 3 or 4 tablespoons water to dissolve the juices as necessary. Continue until well browned, glazed and cooked through, about 40 to 45 minutes. The wings may be cooked ahead and reheated if desired.

3. Pile the wings on a warm platter. Quickly assemble the garnish. In a small bowl combine the cucumber, scallions, chiles, crushed peanuts and sesame oil. Season with salt, toss lightly and scatter over the wings. Sprinkle with the cilantro. Surround with orange slices and serve.