Ultimate Chicken Wing Guide: Mouthwatering Recipes and Tips from The Food Guy

Even if the Buffalo Bills aren’t in the Super Bowl, fans will still enjoy Buffalo wings this Sunday. But if you want to try something different, why not explore some Asian-inspired chicken wings? Steve Dolinsky from NBC Chicago highlights three unique places to savor these flavorful wings.

First up are the wings at Cà Phê Dá and Dang Good Wings in Pilsen. Chef Thai Dang puts a Vietnamese twist on the traditional Buffalo wing. He marinates the wings in fish sauce and a mix of spices before coating them in cornstarch and rice flour. This method gives them a super crispy texture. The wings are fried twice and tossed in a tangy sauce made of fish sauce, sugar, chilies, and garlic. It’s a delicious change from the classic Buffalo flavor!

Next, we have Crisp in Lakeview, where Korean fried chicken takes the spotlight. For the past 18 years, owner Jae Lee has perfected a two-step frying method. First, the wings are pressure fried for juiciness, then they’re opened fried for extra crispiness. Customers can choose from sauces like Seoul Sassy, which is a sweet soy glaze, or Crisp BBQ made with gochujang for a spicy kick. Each bite bursts with flavor.

In Albany Park, Great Sea stands out for its Gam Pong chicken wings. This dish has roots in the 1980s when Korean-Chinese immigrants opted for chicken wings instead of whole chickens because they were cheaper in the U.S. Monica Eng, co-author of “Made in Chicago,” explains how these wings are cleverly turned into lollipop-style with a little prep work. Great Sea’s sauce is known for being spicier, stickier, and sweeter than the competition. It’s a unique twist that keeps people coming back for more.

For more unforgettable wings, don’t forget Bonchon and CM Chicken, both with several locations around Chicago. No matter where you go, you’re sure to find something delicious!

Here are some places to check out:

Cà Phê Dá – Dang Good Wings
1800 S. Carpenter St.
773-999-1800

Crisp
2940 N. Broadway
773-697-7610

Great Sea Restaurant
3253 W. Lawrence Ave.
773-478-9129

Bon Chon
9 locations in the Chicago area

CM Chicken
6 locations in the Chicago area