These Five-Spice Fried Chicken Wings take classic fried chicken to a whole new level with bold Vietnamese flavors. Marinated in a fragrant mix of fish sauce, soy sauce, garlic, and Chinese five-spice, every bite bursts with sweet, salty, and umami notes. The crispy outer layer locks in juicy tenderness, delivering the perfect texture contrast. Whether you’re preparing for a family meal, game day snack table, or potluck party, these wings are guaranteed to impress. Pair them with your favorite dipping sauce, cold drinks, or even sticky rice to complete the dish. If you’ve never tried Vietnamese-inspired wings before, this is your golden (crispy) ticket!
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
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2 lbs chicken wings, separated at joints, tips discarded
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1 tablespoon Chinese five-spice powder
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2 tablespoons fish sauce
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1 tablespoon soy sauce
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1 tablespoon sugar
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1 teaspoon garlic powder
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1 teaspoon onion powder
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1 teaspoon salt
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1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
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1 cup cornstarch
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Vegetable oil for deep frying
Directions:
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In a large bowl, combine chicken wings, fish sauce, soy sauce, sugar, five-spice powder, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly to coat evenly. Cover and marinate for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight in the refrigerator.
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When ready to cook, heat oil in a deep pot to 350°F (175°C).
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While the oil is heating, dredge each wing in cornstarch, shaking off excess.
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Carefully place a few wings at a time into the hot oil without overcrowding. Fry for 8–10 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown and crispy.
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Remove with tongs and drain on a wire rack or paper towels. Repeat with remaining wings.
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Serve hot with a sprinkle of extra five-spice powder or a side of sweet chili sauce.
Prep Time: 10 minutes (plus marinating time)
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes active (plus marinating time)
Kcal: 430 kcal per serving
Servings: 4 servings
Crispy Five-Spice Fried Chicken Wings: A Vietnamese-Inspired Flavor Explosion
When it comes to unforgettable appetizers or finger foods that leave a lasting impression, few dishes can compete with the bold, aromatic allure of Five-Spice Fried Chicken Wings. This Vietnamese-inspired recipe brings together classic Asian flavors with crispy, juicy fried chicken a match made in culinary heaven.
Whether you’re hosting a game night, planning a family meal, or simply indulging in comfort food with flair, these chicken wings check every box. They’re savory, slightly sweet, a bit spicy, and unapologetically umami. In this article, we’ll take a deeper look at the origins of the dish, the flavor components that make it so special, tips for achieving maximum crispiness, ways to customize it, and how to serve it for any occasion.
The Cultural Influence Behind the Dish
Vietnamese cuisine is a melting pot of diverse influences, with roots in Chinese, French, and Southeast Asian cooking. One of the most fascinating aspects of Vietnamese food is its ability to balance five fundamental taste elements: spicy, sour, bitter, salty, and sweet. Five-spice powder a blend traditionally made from star anise, cloves, Chinese cinnamon, Sichuan peppercorns, and fennel seeds beautifully encapsulates this balance and adds depth to a variety of dishes.
Though five-spice is more commonly associated with Chinese cuisine, its use in Vietnamese cooking is growing in popularity, particularly in fried or grilled meat recipes. It’s not uncommon to see it used in marinades for pork chops, chicken, or even seafood. In the case of Five-Spice Fried Chicken Wings, the spice blend is enhanced by the umami-rich combination of fish sauce and soy sauce, which are Vietnamese pantry staples.
The result? A dish that feels both comforting and exotic, approachable yet layered with complexity.
What Makes These Wings Stand Out?
There are countless chicken wing recipes out there, but these wings are different from your typical buffalo or barbecue wings in several distinct ways:
1. Bold, Aromatic Marinade
The marinade in this recipe isn’t just a flavor booster it’s a foundation that transforms the texture and taste of the chicken. The combination of fish sauce, soy sauce, garlic powder, and five-spice powder penetrates deep into the meat, ensuring flavor in every bite.
2. Ultra-Crispy Exterior
Cornstarch is the not-so-secret ingredient here. Unlike flour or breadcrumbs, cornstarch creates a thinner, crispier coating that clings to the chicken skin, resulting in that perfect crackle when you bite in. The texture is closer to tempura or Korean fried chicken, which makes it distinctively light but still satisfyingly crunchy.
3. Umami-Rich Flavor
These wings are the definition of umami. Fish sauce, in particular, adds a funky, salty richness that you won’t find in most Western wing recipes. When combined with the sweetness of sugar and the warmth of five-spice, you get a deep, savory flavor that lingers long after the last bite.
Tips for Achieving Perfect Fried Chicken Wings
Getting that balance of juicy interior and crispy exterior can be tricky, but a few expert tips can ensure consistently delicious results:
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Marinate for Time and Depth: While a minimum of two hours will work, marinating overnight gives the best flavor absorption.
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Pat Dry Before Frying: Excess moisture can cause the oil to splatter and reduce crispiness.
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Use a Wire Rack: Let the fried wings rest on a wire rack instead of paper towels to maintain their crunch.
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Monitor Oil Temperature: Keep the oil at a steady 350°F (175°C). Too low, and the wings will absorb oil; too high, and they’ll brown too fast.
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Fry in Batches: Don’t overcrowd the pot. This helps maintain oil temperature and ensures even frying.
Variations to Try
Once you’ve mastered the base recipe, it’s easy to experiment and make it your own. Here are a few delicious variations:
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Add Heat: Mix in chili flakes, sriracha, or a touch of cayenne pepper to the marinade for spicy wings.
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Glaze It: After frying, toss the wings in a light honey-soy glaze or Vietnamese caramel sauce (nuoc mau) for extra sweetness and shine.
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Air Fry or Oven Bake: For a lighter option, these wings can also be air-fried or baked at high heat (425°F/220°C), though the crisp factor may vary.
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Make It Sticky: Coat the wings post-frying in a garlic fish sauce glaze (similar to Vietnamese chicken wings found in restaurants) for a sticky, glossy finish.
Ideal Pairings and Serving Suggestions
These wings are versatile enough to stand alone or be part of a larger spread. Here’s how to enjoy them:
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Serve with Dipping Sauces: Offer a variety of dips like sweet chili sauce, spicy mayo, or a tangy lime vinaigrette.
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Add Sides: Pair with pickled vegetables (do chua), sticky rice, or a fresh green papaya salad to balance the richness of the wings.
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Make It a Meal: Serve alongside vermicelli noodles and fresh herbs for a full Vietnamese-inspired dinner.
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Garnish It Right: A sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds, chopped scallions, or fresh cilantro takes these wings over the top in presentation and flavor.
Perfect for Any Occasion
Few dishes are as universally loved as fried chicken wings. They’re finger food at its finest easy to share, endlessly customizable, and always a hit at gatherings. But these Five-Spice Fried Chicken Wings take that universal appeal and elevate it with Vietnamese flair.
They’re perfect for:
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Game Day Parties
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Potluck Dinners
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Family Get-Togethers
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Casual Date Nights
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Food Truck Menus
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Weekend Cooking Projects
You can prep them ahead of time, fry them to order, and even freeze batches for future cravings.
Why You’ll Fall in Love with These Wings
There’s something almost addictive about the flavor profile of these Five-Spice Fried Chicken Wings. The spice blend delivers warmth and fragrance, the marinade adds depth, and the crisp finish provides unbeatable texture. The combination is satisfying, soul-soothing, and just the right amount of adventurous.
They introduce eaters to the bold, beautiful flavors of Vietnamese cuisine without requiring hard-to-find ingredients or difficult techniques. Even if you’re new to Asian cooking, this recipe is a fantastic (and fun!) place to start.
Conclusion:
If you’ve been searching for a chicken wing recipe that steps outside the ordinary and brings something new to your table, Crispy Five-Spice Vietnamese Chicken Wings are the way to go. From their uniquely flavorful marinade to the satisfying crunch of every bite, these wings embody the very best of home-cooked comfort food with a global twist.
Not only do they offer a delicious introduction to Vietnamese flavors, but they also prove that fried chicken can be so much more than just southern or spicy it can be aromatic, umami-rich, and downright irresistible.
So the next time you’re planning a party platter or simply treating yourself to a home-cooked indulgence, try these wings. You may just find yourself making them again and again and your friends and family will definitely thank you for it.