Pan-Fried Lao Chicken Wings with Garlic and Pepper
Tender chicken wings pan-fried until golden, infused with garlic and black pepper for a simple yet flavorful Lao-inspired appetizer. This lao-inspired chicken ready in about 41 minutes pairs pound chicken wings, finely minced garlic cloves, teaspoon, freshly ground black pepper for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 280 calories and feeds 3, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 1 pound chicken wings
- 5, finely minced garlic cloves
- 1 teaspoon, freshly ground black pepper
- 2 tablespoons fish sauce
- 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 4, for serving lime wedges
- 1/4 cup, chopped fresh cilantro
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Pat dry 1 pound chicken wings with paper towels; marinate them in a bowl with 5 finely minced garlic cloves, 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, and 2 tablespoons fish sauce for 20 minutes at room temperature.
- Step 2: Heat 3 tablespoons vegetable oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat until shimmering.
- Step 3: Add marinated chicken wings in a single layer and pan-fry for 6-8 minutes per side, turning occasionally to achieve a golden-brown, crispy exterior and cooked through interior.
- Step 4: Remove wings from the skillet and place on a plate lined with paper towels to absorb excess oil.
- Step 5: Sprinkle chopped 1/4 cup fresh cilantro over the wings and serve immediately with 4 lime wedges on the side to squeeze over the wings for a bright finish.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Pan-Fried Lao Chicken Wings with Garlic and Pepper take to make?
Total time is about 41 minutes (25 min prep + 16 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Pan-Fried Lao Chicken Wings with Garlic and Pepper?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep pound chicken wings from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Pan-Fried Lao Chicken Wings with Garlic and Pepper?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Pan-Fried Lao Chicken Wings with Garlic and Pepper for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 3 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 3). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Pan-Fried Lao Chicken Wings with Garlic and Pepper?
Lao chicken like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
