How To Cook Suya BBQ Wings

I present another quick and easy chicken recipe idea, particularly handy for the festive season or any other food event.

Suya is a spice which is probably the most popular spice in Nigeria. The making it is based on similar concepts that the Indians produce their masala spices. Suya spice constitutes a blend of different individual spices such as ginger, garlic, chilli powder, seasoning etc. As you would expect, the blends produce different tastes and level of chilli heat/spiciness.

I blend my own suya spice because this way I am able to determine the quantity of chilli powder that I add. This is of most importance to be because most suya spices sold in the market are often overwhelmingly spicy. This high level of chilli, in my opinion, takes away from the enjoyment meant to be derived from the intricate combination of the different individual spices and condiments.

Wings are one of my favourite parts of the chicken I love to eat. The texture and the flavours derived from them are just so addictive. I do enjoy to eat regular BBQ wings and I also love to explore with different spices to extend their level of deliciousness. One of the spices I have successfully used to enhance the taste of wings is the suya spice. I assure you, if you use good quality suya spice, you will be amazed at how the flavours develop and how even more addictive chicken wings are... Try it.

What you need:

• Chicken wings (good quality organic chicken wings)
• Ground kuli kuli (or use peanut butter as an alternative)
• Suya spice
• Salt or chicken seasoning powder
• Brown sugar (optional)
• Groundnut oil (or any other type of oil)

What to do:

• Cut the chicken wings into their segments and rinse in some water with a dash of lemon juice. 
• Transfer chicken wings into a large bowl then add some ground kuli kuli, suya spice, some salt, some brown sugar (if using) and a drizzling of groundnut oil. The quantity you add will depend on the amount of chicken wings you have. Ensure that at the end, you have enough spice marinade to cover all the wings. 
• Cover the chicken with some foil paper (in the bowl) and set aside to marinate for as long as you can allow. The longer the better for flavour development. 
• Pre heat oven to 190. Then transfer the marinated wings into a baking pan or tray. 
• Cover the pan containing the chicken with foil paper and place into the oven. 
• First, allow to cook, covered with the foil, for about 20 minutes. This will enable the chicken to steam - bake. 
• Then remove the foil cover, turn the chicken wings on their sides and continue baking until golden brown. 
• When done, serve wings on a bed of shredded lettuce and sprinkle more suya spice over them. 
• Serve hot, but also delicious cold. They make excellent canapés or starter