Chicken Wings with Red Rice and Vegetable Medley
By Tima Gaye
🎥 Unlock the Chicken & Rice Quiz Answers
Watch a short video, then test your knowledge of this rich, vegetable-enhanced chicken & red rice fusion dish! 🍗🌶️🍚
(After watching, the quiz answers will appear below!)
🧠 Quick Quiz: Symphony of Flavours – Chicken & Rice
- Which color-giving ingredient is added to the rice to make it red?
- What spices season the chicken wings in this dish?
- Which vegetables are included in the vegetable medley?
- What flavor base ingredients are used in the sauce or marinade?
- Why is oil used in cooking the rice before adding liquid?
💡 Tip: Think about color, seasoning, base flavors, and cooking technique!
📘 Table of Contents
🎥 Craving a quick dinner idea? Try this easy stir-fry packed with flavor and fresh veggies—perfect with red rice or noodles!
Introduction
Welcome to my kitchen! Today, we’re cooking one of my all-time favorite comfort meals—Red Rice with Crispy Chicken Wings. It’s bright, flavorful, and so satisfying. Imagine juicy, golden-fried wings sitting on a bed of fluffy, vibrant red rice, with stir-fried veggies adding that extra pop of color and crunch.
This dish isn’t just delicious—it feels like a celebration on your plate. Whether you’re making it for a cozy family dinner or a special gathering, it’s one of those meals that always gets compliments. And the best part? It’s easier than it looks!
🛒 Ingredients
Chicken Wings
- 1 kg chicken wings
- 1 tsp smoky paprika
- ½ tsp black pepper
- Salt (to taste)
- Oil for frying
Vegetables
- 1 red & 1 green bell pepper, sliced
- 1 leek stem, chopped
- 1 tomato, diced
- 1 onion, sliced
Sauce
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- ½ cup water
- Salt (to taste)
Red Rice
- 1 cup uncooked rice
- 2 cups water
- 1 tsp oil
- Few drops red food coloring (optional)
Marinate & Fry the Chicken Wings
Let’s kick things off with the star of the dish—those crispy, golden chicken wings!
Start by placing your chicken wings in a large bowl. Sprinkle over 1 tsp smoky paprika, salt to taste, and about ½ tsp black pepper. Give everything a good mix with your hands or a spoon until the wings are evenly coated in all that flavorful seasoning. Then let them rest for at least 15 minutes. This gives the wings time to soak up the spices and get extra tasty.
While they’re marinating, heat a good amount of cooking oil in a deep pan or skillet over high heat. Once hot, carefully add the wings in batches (don’t overcrowd the pan!). Fry them until the skin is golden brown and crispy on the outside.
✨ Tip: If the wings are browning too fast, reduce the heat to medium to make sure the inside cooks through without burning the outside.
Once done, transfer the crispy wings to a plate lined with paper towels and set aside—we’ll bring them back later!
🫑Prep the Vegetables-Add Colour, Flavor & Freshness
In the same pan (or a clean one if you prefer), pour out excess oil, leaving just about 1 tablespoon. Heat it over medium heat, then add your sliced onion and give it a quick stir until it starts to soften and turn slightly golden—this builds a lovely base flavor.
Now that our golden chicken wings are resting, it’s time to prep the vegetables and add some color to the mix!
On the plate, you’ve got beautiful slices of red bell pepper, red onion, and fresh leek—simple ingredients that bring a whole lot of life to the dish. These veggies don’t just look good, they each add their flavor too: the bell pepper is sweet and mellow, the red onion brings depth, and the leek gives a nice mild kick that blends everything beautifully.
🍲 Build the Flavorful Sauce
Begin by adding your sautéed vegetables into the same pan—those bright colors and fresh aromas are ready to shine again. Let them cook gently for a minute or two to warm through and reawaken their natural flavors.
Once they’re nice and hot, pour in about ½ cup of water. Add a pinch of salt to taste, followed by 2 tablespoons of soy sauce. Stir everything well so the seasoning spreads evenly and the sauce begins to bubble and thicken slightly.
Now it’s time for the crispy chicken wings to return to the pan. Place them in carefully and make sure they get fully coated in that savory, glossy sauce.
Cover the pan and let everything simmer together for 5–8 minutes. This final simmer lets the chicken absorb all those bold flavors, while the vegetables stay fresh and vibrant.
At this point, the aroma filling your kitchen is something special—rich, savory, and irresistible!
🍚 Cook the Red Rice
First, rinse your rice thoroughly under cold water until the water runs clear. This step removes excess starch so the grains don’t clump together while cooking.
After draining, heat about a teaspoon of oil in a clean pot over medium heat. Add the rice and give it a gentle stir for a minute to coat each grain—this brings out a lovely nutty aroma.
If you’d like to use red food coloring, add just a few drops here. It’s optional but it gives the rice that rich, warm color that makes the dish stand out.
Next, pour in 2 cups of water and sprinkle in some salt to taste. Bring everything to a gentle boil, then lower the heat to a simmer. Cover the pot with a lid and let it cook undisturbed for about 15–20 minutes, or until the rice is fluffy and tender. Try not to peek too often—letting the steam stay in is key to perfect texture!
🍽️ Plating & Serving Time
Now comes the fun part—bringing everything together!
Grab a nice serving platter and gently fluff your red rice with a fork. Spread it out evenly across the base—it makes the perfect bed for all that goodness to sit on.
Next, place your crispy, saucy chicken wings right on top of the rice. Make sure they’re spaced out nicely so each one gets its spotlight. Then, spoon that flavorful vegetable medley and sauce over everything, letting it drizzle into the rice for extra taste in every bite.
✨ Want to add a final touch? Sprinkle over some chopped spring onions or fresh herbs like parsley or coriander for a pop of green and freshness.
💡 Tips for Success
- Let the chicken marinate for at least 15 minutes to really lock in the flavors.
- Fry the wings in batches if needed to avoid overcrowding the pan — this keeps them crispy!
- Use freshly chopped veggies for maximum crunch and color.
- Add a few chili flakes if you like it spicy — or keep it mild for everyone to enjoy.
- Fluff the rice with a fork before serving for the best texture.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Can I bake the chicken instead of frying it?
Yes! You can bake the marinated wings at 200°C (400°F) for 30–35 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Can I use brown rice instead of red rice?
Absolutely. Just adjust cooking time and water ratio based on the rice type you’re using.
Is the red food coloring necessary?
Not at all — it’s just for visual appeal. You can leave it out if you prefer a natural look.
Can I make this ahead?
Yes, all components can be cooked and stored separately. Reheat gently before serving.
🔗 Helpful Outbound Resources
- 🍚 BBC Good Food – How to Cook Brown Rice
Expert tips for perfectly cooking brown rice every time—including water ratios and timing. :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}
- 🧀 Delish – Baked Pasta Recipes
A comforting collection of cheesy baked pasta dinners perfect for cozy weeknight meals.
- 🍅 Bon Appétit – Burst Cherry Tomato Pasta Recipe
A bright, quick pasta recipe featuring juicy, burst cherry tomatoes in just 15 minutes.
About the Author:
Tima Gaye is a Gambian-born, UK-based home cook and recipe creator. She shares rich, flavorful recipes inspired by African roots and global dishes. Every meal she creates comes from the heart — blending tradition, creativity, and love.
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