Barbecued Buzzard Wings

From the World of Warcraft online game  

Ah, questing in the Badlands. The scenery’s as dull as a gray cloak, filled with big black dragons, Uldaman... Not much to look at, really. But then there was Rigglefuzz, the one guy who made it all worth it. Rumor has it, he can whip up a mean barbecued buzzard wing. He described them as rich and tangy, with just the right amount of spice. And maybe a little extra kick from the Hot Spices he’s so fond of. Well, I’ve crafted my own barbecue sauce to match that flavor profile: rich, tangy, and spicy, just like Rigglefuzz’s legendary wings. So here it is, folks! Add it to your 12-slot mageweave bag and get cooking!

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
• 1/2 medium white onion, minced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 pounds chicken wings
• 2 cups ketchup
• 1/2 cup molasses
• 1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce
  
• 1/4 cup chicken broth
• 1 to 2 tablespoons lime juice
• 1/4 cup dark brown sugar
• 2 teaspoons powdered mustard
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
• 1 teaspoon prepared horseradish
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1/4 cup neutral oil (for browning)
  

Directions

1. Season the chicken drums liberally with salt and pepper and set aside.
2.  In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium high heat until bubbling. Add the onion and garlic and saute for 4 to 6 minutes until softened and fragrant, and the onions have lightly browned.
3. Reduce the heat to medium and add the lemon juice, ketchup, molasses, cinnamon, brown sugar, powdered mustard, cayenne pepper, horseradish, soy sauce, and Worcestershire sauce to the saucepan.  
4. Simmer, stirring occasionally, until the sauce is well combined and has thickened slightly, about 15 to 20 minutes. Taste and adjust seasonings. Once the sauce is seasoned and thickened to your liking, remove from heat and cover. 
5. Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken wings in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pan.  Brown each side of the wings for 3-4 minutes until golden. Remove wings and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain.  
6.  Place the browned wings in a large bowl and pour about 1/2 cup of the prepared barbecue sauce over them. Toss to coat evenly.  
7. Arrange the coated wings in a shallow baking dish. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 25-30 minutes, or until the wings are fully cooked with no pink remaining (the internal temperature of the chicken should reach at least 165°F), and the sauce is bubbling.  Baste the wings with more sauce halfway through baking.
   
8. Remove the wings from the oven and let them rest for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy with any remaining barbecue sauce on the side or drizzled on top.

 

Alternative grilling method: Follow the recipe as written until Step 5. After browning the wings in the skillet, preheat your grill to high heat and brush the grates with oil. Grill the wings for 5 to 6 minutes per side, turning occasionally, until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). In the last few minutes of grilling, brush the wings with the barbecue sauce to caramelize it. Remove from the grill, let rest for a few minutes, and glaze with the remaining sauce.

Serves 4 to 6 Goblins

This recipe has been reformatted and reworded for clarity. Adjustments have been made to the ingredients for a more balanced sauce. A browning step has been added, along with an alternative method for grilling the wings.