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Ms. Donovan’s Famous Kitty Wings: A Perfected Sweet and Sour Chicken Recipe

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“Kitty Wings” is the name lovingly given to this perfected sweet and sour chicken wings recipe. Originally crafted by Evelyn DeBorde, the recipe was later updated and made even more delicious by Danna Doty-Patterson-Donovan. This dish, now a family favorite, blends crispy chicken wings with a tangy, flavorful sauce that has stood the test of time and continues to be a hit at family gatherings and special occasions.

 

  • Author: Danna Donovan - Posted by Joshua Patterson
  • Prep Time: 25 minutes (including cutting and prepping the chicken, and preparing the sauce)
  • Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes (baking time)
  • Total Time: 1 hour 55 minutes
  • Yield: 6-8 servings (depending on appetite and portion size) 1x
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

Ingredients:

  • For the Chicken:
    • 3 lbs (approximately 22) chicken wings
    • 2 large eggs (raw, for dipping)
    • 1 cup flour (for coating)
    • Oil (for frying)
  • For the Sauce:
    • 1 ¼ cup sugar
    • ¾ cup vinegar
    • ½ cup ketchup
    • ½ teaspoon salt
    • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
    • 1/8 teaspoon ground ginger
    • 1 cup pineapple juice (reserve the pineapple tidbits)
    • ¼ cup water
  • For the Toppings:
    • 1 cup pineapple tidbits
    • 1 green bell pepper, cut into strips
    • 1 yellow bell pepper, cut into strips
    • 1 red bell pepper, cut into strips

 

Instructions

Instructions:

  1. Prepare the Chicken:
    • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
    • Cut the tips off the chicken wings, then halve the wings at the joint to create drummettes and wingettes.
    • Dip each piece of chicken in raw egg, then roll it in flour until fully coated.
    • In a large skillet, heat oil over medium heat. Brown the coated chicken wings on all sides until they are golden and crispy. This step ensures the wings have a delightful crunch that will hold up under the sauce.
  2. Make the Sauce:
    • In a mixing bowl, combine the sugar, vinegar, ketchup, salt, soy sauce, ground ginger, pineapple juice, and water. Whisk everything together until the sugar is fully dissolved and the sauce is smooth. This sauce, a blend of Evelyn’s original recipe and Danna’s enhancements, strikes the perfect balance between sweet and sour.
  3. Assemble the Dish:
    • Place the browned chicken wings in a large baking dish, spreading them out evenly.
    • Pour the sweet and sour sauce over the chicken, ensuring each piece is well-coated.
    • Sprinkle the reserved pineapple tidbits over the top of the chicken, followed by the strips of green, yellow, and red bell peppers. The addition of these colorful peppers is one of Danna’s special touches, adding both flavor and visual appeal.
  4. Bake:
    • Cover the baking dish with foil and place it in the preheated oven. Bake for 1 ½ hours, turning the chicken wings once halfway through the cooking time. This slow baking process allows the flavors to meld together beautifully, with the chicken becoming tender and succulent.
  5. Serve and Enjoy:
    • Once done, remove the foil and let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving. The vibrant colors of the peppers and the sweet, tangy aroma will have everyone eager to dig in.

 

Notes

The Legacy of Kitty Wings

This recipe, passed down from Evelyn DeBorde and perfected by Danna Doty-Patterson-Donovan, is a testament to the power of family traditions and the joy of cooking. The evolution of this dish reflects the love and care that both women put into their kitchens, creating meals that bring family and friends together. “Kitty Wings” are more than just a delicious dish—they’re a piece of our family’s history, shared with love from our table to yours.

Nutritional Notes:

  • Calories and fat content are largely influenced by the amount of oil absorbed during frying and the chicken skin. For a lower-fat version, consider removing the skin or baking instead of frying.
  • Sodium levels can be adjusted by using low-sodium soy sauce and reducing the amount of added salt.
  • Sugar content is on the higher side due to the sweet sauce. Adjust the sugar to taste if needed.

 

Nutrition

  • Calories: 350-400 kcal
  • Sugar: 25-30g (from the sugar, pineapple juice, and ketchup)
  • Sodium: 800-1000mg (from the soy sauce, salt, and ketchup)
  • Fat: 15-20g
  • Saturated Fat: 3-4g
  • Carbohydrates: 35-45g
  • Fiber: 1-2g
  • Protein: 20-25g
  • Cholesterol: 120-140mg

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