Introduction
There are few meals as satisfying as a plate of perfectly glazed BBQ chicken wings, crisp golden roast potatoes, and a refreshing side of kachumbari – a vibrant East African salad made of tomatoes, onions, and fresh herbs. This trio brings together smoky, tangy, crunchy, and refreshing flavors, making it a wholesome, balanced, and crowd-pleasing meal.
BBQ chicken wings are loved worldwide for their finger-licking flavor and irresistible juiciness. Roasting potatoes until they’re golden and crisp provides the perfect hearty side, while kachumbari (a fresh tomato and onion salad popular in Kenya, Tanzania, and neighboring regions) adds a zesty contrast. Together, they create a plate that balances indulgence and freshness – ideal for family dinners, weekend feasts, or even entertaining guests.
This recipe takes you step by step through marinating, roasting, and assembling everything. With minimal pantry staples and simple cooking methods, you can bring this restaurant-style dish to your own kitchen.
Ingredients
For the BBQ Chicken Wings (serves 4–6):
1 kg chicken wings (split into flats and drumettes)
1 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
1 tsp black pepper
2 tbsp olive oil (or vegetable oil)
2 tbsp soy sauce (optional, for umami depth)
1 tbsp apple cider vinegar or lemon juice
2 tbsp honey or brown sugar
½ cup BBQ sauce (store-bought or homemade)
1 tsp paprika (smoked if available)
½ tsp chili flakes or cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 tsp grated ginger
For the Roast Potatoes:
800 g baby potatoes (or regular potatoes, cut into chunks)
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp dried rosemary or thyme
Optional: ½ tsp smoked paprika for extra flavor
For the Kachumbari (Salad):
3 medium ripe tomatoes, finely chopped
1 large red onion, thinly sliced
1 cucumber, diced (optional)
1 fresh chili, finely chopped (optional, for heat)
Juice of 1 large lemon or lime
2 tbsp fresh coriander (cilantro), chopped
Salt and pepper to taste
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preparing the Chicken Wings
Clean and trim the wings: Rinse the wings and pat them dry with a paper towel. Removing excess moisture ensures they crisp up better in the oven.
Mix the marinade: In a large bowl, combine olive oil, soy sauce, vinegar (or lemon juice), honey, BBQ sauce, paprika, garlic, ginger, chili flakes, salt, and pepper. Stir until well combined.
Marinate: Add the wings to the bowl and coat them evenly in the marinade. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, but ideally overnight for maximum flavor absorption.
Roast or grill: Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F). Place the wings on a baking tray lined with parchment. Roast for 35–40 minutes, turning halfway, until golden and slightly charred. Brush with extra BBQ sauce in the last 5 minutes for a sticky glaze.
(Tip: For extra smokiness, grill them over charcoal for 20–25 minutes, basting with sauce as they cook.)
2. Making Crispy Roast Potatoes
Parboil: Place potato chunks in salted boiling water for 7–8 minutes until slightly tender but not fully cooked. Drain and let steam-dry.
Rough up the edges: Toss the potatoes gently in the pot so the edges get slightly fluffy – this creates extra crispiness when roasting.
Season & roast: Preheat oven to 200°C (400°F). Spread potatoes on a baking tray. Drizzle with olive oil, sprinkle with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and rosemary. Toss well. Roast for 30–35 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden brown and crispy.
3. Fresh Kachumbari Salad
Soften the onions: To reduce sharpness, soak thinly sliced onions in salted water or lemon juice for 10 minutes, then drain.
Combine: In a bowl, mix chopped tomatoes, onions, cucumber (if using), chili, lemon juice, salt, pepper, and coriander.
Chill: Let the salad rest in the fridge for 10–15 minutes to allow flavors to meld before serving.
Assembling the Plate
Arrange a generous serving of BBQ chicken wings on one side of the plate.
Add a portion of crispy golden roast potatoes.
Finish with a refreshing scoop of kachumbari salad for balance.
Garnish with fresh coriander or parsley, and serve with extra BBQ sauce on the side.
Cooking Tips & Tricks
Extra crispy wings: Pat wings very dry before marinating, and bake on a wire rack so heat circulates evenly.
Make ahead: Marinate chicken the night before to save time.
Spice it up: Add chili powder, cayenne, or hot sauce for fiery wings.
Roast potatoes shortcut: Use an air fryer at 200°C (400°F) for 20–25 minutes for faster results.
Balance flavors: The sweetness of BBQ wings pairs perfectly with the tangy freshness of kachumbari – don’t skip the salad!
Variations
Different proteins: Replace wings with chicken drumsticks or thighs.
Potato alternatives: Try sweet potatoes for a caramelized twist.
Kachumbari upgrade: Add avocado cubes for creaminess or sprinkle with feta cheese.
Fusion style: Toss wings in peri-peri or teriyaki sauce instead of BBQ for variety.
Serving Suggestions
Serve with corn on the cob or garlic bread for a heartier meal.
Pair with a cold drink – iced tea, soda, or even a chilled beer for adults.
Great for game nights, family BBQs, or casual gatherings.
Storage & Reheating
Chicken wings: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 180°C (350°F) for 10 minutes to restore crispiness.
Roast potatoes: Best eaten fresh, but can be reheated in an air fryer or oven.
Kachumbari: Best served fresh, but can be refrigerated for up to 24 hours.
Nutrition (per serving, approx.):
Calories: ~480
Protein: 28 g
Carbohydrates: 45 g
Fat: 20 g
Fiber: 5 g
Conclusion
This BBQ Chicken Wings with Roast Potatoes and Kachumbari recipe is the ultimate comfort food platter. Juicy, smoky, sweet-and-savory wings paired with crispy roast potatoes and a refreshing, tangy salad make it a balanced and delicious meal. Whether you’re cooking for your family, hosting a gathering, or just craving comfort food, this recipe is sure to impress.
With just a few ingredients and simple steps, you’ll have a restaurant-worthy dish on your table in under an hour. And the best part? You can easily customize it with your favorite spices, sauces, or veggies.
So next time you want a dish that’s hearty, flavorful, and bursting with freshness – give this recipe a try. One bite of those sticky wings with crispy potatoes and zesty kachumbari, and you’ll understand why this combo is loved by so many.