African Food and Art

This blog explores the wisdom of African proverbs, the depth of folklore, the beauty of art, the stories of history, and the flavors of timeless African food recipes.

Sticky Red Bush South African Chicken Wings

Your friends think your chicken wing game is boring; enhance your wing game by crafting a delectable glaze that blends the robust and comforting flavors of South African Rooibos tea and honey.

Red Bush South African Chicken Wings Tea Honey Glaze
Red Bush South African Chicken Wings

Elevate your chicken wings by preparing a delicious glaze that combines the rich and comforting flavors of South African Rooibos red tea with the natural sweetness of honey. The aromatic Rooibos red tea brings a unique depth of flavor, while the honey adds a delightful sweetness, resulting in a sticky and irresistible glaze for your chicken wings.

The word rooibos comes from the Afrikaans language, which means red bush. The red bush in South Africa has herbal and culinary properties. This simple recipe makes crisp, tender chicken wings sing with a perfect sticky rooibos red tea honey glaze.

Red Bush South African Chicken Wings Tea Honey Glaze

Red Bush Tea Chicken Marinade Ingredients

1/4 tablespoon white pepper

1 tablespoon garlic, chopped

1 tablespoon salt

1/2 tablespoon sugar

1 tablespoon soy sauce

1 tablespoon rice wine vinegar

1 tablespoon sesame oil


Chicken Wings Ingredients

3 pounds whole chicken wings, washed and patted dry

2 cups vegetable oil

½ cup all-purpose white flour


Rooibos Tea Glaze Ingredients

5 tea bags of Rooibos tea

1 1/2 cups water

1 cup honey


Directions for the Marinade, Chicken Wings, and Rooibos Red Tea Glaze

Red Bush South African Chicken Wings

Honey and Rooibos Tea Glazed Chicken Wings


Marinade Directions

In a medium bowl, combine the ingredients for the marinade; whisk well to dissolve the sugar and salt.


Chicken Wings Directions

Toss the chicken wings in the marinade. Let rest in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes or up to overnight. When ready to cook chicken wings, in a large pot over medium heat, add enough oil to the pan to fry the chicken. Drain the chicken wings from the marinade and coat them in flour. Fry the wings in small batches over medium heat until cooked through. Allow wings to cool slightly on a wire rack. Right before serving, drizzle over the Rooibos tea glaze.


Rooibos Red Tea Glaze Directions

To make the tea glaze, bring water to a boil in a small saucepan and add the tea bags. Steep tea for 30 minutes, then discard tea bags. Add honey and bring the mixture to a boil; heat until the tea mixture thickens. Allow to cool to room temperature. 


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