Instructions

Preheat your oven to 475° and set a rack to the middle position. Line a large baking sheet with foil and put it in the oven while it preheats. Meanwhile, in a medium-size bowl, toss the chicken wings with the oil, salt, and pepper.

When the oven is hot, remove the baking sheet and arrange the wings on the foil, evenly spaced. Transfer to the oven and cook until the skin is browned and crisp, turning them halfway through, 40 to 45 minutes total.

Meanwhile, pour the cider and soy sauce into a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the star anise (if using) and half the scallions and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to a simmer and cook the mixture down until it has the consistency of maple syrup. Remove from the heat.

When the wings are cooked, use a spatula or slotted spoon to transfer them to the skillet with the glaze. Toss to coat. Transfer to a bowl, remove the star-anise pod, sprinkle with sesame seeds and the remaining scallions, and serve hot.

Additional Notes:

Star anise is a beautiful seed pod that resembles anise in flavor. It’s not essential to the dish, but it adds an aromatic layer. Look for it in the spice aisle of your local supermarket or Asian grocery store.