Chili Lime Chicken Wings

Chicken wings have transcended their humble beginnings to become a beloved staple in the realm of appetizers and party foods. Whether served at lively gatherings, game day celebrations, or casual family dinners, they consistently deliver a satisfying crunch and burst of flavor that tantalizes the taste buds. Among the myriad of flavor profiles that can be applied to chicken wings, the Zesty Chili Lime Chicken Wings stand out for their bright, tangy, and slightly spicy character. This recipe combines the refreshing zest of lime with the warmth of chili, creating a delightful balance that makes these wings irresistible.

Discover the irresistible flavors of Zesty Chili Lime Chicken Wings! This recipe brings together the bright tang of lime and a kick of chili for a delicious crowd-pleaser. Easy to prepare, you can whip them up for game day, parties, or a casual family dinner. The result is crispy, juicy wings that are packed with flavor and perfect for sharing. Make these at home and impress your guests with your culinary skills!

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Ingredients

2 pounds chicken wings

1 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon black pepper

1 tablespoon garlic powder

1 tablespoon onion powder

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

2 tablespoons olive oil

Zest of 1 lime

Juice of 2 limes

1 tablespoon honey

2 tablespoons chili powder (adjust to taste)

1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)

Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)

Lime wedges (for serving)

Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and place a wire rack on top. This will help the wings become crispy.

Prepare the Wings: In a large bowl, toss the chicken wings with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika until evenly coated.

Make the Marinade: In a separate bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lime zest, lime juice, honey, chili powder, and cayenne pepper (if using). This will be your vibrant chili lime marinade.

Coat the Wings: Slowly pour the marinade over the chicken wings and toss until they are thoroughly coated. For the best flavor, let the wings marinate for at least 30 minutes at room temperature or for up to 2 hours in the refrigerator.

Arrange Wings: Place the marinated wings on the wire rack in a single layer, making sure they’re not touching to ensure proper cooking and crispiness.

Bake: Bake the wings in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes or until they are golden brown and crispy, flipping them halfway through for even cooking.

Broil for Crispness (optional): For added crispiness, switch on the broiler for the last 3-5 minutes of baking, keeping a close eye on them to prevent burning.

Garnish and Serve: Once the wings are done, remove them from the oven and let them rest for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve with lime wedges on the side.

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 55-65 minutes | Servings: 4-6