Chili Lime Chicken Wings

I first made these chili lime chicken wings when I was in the mood for something with a little heat but also refreshing. I had some fresh limes in the fridge and a packet of chili powder—so, I decided to combine them with some crispy chicken wings. The result was nothing short of amazing! The heat from the chili powder combined with the zesty lime juice made for an irresistible flavor that my whole family devoured.

Why You’ll Love These Chili Lime Chicken Wings

If you’re a fan of bold flavors, these chili lime chicken wings are going to be your new favorite. The combination of spicy chili and tangy lime creates the perfect balance, making each bite mouthwateringly good. Whether you’re serving them at a family dinner, a game night, or just craving something savory and satisfying, these wings are always a hit.

The best part? These wings are super easy to make and don’t require a long list of ingredients. With just a few simple items, you can whip up a batch of these crispy, flavorful wings in no time!

What You’ll Need to Make Chili Lime Chicken Wings

This recipe is so simple and requires only a handful of ingredients. Most of them are likely things you already have at home, which makes it perfect for when you need to satisfy a craving without a big grocery trip.

Ingredients:

• 12 chicken wings
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
• Juice of 2 limes
• Zest of 1 lime
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh cilantro (for garnish, optional)

How to Make Chili Lime Chicken Wings

Making these chili lime chicken wings is incredibly easy, and you’ll have them ready in no time! Here’s a step-by-step guide to ensure they come out crispy and packed with flavor.

Step 1: Prepare the chicken wings

• Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
• Pat the chicken wings dry with paper towels. The drier the wings, the crispier they’ll be once baked!
• Place the wings in a large bowl and drizzle them with olive oil. Toss the wings to coat them evenly.

Step 2: Season the wings

• In a small bowl, mix together the chili powder, paprika, garlic powder, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and pepper.
• Sprinkle the seasoning mix over the chicken wings and toss them again to make sure all the wings are evenly coated with the spices.

Step 3: Bake the wings

• Arrange the wings in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a wire rack.
• Bake for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the wings are golden brown and crispy on the outside.

Step 4: Make the chili lime sauce

• While the wings are baking, mix together the lime juice, lime zest, and a pinch of salt in a small bowl.
• Taste the sauce—if you want more heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or extra chili powder.

Step 5: Toss the wings in the chili lime sauce

• Once the wings are cooked and crispy, remove them from the oven and immediately toss them in the lime and chili sauce.
• Make sure each wing is evenly coated in the flavorful sauce.

Step 6: Garnish and serve

• Garnish the wings with fresh cilantro and an extra squeeze of lime juice if you’d like.
• Serve them up while they’re hot and enjoy the perfect combination of spice, tang, and crunch!

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Tips for Perfect Chili Lime Chicken Wings

• Crispier wings: If you want your wings extra crispy, place them on a wire rack on the baking sheet so the heat circulates around the wings. This helps them get even crispier.
• Adjusting the heat: You can easily adjust the heat level by adding more or less cayenne pepper. For a milder version, skip the cayenne altogether.
• Grilling option: If you prefer grilling, you can cook these wings on the grill instead. Just make sure to preheat the grill to medium-high heat, and cook the wings for about 20-25 minutes, flipping every few minutes.
• Sauce variations: If you like a sweeter twist, you can add a tablespoon of honey or brown sugar to the chili lime sauce for a bit of sweetness to balance the heat.

Why These Chili Lime Chicken Wings Are So Special

These chili lime chicken wings aren’t just delicious—they’re a crowd-pleasing favorite that’s perfect for any occasion. The combination of the crispy chicken and the vibrant, tangy sauce is so satisfying that you’ll find yourself going back for more.

I make these wings all the time for parties, family dinners, and even just a cozy night in. They’re quick to prepare, but they taste like they came straight from a restaurant’s menu. Whether you like your wings spicy or just a little tangy, this recipe is sure to hit the spot.

FAQ – Everything You Might Be Wondering

Can I make these wings ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare and bake the wings in advance, then store them in the fridge for up to two days. When you’re ready to serve, just reheat them in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 10 minutes, then toss them in the chili lime sauce.

Can I use frozen chicken wings?
Yes, frozen wings will work just fine. Just make sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before cooking to ensure they crisp up nicely.

Can I make this recipe on the grill?
Definitely! For grilled wings, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Grill the wings for about 20-25 minutes, flipping every few minutes. Toss them in the chili lime sauce once they’re crispy and golden.

What can I serve these wings with?
These chili lime wings pair great with a side of roasted veggies, a fresh salad, or some crispy French fries. You could also serve them with a dipping sauce like ranch or blue cheese for extra flavor.

Final Thoughts

These chili lime chicken wings are the perfect combination of heat, tang, and crispy goodness. They’re simple to make but pack a punch of flavor that everyone will love. Whether you’re serving them for a casual dinner or a fun party snack, they’re guaranteed to be a hit. Give them a try, and let the zesty lime and spicy chili create a flavor explosion that’ll leave you coming back for more!