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Chili Lime Chicken Wings

Spicy, tangy, and crispy, these chili lime chicken wings are a crowd-pleasing appetizer or main dish for any occasion. The combination of chili powder and fresh lime creates a balanced and irresistible flavor that’s perfect for any gathering.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Servings 4
Calories 300 kcal

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

Instructions
 

  • Prepare the chicken wings
  • Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
  • Pat the chicken wings dry with paper towels. The drier they are, the crispier they’ll get once baked!
  • Place the wings in a large bowl and drizzle them with olive oil. Toss to coat evenly.
  • 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 ensure they are evenly coated.
  • 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 golden brown and crispy on the outside.
  • 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 and add cayenne pepper or extra chili powder if you want more heat.
  • 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 with the flavorful sauce.
  • Garnish and serve
  • Garnish the wings with fresh cilantro and an extra squeeze of lime juice if desired.
  • Serve them hot and enjoy the perfect combination of spice, tang, and crunch!

Notes

  • Crispier wings: For extra crispiness, place the wings on a wire rack on the baking sheet to allow the heat to circulate around them.
  • Adjusting the heat: Add more or less cayenne pepper based on your heat preference. You can skip the cayenne for a milder version.
  • Grilling option: You can also grill these wings. Preheat the grill to medium-high and cook the wings for 20-25 minutes, flipping every few minutes.
  • Sauce variations: For a sweeter twist, add honey or brown sugar to the chili lime sauce for a touch of sweetness to balance the heat.