Chili Lime Chicken Wings
Chili Lime Chicken Wings are a vibrant and crispy dish that perfectly balances tangy lime with spicy chili heat. Easy to prepare and customizable, these wings are ideal for game day, casual dinners, or a flavorful snack that everyone will love.
- Author: Lilly
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
- Total Time: 45-50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Chicken Wings
- 2 pounds fresh chicken wings, whole or separated into drumettes and flats
Marinade
- 1/4 cup fresh lime juice
- 1–2 tablespoons chili powder (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Optional: 1 tablespoon honey or brown sugar for a sweet and spicy kick
- Prepare the Wings: Pat the chicken wings dry thoroughly with paper towels; if whole, separate them into drumettes and flats to ensure even cooking.
- Make the Marinade: In a bowl, whisk together fresh lime juice, chili powder, garlic powder, olive oil, salt, and black pepper until well combined to create a vibrant, flavorful marinade.
- Marinate the Wings: Toss the wings in the marinade, ensuring each piece is evenly coated. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes and up to 2 hours to let the flavors absorb.
- Cook to Crispy Perfection: Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with foil and place a wire rack on top. Arrange the wings in a single layer on the rack to allow air circulation. Bake for 35-40 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crispy.
- Final Zest and Serve: Once cooked, toss the wings with any remaining marinade or a fresh squeeze of lime juice. Serve immediately for the best balance of crispiness and juicy, tangy flavor.
Notes
- Dry the wings thoroughly before marinating to ensure crispy skin.
- Use a wire rack when baking to promote even air circulation and crisping.
- Adjust chili powder gradually to control the spice level.
- Let cooked wings rest briefly before serving to keep them moist.
- Add a splash of fresh lime juice at the end to brighten flavors.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 5-6 wings
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 4 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 24 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg
Keywords: chili lime chicken wings, spicy chicken wings, crispy chicken wings, game day snacks, appetizer, gluten free wings