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- 2 lbs chicken wings - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 2 tablespoons chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, minced - 1 tablespoon smoked paprika - 1 teaspoon cumin - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - 1 teaspoon salt - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper - 1 tablespoon honey (optional for sweetness) - Fresh cilantro, chopped - Lime wedges - Measuring spoons - Mixing bowls - Zip-top bags or bowls for marinating To make these wings pop with flavor, you need the right ingredients. Chicken wings are the star of this dish. They soak up all the tasty spices. Olive oil helps keep the wings moist and adds richness. Chipotle peppers give a smoky heat that brings the southwest vibe. Smoked paprika adds depth and color. Cumin brings a warm, earthy flavor. Garlic and onion powder add a savory touch. Salt and black pepper enhance all the tastes. If you want a touch of sweetness, honey works great. For garnishing, fresh cilantro brightens the dish. Lime wedges add a zesty kick when you squeeze them on top. Use measuring spoons for accuracy. Mixing bowls help combine the marinade well. A zip-top bag or bowl is perfect for marinating the wings efficiently. Gather these items, and you're ready to create mouthwatering Southwest Chipotle Chicken Wings! {{ingredient_image_1}} To start, gather your ingredients in one spot. In a medium bowl, mix 2 tablespoons of olive oil, 2 tablespoons of minced chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, 1 tablespoon of smoked paprika, 1 teaspoon of cumin, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of onion powder, 1 teaspoon of salt, and 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper. If you like a hint of sweetness, add 1 tablespoon of honey. Stir everything together until well combined. This marinade should be thick and smooth. The chipotle gives a nice smoky flavor, while the spices add warmth. Next, place the 2 pounds of chicken wings in a large zip-top bag or a bowl. Pour the marinade over the wings. Make sure each wing gets coated well. You want all that flavor to soak in. Seal the bag or cover the bowl tightly. Place it in the fridge for at least 1 hour. For the best taste, let it marinate overnight. This longer time allows the flavors to blend deeply into the chicken. Now, it’s time to bake! Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil or parchment paper for easy cleanup. Place a wire rack on top of the baking sheet. This rack helps the air circulate around the wings, making them crispier. After the wings have marinated, take them out and let the excess marinade drip off. Arrange the wings in a single layer on the wire rack. Bake them for 40 to 45 minutes. Flip them halfway through for even cooking. They should turn golden brown and crispy. If you want extra crunch, broil the wings for a few minutes. After baking, turn your broiler to high. Broil the wings for 2 to 3 minutes. Keep an eye on them to avoid burning. The broiler can cook them quickly, so check often. This step adds a lovely finish to the wings. When the wings are done, take them out of the oven. Let them rest for a few minutes. This helps keep them juicy. For a nice touch, sprinkle some freshly chopped cilantro on top. Serve them with lime wedges on the side. A squeeze of lime adds a bright flavor. You can pair these wings with your favorite dipping sauces, like ranch or blue cheese. Enjoy the bold taste of your Southwest Chipotle Chicken Wings! Marinating is key for great taste. I suggest marinating your wings for at least one hour. However, overnight is best. It allows the flavors to soak in deeply. You can adjust the spice levels by adding more or less chipotle peppers. If you want less heat, try using fewer peppers or add some honey for sweetness. You can cook these wings in different ways. Grilling adds a nice smoky flavor. Bake them in the oven for a crisp finish. If you’re in a hurry, use an air fryer. It cooks the wings quickly while keeping them crispy. Pair these wings with tasty sides. Corn on the cob or a fresh salad works great. For dipping sauces, try ranch or blue cheese. They complement the smoky flavor of the wings nicely. Pro Tips Marinate Longer for Maximum Flavor: Allow the wings to marinate overnight for the best flavor infusion. If short on time, aim for a minimum of 1 hour. Use a Wire Rack: Baking the wings on a wire rack allows air to circulate around them, resulting in an evenly cooked and crispy exterior. Adjust Spice Level: If you prefer milder wings, reduce the amount of chipotle peppers or omit the honey for a more balanced heat. Garnish for Presentation: Fresh cilantro and lime wedges not only enhance the presentation but also add a fresh flavor that complements the spicy wings. {{image_2}} You can change the taste of your wings by using different spices. Try adding cayenne for more heat or smoked paprika for a deeper flavor. If you want a hint of sweetness, mix in brown sugar or maple syrup. These small changes can take your wings to the next level. You can cook these wings in different ways. Oven-baked wings are crispy and easy to make. Simply follow the recipe. For a different texture, you can fry them. Frying gives the wings a nice crunch. Just be careful with the hot oil. If you want a meatless option, try using tofu or cauliflower. Tofu absorbs flavors well and can be grilled or baked just like chicken. Cauliflower wings are also great. Just cut the cauliflower into florets, coat them in the same marinade, and bake until crispy. Both options are delicious and fun to make! To store leftover wings, first let them cool. Place them in an airtight container. Keep them in the fridge. The best practice is to cover them tightly to avoid air exposure. Leftovers can last up to three days. If you want to freeze wings, start by cooling them completely. Then, place them in a freezer-safe bag. Squeeze out as much air as you can before sealing. Wings can stay fresh for up to three months in the freezer. When ready to eat, thaw them in the fridge overnight. For reheating, the oven is best. Preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place wings on a baking sheet. Heat them for about 10-15 minutes. This keeps them crispy. If you use the microwave, they may get soggy. Heat in short bursts, but it’s not the best method for wings. The best sides make your meal even better. Here are some ideas: - Corn on the cob: Sweet, juicy corn pairs well with spicy wings. - Coleslaw: A crunchy, creamy slaw helps cool the heat. - Potato wedges: Crispy wedges add a filling touch to your meal. - Rice: Fluffy rice soaks up the sauce and balances flavors. - Guacamole and chips: A fresh dip adds zest to your plate. Yes, you can make these wings ahead. Here’s how: - Marinate the wings: You can marinate them the night before. This makes them very tasty. - Cook and chill: Bake the wings and let them cool. Cover them and store in the fridge. - Reheat: When ready to eat, reheat in the oven for crispiness. You can easily change the spice in these wings. Here are some tips: - To reduce spice: Use less chipotle peppers or skip the honey for a milder taste. - To increase spice: Add more chipotle peppers or include cayenne pepper in the marinade. Yes! This recipe is great for meal prep. Here are some storage tips: - Cool and store: After cooking, let the wings cool. Place them in an airtight container. - Fridge storage: They can last up to 3 days in the fridge. - Reheat: Warm them up in the oven for best results. Dipping sauces can enhance your wings. Here are some great options: - Ranch dressing: Cool and creamy, this classic works well. - Blue cheese dressing: A bold flavor that complements the spice. - Sour cream: A simple, smooth dip to balance the heat. - Store-bought hot sauce: If you love extra heat, go for your favorite brand. You can create delicious Southwest Chipotle Chicken Wings using simple ingredients. We covered the main items, from chicken wings to chipotle peppers. I shared tips for marinating and cooking to bring out great flavor. Variations let you explore different spices, proteins, and cooking methods. Finally, I discussed storage tips for any leftovers. Enjoy sharing these wings with friends or family. They’re sure to be a hit at your next gathering!

Southwest Chipotle Chicken Wings

Spicy and flavorful chicken wings marinated in a chipotle sauce and baked to perfection.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Course Appetizer
Cuisine Southwestern
Servings 4
Calories 300 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 lbs chicken wings
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, minced
  • 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon honey (optional for sweetness)
  • 1 bunch fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
  • 1 lime lime wedges (for serving)

Instructions
 

  • Prepare the Marinade: In a medium bowl, mix together the olive oil, minced chipotle peppers, smoked paprika, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and honey (if using). Stir until well combined.
  • Marinate the Wings: Place the chicken wings in a large zip-top bag or a bowl. Pour the marinade over the wings and ensure they are evenly coated. Seal the bag (or cover the bowl) and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, preferably overnight for maximum flavor.
  • Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil or parchment paper and place a wire rack on top to allow air circulation.
  • Bake the Wings: Remove the wings from the marinade, allowing excess sauce to drip off. Arrange the wings in a single layer on the wire rack. Bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, turning halfway through until crispy and golden brown.
  • Optional Broil: For extra crispiness, broil the wings on high for an additional 2-3 minutes after baking, watching closely to prevent burning.
  • Serve: Once cooked, remove the wings from the oven and let them rest for a few minutes. Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro and serve with lime wedges on the side for squeezing over the wings.

Notes

For extra crispiness, broil the wings for a few minutes after baking.
Keyword baked wings, chicken wings, chipotle, spicy