Original Post: https://www.evolvingtable.com/cilantro-lime-chicken-wings/
Cilantro Lime Chicken Wings
Cilantro Lime Chicken Wings are packed with bold, zesty flavor and baked to crispy perfection, making them a must-try for game day or any gathering. With a tangy marinade made from fresh cilantro, lime juice, and taco seasonings, and a touch of caramelized sweetness, these wings are guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser.
Servings: 16 wings
Ingredients
- ½ cup chopped cilantro plus more for garnish (optional)
- ¼ cup avocado oil
- ¼ cup fresh lime juice from 2-3 limes, plus lime wedges for serving (optional)
- 1 tablespoon packed brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 2 garlic cloves minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 pounds chicken wing portions
Instructions
- In a blender or food processor, combine the cilantro, oil, lime juice, brown sugar, cumin, paprika, chili powder, garlic, salt, and black pepper. Blend until smooth. Reserve ¼ cup of the sauce for dipping and pour the remaining sauce into a large bowl.½ cup chopped cilantro, ¼ cup avocado oil, ¼ cup fresh lime juice, 1 tablespoon packed brown sugar, 1 teaspoon cumin, 1 teaspoon paprika, 1 teaspoon chili powder, 2 garlic cloves, 1 teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon black pepper
- Add the chicken wings to the bowl with the marinade and toss until evenly coated. Marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes or up to 2 hours.2 pounds chicken wing portions
- When ready to bake, preheat the oven to 400°F. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper and place a wire rack on top.
- Arrange the wings in a single layer on the wire rack, skin-side up. Bake for 40-45 minutes, flipping halfway through and basting with any remaining marinade, until the wings are crispy and fully cooked. For extra crispy wings, broil for 3-5 minutes more.
- Serve the wings with the reserved sauce for dipping and garnish with additional fresh cilantro and lime wedges, if desired.
Video
Notes
- Marinating time: 30 minutes to 2 hours, and no longer. Lime juice is acidic enough that the wings start to firm up and go chalky past that point, the same way fish does in ceviche.
- Air Fryer Instructions: Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (or 380°F) for at least 3 minutes. Place the wings in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook for 16-18 minutes, flipping halfway through and brushing with some of the reserved marinade. Check often to prevent burning.
- Make ahead: Blend the sauce up to 3 days early and keep it covered in the fridge. Toss the wings about an hour before baking rather than the night before.
- Storage: Cooked wings keep in an airtight container in the fridge for 3 to 4 days. Keep the dipping sauce in its own covered jar and whisk it before serving if it separates.
- Reheating: Warm them in a 375°F oven or air fryer for 8 to 10 minutes, back on the wire rack if using the oven. The microwave works but the skin goes rubbery.
- Freezing: Not recommended. The meat holds up but the skin never crisps back up after thawing, so they come out soft.
- Adjust the Spice: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper for extra heat, or reduce the chili powder for a milder flavor.
Nutrition
Calories: 104kcal | Carbohydrates: 1g | Protein: 6g | Fat: 8g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 4g | Trans Fat: 0.1g | Cholesterol: 24mg | Sodium: 171mg | Potassium: 66mg | Fiber: 0.2g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 181IU | Vitamin C: 2mg | Calcium: 8mg | Iron: 0.5mg
