Description
These Sweet and Spicy Honey Chipotle Chicken Wings are perfectly balanced with the smoky heat of chipotle peppers and the natural sweetness of honey. Oven-baked to crispy perfection, they offer a flavorful and succulent appetizer or main dish that’s sure to please any crowd.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken Wings
- 2 pounds Chicken Wings (Fresh or thawed, cleaned and patted dry)
Marinade
- 1/2 cup Honey (Opt for pure, raw honey for best flavor)
- 2-3 pieces Chipotle Peppers in Adobo Sauce (Chopped finely, with 1 tablespoon of adobo sauce)
- 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder
- 1 teaspoon Onion Powder
- 1 teaspoon Kosher Salt (Adjust according to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon Freshly Cracked Pepper
For Baking
- 1 tablespoon Olive Oil (For coating the wings)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure it reaches the ideal temperature for crispy baking.
- Prepare Wings: Rinse the chicken wings thoroughly under cold water and pat them completely dry with paper towels to help the marinade adhere better.
- Make Marinade: In a large mixing bowl, combine honey, chopped chipotle peppers, adobo sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, kosher salt, and freshly cracked pepper. Stir until all ingredients are well blended into a flavorful marinade.
- Coat Wings: Add the chicken wings to the marinade and toss thoroughly, making sure each wing is evenly coated with the spicy-sweet mixture.
- Marinate: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to penetrate the meat.
- Prepare Baking Setup: Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil for easier clean-up. Place a wire rack on top to allow air circulation and even cooking underneath the wings.
- Arrange Wings: Lay the marinated wings in a single layer on the wire rack, ensuring they do not overlap for maximum crispness.
- Drizzle Oil: Drizzle 1 tablespoon of olive oil evenly over the wings to promote browning and prevent sticking.
- Bake Wings: Bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, flipping the wings halfway through the cooking time to ensure even crisping on both sides.
- Check Doneness: Use a meat thermometer to verify the internal temperature has reached 165°F (75°C), confirming the wings are fully cooked and safe to eat.
- Rest: Remove from the oven and let the wings rest for about 5 minutes. This helps the juices redistribute, keeping the meat moist.
- Serve: Serve the wings hot, garnished with fresh cilantro or sliced green onions for a burst of freshness and color.
Notes
- Marinating longer than 30 minutes, up to 2 hours, will intensify the flavor.
- For extra crispiness, broil the wings for the last 2-3 minutes while watching closely to avoid burning.
- Adjust chipotle peppers according to your spice tolerance.
- Use a wire rack to ensure even air circulation and to keep wings crispy.
- Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven.
