Chipotle Chicken Wings with Honey Glaze Recipe

This sticky, smoky Chipotle Chicken Wings Recipe is made with fresh lime juice, spicy chipotle peppers in adobo, and sweet honey, ready in just under an hour. The crisp skin gives way to tender meat as the hot wings are tossed in a glossy, vibrant red glaze that coats every crevice. I love making these for game days because they deliver huge flavor without the mess of a deep fryer.

Restaurant-Quality At Home

I used to think the only way to get truly crispy wings was to drop them in a vat of hot oil, but this oven-baked method completely changed my mind. By drying the skin thoroughly and using a specific baking powder rub, you get that shatteringly crisp texture that usually only comes from a fryer, all while keeping the meat juicy inside.

The real secret, however, is the balance of the sauce. My first attempt was way too spicy because I used too many raw chipotle peppers without balancing them with enough fat and sugar. Now, I melt butter and honey directly into the adobo sauce, creating a rich, sticky glaze that clings to the wings rather than sliding right off.

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Chipotle Chicken Wings Recipe Ingredients

• For the Wings:
• 4 lbs chicken wings (party style, flats and drums separated)
• 2 tbsp aluminum-free baking powder (NOT baking soda)
• 1 tbsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp kosher salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• For the Chipotle Honey Sauce:
• 1/2 cup honey
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter
• 3 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, finely minced
• 2 tbsp adobo sauce (from the can)
• 1 tbsp fresh lime juice
• 1 tsp soy sauce
• Fresh chopped cilantro (for garnish)

How To Make Chipotle Chicken Wings Recipe

1. Prep the Wings: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a large baking sheet with foil and a wire rack. Pat the chicken wings extremely dry with paper towels; removing moisture is critical for crispy skin.
2. Apply the Dry Rub: In a small bowl, whisk together the baking powder, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Place the dry wings in a large bowl, sprinkle the seasoning mixture over them, and toss until evenly coated.
3. Bake the Wings: Arrange the wings in a single layer on the wire rack, leaving a little space between each piece for airflow. Bake for 40 to 45 minutes, flipping them halfway through, until the skin is golden brown and crispy.
4. Make the Sauce: While the wings bake, combine the honey, butter, minced chipotle peppers, adobo sauce, lime juice, and soy sauce in a small saucepan over medium-low heat. Simmer gently for 3-4 minutes until the butter is melted and the sauce slightly thickens.
5. Toss and Serve: Transfer the hot, baked wings to a large clean bowl. Pour the warm chipotle sauce over the top and toss vigorously to coat. Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve immediately.

Recipe Tips

• Don’t skip the drying step: Moisture is the enemy of crispiness. If your wings are wet when you add the baking powder, they will steam instead of roast, leading to soggy skin.
• Check your baking powder: Make sure you are using aluminum-free baking powder. Standard baking powder can sometimes leave a metallic taste when used in this quantity.
• Adjust the heat: Chipotle peppers pack a punch. If you want a milder wing, use only one pepper and more of the adobo sauce, or increase the honey to offset the spice.
• Sauce timing: Wait to toss the wings in the sauce until just before serving. If they sit in the sauce for too long, the crispy skin will eventually soften.

What To Serve With Chipotle Chicken Wings

To cool down the heat, offer a side of creamy ranch or blue cheese dressing and crisp celery sticks. For a full meal, pair these wings with cilantro lime rice or a fresh corn salad to echo the Southwestern flavors. A side of seasoned sweet potato fries also complements the smoky honey sweetness perfectly.

How To Store

Store leftover wings in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in an oven or air fryer at 350°F for 5-7 minutes to revive the texture; microwaving will make them rubbery.

FAQs

• Can I make these in an air fryer?
  Yes, cook the seasoned wings in the air fryer at 400°F for about 20 minutes, flipping halfway, or until crisp. Toss with the sauce after cooking.
• What if I don’t have adobo sauce?
  The adobo sauce is key for the specific smoky flavor, but you can try substituting a mix of smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, and a splash of vinegar in a pinch, though the flavor won’t be quite the same.
• Are these wings very spicy?
  They have a medium kick. The honey and butter significantly mellow out the heat of the peppers, making them accessible for most people who enjoy a little spice.
• Why use baking powder?
  Baking powder changes the pH level of the chicken skin, allowing peptide bonds to break down and the skin to get crispier and brown more evenly than with oil alone.

Nutrition

• Calories: 580
• Total Fat: 34g
• Saturated Fat: 12g
• Cholesterol: 165mg
• Sodium: 890mg
• Total Carbohydrate: 38g
• Protein: 32g