Crispy, sweet, sticky, and tequila-y these incredibly easy tequila lime wings are a delicious way to switch things up next time you get a finger food craving. With a sauce this delicious, no dip is necessary; let this tasty take on baked chicken wings dazzle you!
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Ingredients for Tequila Lime Chicken Wings
These tequila lime wings come together quickly and easily, with just a few ingredients. Here’s what to gather, and a few ways you can tweak the sauce:
- The crispy wings: For ultra crispy wings, all you need is a bit of oil and wings with the drumettes and flats separated. For tips on cutting your wings (if you didn’t purchase them that way), check out this video.
- The tequila lime sauce: Tequila, lime juice, honey, cumin, ancho chili powder, cornstarch, salt and pepper. Taste and adjust to suit your cravings; you can add more spice with a few extra dashes of chili powder, or make it sweeter with honey. Psst–for my low carb friends, feel free to sub in your favorite keto sweetener, my choice here would be granular Swerve or Lakanto.
How to Make Tequila Lime Wings
Here’s how to make tequila lime chicken wings, with my top tips and step-by-step photos to help guide you:
- Pat the wings completely dry, this ensures the wings get crispy.
- Toss them in oil, that’s it!
- Spread into a single layer on a wire rack nestled into a rimmed baking sheet and bake. The wire rack helps air to fully circulate the tequila lime wings, again, getting them crispier.
- Make the sauce by simmering all ingredients together until thick. Here’s where you’ll want to taste and tweak to your liking.
- Once the wings are done baking, toss in the sauce and enjoy!
Pro Tips for (Legit!) Crispy Baked Wings
Crispy baked wings are easy to make at home if you know how. Here are my top tips for getting your tequila lime chicken wings beautifully crispy, every time:
- If using frozen wings, make sure they’re fully defrosted.
- Pat wings completely dry with paper towels.
- There are two methods to crispy wings: baking powder and salt, or a simple olive oil coat. Both get the wings nice and crispy!
- Use a wire rack, so the heat of your oven can get both sides of the wings.
To Dip? Or Not to Dip?
Usually, wings are made for dipping. But this variation is so zesty, saucy, and delicious, that I think they’re better off without a dip. My husband says he would serve these tequila lime wings with a side of salsa. Ranch is my usual wing go-to. You do you!
More Zesty Chicken Recipes
- Fajita Stuffed Chicken
- Ensalada de Pollo
- Buffalo Chicken Spaghetti Squash
- Green Chili Chicken Soup
- Salsa Verde Stuffed Peppers without Rice
- Harissa Honey Chicken
Tequila Lime Wings
Print Recipe Pin RecipeIngredients
Wings:
- 3 pounds chicken wings drumettes and flats separated and tips removed
- 2 tablespoons mild tasting oil such as avocado or vegetable oil
Tequila Lime Sauce:
- 3 Tablespoons Tequila
- 1/4 Cup Lime Juice about 2 limes juiced
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 3/4 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon ancho chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425 F and place an oven safe wire rack inside a rimmed baking sheet.
- Pat wings completely dry, and place them in a large bowl. Toss with oil until evenly coated. Place wings in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Bake in preheated oven until their internal temp reaches 165 F, 40-50 minutes.
- Meanwhile, prepare the sauce by combining all ingredients together in a small saucepan. Bring to a simmer, and whisk until the cornstarch completely dissolves. Continue to simmer for a few minutes, until the sauce becomes thick enough to coat the back of a spoon.
- Once wings are done in the oven, allow them to cool slightly, then toss them in a bowl. Pour sauce over the top and toss to coat. Place wings on a platter and drizzle additional sauce on top. Enjoy!
