When feeding a crowd for the big game, wings are usually on the menu. You can jazz things up with these wings. You can go with the usual wing sauce that's a mix of hot sauce and butter. But this recipe takes it up a notch with some complex flavors that includes a dry rub and a creamy dressing that you'll end up using again and again.
So what makes these wings so delicious? It's the dry rub that has a balance of sweet, smokey and spicy. Using smoked paprika, cumin, and chipotle powder gives deep smokey tastes. There is just enough brown sugar to calm some of the heat from the chipotle. If the chipotle is still too spicy for you, then the creamy dressing will help to cool down your tongue.
The creamy dressing was important to get the right balance. I actually had to try it a couple of times with different ingredients. But I got the best part by "accident". I made this dressing and it was just too liquid-y by blending it instead of just mixing the ingredients together so I decided to add in some avocado to thicken it up and it was delicious! If you don't blend your dressing, you can mix all ingredients in a small bowl and leave out the avocado. Just mince your cilantro and jalapeno. One of my early versions definitely had too much sour and not enough acid. The lime juice pairs well with the dry rub.
Did I say that these wings are so good? These are one of my go-to recipes for party wings. What's great about them is that you don't have to wait for any marinating time. A lot of recipes that pack so much flavor mean that you have to plan ahead so that you have enough time to marinate your meat. This one takes about 10 minutes to prep which includes making the dressing. Now that's something I can get down with.
Spicy Chipotle Wings with Creamy Cilantro Lime Dressing
Wings
Ingredients
2 - 2.5 lbs party wings (flats & drums, tips discarded)
2 Tbsp Smoked Paprika
1-1/2 Tbsp Chipotle Powder
1-1/2 Tbsp Garlic Powder
4 Tbsp Brown Sugar
2 tsp Ground Coriander
2 tsp Ground Cumin
1 tsp Kosher Salt
1 tsp Black Pepper
1. Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Rinse and pat dry chicken wings.
2. Prepare sheet pan by lining with parchment paper or foil and placing wire racks on top of the foil.
2. Mix all seasonings together in a small bowl.
3. Coat wings in dry rub and place on racks. (The racks allow air to circulate all over the wings and let the fat drip away from the wings.)
4. Bake for 30 - 35 minutes, turning once, until wings reach 165 degrees.
5. Serve with cilantro lime dressing and enjoy.
Cilantro Lime Dressing
Ingredients
1/2 Cup Greek Yogurt, plain
1/2 Cup Sour Cream
1/4 Cup Packed Cilantro
1 Jalapeno, seeded and chopped
1 Clove Garlic, minced
Juice of 1 Lime
Half Avocado (if using)
Salt, to taste
Mix all ingredients and set aside while wings bake.