Zesty Tequila Lime Chicken Wings

Name: Zesty Tequila Lime Chicken Wings
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 80 min
Ingredients: 3 pounds chicken wings ((preferrable brined)); 1.5 tbsp baking powder; 1/3 cup tequila; 2 limes, zest and juice; 1 tsp ground cumin; 1 tsp ancho chili powder; 1/2 tsp kosher salt; 1/2 tsp ground black pepper; 1 tsp cornstarch

By Brianna Simmons · Published: September 30, 2021 · Updated: September 27, 2022

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Affordable and tasty, chicken wings are one of the most popular foods at any party. Crispy wings are super easy to make at home in your own oven and get even better when covered with a boozy, smoky, citrusy glaze. This recipe for zesty Tequila Lime Chicken Wings are sure to turn any gathering into a party.

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How to Make Crispy Chicken Wings in the Oven

Making chicken wings in the oven is pretty simple. First make sure you pat your chicken wings dry with a paper towel; if you brined your chicken wings ( and I recommend you take this easy simple step for maximal flavor in your wings with my Easy Chicken Wing Brine Recipe ) you don’t need to rinse the brine, just pat the wings dry. Toss the wings with some baking powder (DO NOT use baking soda!) making sure they are thoroughly coated (this is the same baking method I use for my Hot Honey Chicken Wings).

Preheat your oven to 450 degrees and place the wings on a baking sheet with a wire baking rack. Bake the wings at 450 degrees for 40 minutes. Reduce the heat to 350 degrees, turn the wings and bake for an additional 40 minutes or until they reach an internal temperature of 165 degrees. Remove the wings and allow them to cool for 5 minutes before brushing the glaze over the wings.

How to Make Chicken Wings in a Convection Oven

If you have a convection oven or a convection setting on your oven I highly recommend using it as your wings will be done faster. Again preheat the oven to 450 degrees. Bake the wings for 20 minutes, reduce the heat to 425 degrees and flip the wings to bake for an additional 20 minutes or until they reach an internal temperature of 165 degrees. Remove the wings and allow them to cool for 5 minutes to let the skin crisp up before adding the glaze.

How to Make Tequila Lime Glaze for Chicken Wings

While the wings are cooking you’ll want to prepare the glaze. In a small saucepan whisk together tequila, lime zest and juice, cumin, ancho chili powder, salt, pepper and cornstarch. Bring to a simmer over medium heat and cook until the glaze thickens, about 1-2 minutes. Remove pan from the heat and brush chicken wings with the tequila lime glaze. (This glaze would also be delicious on my smoked chicken wings!).

If you like these Zesty Tequila Lime Chicken Wings be sure to take a look at some of my other recipes!

Coffee BBQ Sauce

Oven Baked BBQ Chicken Wings

Lemon Garlic Greek Yogurt Marinated Chicken

Chicken and Chorizo Paella

Avocado Lime Crema

Smoked Tri Tip

Guajillo Chile Sauce

If you make these Zesty Tequila Lime Chicken Wings please be sure to leave a comment and/or give this recipe a rating! Be sure to follow me on Facebook and Pinterest for my latest recipes. Also, if you do make this recipe please tag me on Instagram, I’d love to see what you guys are making!