Santa Fe Wings Crispy Baked Chicken Wings Recipe

Spicy, tangy, and a little bit sweet, my Santa Fe Crispy Baked Chicken Wings are about to become your new go-to wing night obsession. Make room in your heart (and your taste buds) for this bold flavor fiesta!

I love making recipes that capture bold flavors, and my Santa Fe Wings Crispy Baked Chicken Wings do just that. With a flavor trio of smoked paprika, garlic powder, and ground cumin, these wings are so very definitely flavorful.

They are baked, not fried, which makes them a somewhat lighter option (that probably won’t keep the fry police off your back), and the lime juice gives them just enough of a zippy finish to make them truly sing. Perfect for a casual dinner party or game day snacking, I think these wings would be a hit in any and every household.

Santa Fe Wings Crispy Baked Chicken Wings Recipe Ingredients

• Chicken Wings: High in protein, essential for muscle growth and repair.
• Baking Powder: Helps wings achieve a crispy texture when baked.
• Garlic Powder: Adds a savory depth with antioxidant properties.
• Smoked Paprika: Provides a smoky richness, enhancing flavor complexity.
• Ground Cumin: Earthy spice, aids digestion, and boosts immunity.
• Lime Juice: Offers a zesty tang, rich in vitamin C, boosts flavor.
• Cilantro: Fresh herb, enhances flavor, rich in antioxidants.
• Olive Oil: Heart-healthy fat, supports lubricating and coating ingredients.

Santa Fe Wings Crispy Baked Chicken Wings Recipe Ingredient Quantities

• 2 pounds chicken wings, split at joints, tips removed
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/4 cup lime juice
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
• 1 tablespoon honey (optional, for a hint of sweetness)

How to Make this Santa Fe Wings Crispy Baked Chicken Wings Recipe

1. Set your oven to 425°F (220°C) and cover a baking sheet with aluminum foil. Set a wire rack on top of the baking sheet. Ease the rack in preparing for your chicken-cutlet task by spraying it lightly with a nonstick cooking oil.

2. In a wide basin, make the chicken wing patted dry with paper towels to ensure that they all get crispy.

3. In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the baking powder, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, ground cumin, chili powder, salt, black pepper, and, if using, cayenne pepper.

4. Dust the spice blend over the chicken wings and then toss them so that they get coated evenly.

5. Coat the wings with olive oil and mix well.

6. Place the wings in a single layer on the prepared wire rack, ensuring that they do not touch each other.

7. In the preheated oven, cook for 35-40 minutes, with one turn at the halfway point, until the wings reach a crispy, golden brown color.

8. As the wings bake, mix together in a small bowl the lime juice, chopped cilantro, and honey (if using) to make the glaze. This is the secret to the “sauce” of the Verde Wings. Don’t skip it!

9. When the wings have finished cooking, take them out of the oven and glaze them with the lime-cilantro sauce, making sure to cover each wing evenly.

10. Serve the wings piping hot, and if desired, garnish them extra with lime wedges and cilantro. Enjoy your Santa Fe Crispy Baked Chicken Wings!

Santa Fe Wings Crispy Baked Chicken Wings Recipe Equipment Needed

1. Oven
2. Baking sheet
3. Aluminum foil
4. Wire rack
5. Nonstick cooking spray
6. Paper towels
7. Wide basin
8. Small mixing bowl
9. Whisk or fork
10. Measuring spoons
11. Measuring cup
12. Tongs (for turning wings)

FAQ

• Q: Can I use frozen chicken wings for this recipe?
  
  A: Yes, you can use frozen wings, but make sure to fully thaw and pat them dry before proceeding for best results.
• Q: What does the baking powder do in this recipe?
  
  A: Baking powder helps make the wings crispy by altering the pH level and aiding in moisture removal during baking.
• Q: How can I make these wings spicier?
  
  A: Include the optional cayenne pepper or increase the chili powder to add more heat.
• Q: How should I store leftover wings?
  
  A: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days and reheat in the oven for best texture.
• Q: Can I grill these wings instead of baking them?
  
  A: Yes, grilling is a great alternative. Cook on medium heat until crispy and fully cooked, turning occasionally.
• Q: What can I use as a dip for these wings?
  
  A: A creamy ranch or blue cheese dressing pairs well, or try a fresh salsa for a Santa Fe twist.
• Q: Is the honey necessary?
  
  A: Honey is optional and can be omitted if you prefer savory wings without sweetness.

Santa Fe Wings Crispy Baked Chicken Wings Recipe Substitutions and Variations

Replace olive oil with avocado oil to achieve a different flavor profile.
For a citrussy twist, substitute the lime juice for lemon juice.
If there is no smoked paprika, use regular paprika instead.
Replace lime juice with apple cider vinegar in this tangy marinade.
Change out fresh cilantro for parsley for a flavor that’s not so in-your-face.

Pro Tips

1. Ensure Maximum Crispiness: Pat the chicken wings completely dry before applying the seasoning. Any moisture on the wings can prevent them from becoming crispy in the oven.