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Ingredients
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For the Wings
Honey Chipotle Sauce
Cilantro Chipotle Sauce (alternative)
Finishing & Garnish
Method
For the Wings
Prep and dry
Pat the wings thoroughly dry with paper towels. Removing surface moisture helps them crisp.
Season
Place wings in a large bowl. Add kosher salt, black pepper, and baking powder. Toss to coat evenly; baking powder raises pH and draws moisture from skin to make it crisp.
Rest
Arrange wings on a wire rack set over a rimmed sheet pan and refrigerate, uncovered, for 30–60 minutes if possible (optional) to further dry the skin.
Roast
Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Brush or toss wings lightly with 1 tablespoon neutral oil. Arrange wings skin-side up on the wire rack over the sheet pan in a single layer with space between. Roast for 25 minutes, then flip each wing and continue roasting 10–20 minutes more until skin is deep golden and crisp and internal temperature reads 165°F (74°C). Total roast time usually 35–45 minutes depending on wing size.
Honey Chipotle Sauce
Cook sauce
While wings roast, melt 2 tablespoons butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook 20–30 seconds until fragrant. Add minced chipotles, honey, apple cider vinegar, soy sauce, smoked paprika and 1 teaspoon salt. Stir and simmer gently for 3–4 minutes to meld flavors and thicken slightly.
Finish
Remove saucepan from heat and stir in 1 teaspoon fresh lime juice. Taste and adjust: add more honey for sweetness, more chipotle for heat, or a pinch more salt. Keep warm until wings are ready.
Toss wings
When wings are crisp and out of the oven, transfer them to a large bowl, pour the warm honey-chipotle sauce over and toss until evenly coated. Serve immediately with lime wedges and optional cilantro garnish.
Cilantro Chipotle Sauce (alternative)
Blend sauce
Combine minced chipotles, packed cilantro, Greek yogurt (or sour cream), lime juice, olive oil, minced garlic, honey, salt and pepper in a blender or food processor. Pulse until smooth and emulsified, scraping down sides as needed. If sauce is too thick, add 1–2 teaspoons water or additional olive oil to reach a spoonable consistency.
Chill and serve
Taste and adjust seasoning for brightness (more lime) or heat (more chipotle). Transfer to a bowl and chill briefly if you prefer a cooler sauce. Toss warm roasted wings with sauce or serve the sauce on the side for dipping. Garnish with chopped cilantro and lime wedges.
Finishing & Serving
Arrange coated wings on a platter, sprinkle with chopped fresh cilantro if using, and serve immediately with lime wedges. Leftover wings keep refrigerated up to 3 days; re-crisp in a 400°F (200°C) oven for 8–10 minutes before serving.