These Chipotle-Lime Wings with Cilantro-Lime Crema are a flavor explosion! Imagine juicy, tender chicken wings with a smoky chipotle kick, perfectly balanced by a bright, refreshing cilantro-lime crema. It's the kind of dish that's both impressive and surprisingly easy to make—perfect for a casual weeknight dinner or a fun get-together with friends. I recently made these for a backyard barbecue, and let me tell you, they were a total hit! Every single wing disappeared in a flash.
The recipe starts with a simple yet flavorful marinade that infuses the chicken wings with smoky chipotle heat and zesty lime juice. Then, it's up to you—bake them in the oven for crispy skin, or grill them for that irresistible smoky char. Either way, you'll end up with perfectly cooked wings. But the real star of the show? The cilantro-lime crema! It's a cool, creamy, and herbaceous counterpoint to the spicy wings, adding a layer of refreshing flavor that takes this dish to the next level. Trust me on this one; it's seriously addictive!
Required Equipments
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Baking sheet
- Oven
- Grill pan (optional)
- Meat thermometer
Chipotle-Lime-Wings-with-Cilantro-Lime-Crema
These chipotle-lime wings, coated in a smoky and spicy marinade, are perfectly complemented by a cool, creamy cilantro-lime crema. A simple yet unforgettable recipe!
⏳ Yield & Time
Yield: 4 servings
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time:
🍽 Ingredients
📖 Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). If you plan on grilling, preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
- In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the chipotle peppers in adobo sauce (finely chopped, please!), lime juice (about 3 tablespoons for 1X, more for larger batches), olive oil, cumin, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and salt. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. I like a good kick, but adjust to your preference.
- Add the chicken wings to the bowl and toss to coat them evenly in the marinade. Make sure each wing is nicely covered. Mmm, so tasty!
- Let the wings marinate for at least 30 minutes, or even better, up to 4 hours in the fridge. The longer they marinate, the more flavorful they will be! (But hey, sometimes you just gotta eat, right?)
- For oven-baked wings: Arrange the marinated wings in a single layer on a baking sheet. Bake for 35-40 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they are cooked through and nicely browned, and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- For grilled wings: Grill the wings for about 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they are cooked through and nicely charred. Again, make sure to reach that 165°F (74°C) internal temp.
- While the wings are cooking, prepare the cilantro-lime crema. In a food processor or blender, combine the sour cream or Greek yogurt, cilantro, lime juice, garlic, and a pinch of salt. Blend until smooth and creamy. Adjust seasonings to your liking. Some extra lime might be nice!
- Once the wings are cooked, remove them from the oven or grill and let them rest for a few minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute.
- Serve the wings immediately with the cilantro-lime crema for dipping. Garnish with extra cilantro and lime wedges, if desired. Enjoy your ridiculously delicious wings!
📝 Notes
- For extra flavor, marinate the wings overnight.
- Feel free to adjust the amount of chipotle peppers to control the spice level.
- If you don't have a grill pan, you can use a regular skillet over medium-high heat.
- If you like a thicker crema, you can use more sour cream or yogurt. But less is sometimes more, I think, right?
🍎 Nutrition
Calories: 400 kcal
Protein: 35g
Fat: 25 g
Carbohydrates: 10g
Fiber: 2g
Calcium: 20 mg
