Cilantro Lime Chicken Wings Recipe

If you’re searching for something bold, bright, and absolutely addictive, look no further—these Cilantro Lime Chicken Wings are seriously irresistible! With a tangy, zesty marinade and a deliciously crisp finish, this dish packs a punch of flavor in every single bite. Get ready to make your next dinner, game day, or party tray the talk of the town!

Ingredients You’ll Need

This is what you’ll need for Cilantro Lime Chicken Wings—simple everyday ingredients that each play a unique role in building big flavors. From juicy chicken to the punchy marinade, every component deserves a starring role in your kitchen!

• Chicken wings (2 lbs, drums and wingettes): The star of the show! Drums and flats give you a fun mix of juicy bites and crispy skin.
• Cilantro (½ cup, chopped): Use both leaves and stems for maximum herbal punch—this is what makes everything taste so fresh.
• Fresh lime juice (¼ cup + 2 Tbsp): Don’t skimp and squeeze real limes; the brightness cuts through the richness of the chicken beautifully.
• Garlic cloves (2): Just a couple add warm, aromatic depth—smash or chop before blending for extra zing.
• Avocado oil (2 Tbsp): Perfect for high-heat cooking; if you don’t have it, olive oil is a great substitute.
• Chili powder (1 tsp): Adds a gentle smoky warmth that doesn’t overpower the wings, but makes them totally crave-worthy.
• Salt (½ tsp): Essential for bringing every flavor to the forefront.
• Pepper (½ tsp): For just the right amount of gentle heat.
• Cayenne (¼ tsp, optional): If you want a little kick, add it—otherwise, skip for a milder experience.

Variations

One of the best things about Cilantro Lime Chicken Wings is how customizable they are! Don’t be afraid to put your own spin on this recipe depending on what you have on hand or who you’re serving—they adapt beautifully for all kinds of taste buds and needs.

• Make It Spicier: Add a few dashes of hot sauce or a chopped jalapeño to the marinade for a bold, fiery kick.
• Creamy Avocado Dip: Swap the extra marinade for a cool avocado yogurt dip—just mash some avocado with Greek yogurt, lime, and salt.
• Grill Instead of Bake: Fire up your grill for smoky, charred flavor that’s perfect for summer cookouts.
• Go Dairy-Free: Already dairy-free as written, but you can serve with a simple vegan ranch if needed for dipping.

How to Make Cilantro Lime Chicken Wings

Step 1: Make the Marinade

Grab your food processor and toss in the cilantro (yes, stems and all!), fresh lime juice, garlic, oil, chili powder, salt, pepper, and cayenne if you like things spicy. Blitz until you have a beautifully green, pourable marinade—the aroma will hit you right away!

Step 2: Marinate the Chicken

Put the chicken wings into a large zip-top bag or a roomy bowl, then pour that vibrant marinade right over the top. Seal or cover it, and let them hang out in the fridge for at least 30 minutes (and up to 4 hours)—the longer they soak, the bigger the flavor payoff!

Step 3: Prep for Cooking

If you’re using the air fryer, preheat it to 390°F. For the oven, set the temperature to 400°F and place a wire rack on a baking sheet (spray it so nothing sticks). This little bit of prep means perfectly crisp skin every time.

Step 4: Cook the Wings

Shake off any excess marinade and arrange the wings in a single layer—no crowding! Air fry for 18-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, or bake for 30-35 minutes on the rack (no need to flip). Craving extra crunch? Give them a quick broil for 2-3 minutes at the end.

Step 5: Serve & Savor

Transfer your Cilantro Lime Chicken Wings to a platter while they’re piping hot. Serve with lime wedges and, if you’re a saucy soul, make extra marinade for dipping—trust me, that tiny extra effort is so worth it!

How to Serve Cilantro Lime Chicken Wings

Garnishes

Shower your wings with a handful of chopped fresh cilantro and a few extra lime wedges—the pop of green and bright citrus makes your plate look festive and invites everyone to squeeze on a little more tang to taste.

Side Dishes

Pair Cilantro Lime Chicken Wings with crunchy slaw, roasted sweet potatoes, or classic corn on the cob for a rounded meal. They also play extra nicely with tortilla chips and guacamole if you’re going for a snack spread!

Creative Ways to Present

For parties, serve wings on a rustic board with the extra cilantro lime dipping sauce in the center. You can also thread cooked wings on skewers or set them in lettuce cups—perfect for passing around or making bite-sized appetizers.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, stash any leftover Cilantro Lime Chicken Wings in an airtight container in the fridge—they’ll stay fresh and flavorful for up to 3 days. The marinade continues working its magic, so the flavor is still vibrant the next day!

Freezing

You can absolutely freeze these wings! Place cooked, cooled wings in a zip-top freezer bag and store up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for a quick, tasty snack or dinner.

Reheating

For best results, reheat Cilantro Lime Chicken Wings in a 375°F oven or air fryer until hot and the skin is re-crisped. The microwave works in a pinch, but you may lose a little crunch—add a squeeze of fresh lime to wake up the flavors again!

FAQs

Final Thoughts

If you crave wings that are wildly flavorful, simple to make, and sure to be the life of any party or family meal, these Cilantro Lime Chicken Wings are your answer. I hope you love every zesty, finger-licking bite—don’t be surprised if you find yourself making them again and again!

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