Chili Lime Chicken Wings Recipe

These chili lime chicken wings have become my go-to when I want to serve something that actually packs a punch. The combination of tangy lime and those Calabrian chilis creates this perfect balance of heat and flavor that regular buffalo wings just can’t match. The ghee takes everything to another level with this rich, nutty taste that makes people ask what makes them so good.

I discovered Calabrian chilis at an Italian market and immediately knew they’d be perfect for wings. They’re not just hot – they’ve got this fruity, complex flavor that works amazing with lime and ghee. Now I keep jars of them in my pantry just for making these chili lime chicken wings.

Understanding Calabrian Chilis and Their Heat Profile

The secret to these chili lime chicken wings is understanding what makes Calabrian chilis special. They’re not your typical hot pepper – they bring medium heat with this incredible depth of flavor that’s both fruity and slightly smoky. You get heat without the one-dimensional burn of many hot peppers.

Calabrian chilis come packed in oil, which makes them perfect for sauces. The oil they’re packed in is actually great to use too – it’s already infused with that chili flavor. Don’t waste it when you’re making this chili lime chicken wings recipe.

Working with Ghee for Maximum Flavor

Ghee is what really sets these wings apart from regular buffalo wings. It’s clarified butter, which means it has a higher smoke point and this nutty, rich flavor that regular butter can’t match. For this chili lime chicken wings recipe, ghee handles the heat better and adds complexity.

If you’ve never used ghee before, it’s worth trying just for wings. It melts beautifully and coats the wings better than regular butter. The flavor is richer and more complex, especially when combined with the Calabrian chilis and lime.

The lime zest is crucial here – don’t just use juice. The zest has oils that really brighten up the ghee and balance the heat from the chilis. Fresh lime juice adds acidity, but the zest brings aromatic oils that make the whole sauce more complex.

Cooking Methods and Crispy Skin Techniques

This chili lime chicken wings recipe works with whatever cooking method you prefer. I like grilling them best because you get that slight char that pairs perfectly with the Calabrian chilis, but they work great in the oven or air fryer too.

The key to crispy wings is getting them really dry before cooking. Pat them with paper towels, then let them sit uncovered in the fridge overnight if you have time. This dries out the skin and helps it crisp up better regardless of your cooking method.

Don’t sauce the wings until after they’re cooked. The ghee sauce is meant to be tossed with hot, crispy wings right before serving. If you sauce them before cooking, you’ll never get that crispy skin texture.

Temperature and Timing for Perfect Results

Wings need to hit 175°F internal temperature to be properly cooked. This is higher than other chicken parts because wings have more connective tissue that needs to break down. Don’t just rely on time – use a thermometer.

For grilling, medium-high heat works best for this chili lime chicken wings recipe. You want hot enough to crisp the skin but not so hot that you burn the outside before the inside cooks. Turn them every 5 minutes or so to get even cooking.

Oven and air fryer methods work great too. The oven at 425°F gives you good results, and the air fryer is perfect for smaller batches. Just make sure to flip them halfway through for even browning.

Pro Tips for Restaurant-Quality Wings

After making this chili lime chicken wings recipe dozens of times, I’ve figured out the little tricks that make the difference between good wings and incredible ones.

The overnight drying trick really works. If you can plan ahead, pat the wings dry and leave them uncovered in the fridge overnight. The skin will be noticeably crispier when you cook them.

Sauce Temperature and Application

Make the sauce while the wings are cooking, but don’t let it get too hot. You want it warm enough to be liquid but not so hot that it starts breaking down. Low heat is all you need to melt the ghee and combine everything.

Toss the wings in the sauce immediately after they come off the heat. Hot wings absorb the sauce better and help it stick to every surface. Use a large bowl so you can really toss them well without making a mess.

Don’t make the sauce too far ahead. The lime juice will start breaking down the ghee if it sits too long. Make it fresh when you’re ready to serve for the best flavor and texture.

Save some sauce for serving. People always want extra, and it’s great for dipping or drizzling over the wings on the plate.

Ingredients

For the Wings:

• 2.5 lbs chicken wings, split with tips removed
• 1 tbsp avocado oil or olive oil
• 1 tsp kosher salt
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp onion powder
• 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
• 1/4 tsp black pepper

For the Chili Lime Ghee Sauce:

• 2 tbsp ghee
• 2 tbsp chopped Calabrian chilis (from jar)
• Zest and juice of 1 lime
• 1 tsp honey (optional for balance)
• Pinch of salt

For Serving:

• Extra lime wedges
• Chopped cilantro or parsley (optional)

Detailed Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prep the Wings

Pat the chicken wings completely dry with paper towels. This is crucial for crispy skin. In a large bowl, toss the wings with avocado oil, salt, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and black pepper until evenly coated.

Let the seasoned wings sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes while you preheat your cooking equipment. This helps them cook more evenly.

Step 2: Choose Your Cooking Method

For Grilling (Recommended): Preheat grill to medium-high heat. Grill wings for 20-25 minutes, turning every 5 minutes until skin is crispy and internal temperature reaches 175°F.

For Oven: Preheat to 425°F. Place wings on a wire rack over a baking sheet. Bake for 40-45 minutes, flipping halfway through. Broil for the last 2-3 minutes for extra crispiness.

For Air Fryer: Cook at 400°F for 20-24 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through cooking.

Step 3: Make the Chili Lime Ghee Sauce

While the wings cook, make the sauce. Melt ghee in a small saucepan over low heat. Stir in the chopped Calabrian chilis and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.

Add the lime zest, lime juice, and honey if using. Simmer gently for 1-2 minutes, then remove from heat. Season with a pinch of salt. Keep warm but don’t let it get too hot.

Step 4: Toss and Serve

Once wings reach 175°F internal temperature and have crispy skin, transfer them to a large bowl. Pour the warm chili lime ghee sauce over the hot wings and toss thoroughly to coat every piece.

Garnish with lime wedges and chopped herbs if desired. Serve immediately while the wings are hot and the sauce is still glossy.

Chili Lime Chicken Wings Recipe - Calabrian Chili and Ghee

Bold chili lime chicken wings with Calabrian chilis and rich ghee. Crispy, spicy wings perfect for grilling season and game day with complex heat and flavor.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Total Time 40 minutes mins

Course: Appetizer

Cuisine: American

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 2.5 lbs chicken wings split
• 1 tbsp avocado oil
• 1 tsp kosher salt
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp onion powder
• 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 2 tbsp ghee
• 2 tbsp chopped Calabrian chilis
• Zest and juice of 1 lime
• 1 tsp honey optional
• Lime wedges and herbs for serving

Method

 

1. Pat wings dry and toss with oil and all seasonings. Let sit 15-20 minutes.
2. Grill at medium-high for 20-25 minutes turning every 5 minutes, or bake at 425°F for 40-45 minutes, or air fry at 400°F for 20-24 minutes.
3. Make sauce by melting ghee and stirring in Calabrian chilis, lime zest, lime juice, and honey. Simmer 1-2 minutes.
4. Toss hot wings with warm sauce immediately after cooking. Serve with lime wedges.

Notes

Wings must reach 175°F internal temperature. Dry wings overnight for extra crispy skin. Adjust Calabrian chilis to taste for heat level.

Conclusion

This chili lime chicken wings recipe brings something different to the wing game. The Calabrian chilis provide complex heat that’s way more interesting than regular hot sauce, and the ghee adds richness that makes these wings feel special. They’re perfect for when you want to serve something that actually stands out.

The best part is how versatile the cooking methods are. Whether you’re grilling, using the oven, or air frying, you get great results. The sauce is what really makes them special – that combination of lime, chilis, and ghee creates flavors you just don’t get with regular buffalo wings.

Explore More Recipes

Want more recipes like this? Check out all of our grilling recipes here for more steak, seafood, and BBQ favorites that are perfect for your next cookout.

ITEMS USED IN THIS RECIPE

Hasty Bake Charcoal Grill and Smoker

Knitted Gloves

Food Processor

Cast Iron Skillet 

Meater +

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