Easy Baked Chipotle Chicken Wings

Chipotle Baked Chicken Wings Recipe – A Flavor Explosion for Your Taste Buds!

These Chipotle Chicken Wings are spicy, sweet, and CRISPY without deep-frying, which is a big plus. Everybody is happy—big flavor and texture without the guilt. I’m telling you! These oven-baked Chipotle Chicken Wings are just as sticky and just as addictive as the deep-fried version. The hot chipotle sauce bakes right into the meat, infusing it completely. The addition of Coca-Cola to the sauce creates a sweet, caramel flavor, perfectly offset by the spiciness of the chipotle chili peppers in adobo. Yeap…finger-licking deliciousness!! Perfect for game day.

Process Overview: How to Make Baked Chipotle Chicken Wings

Please check the recipe card at the bottom of the post for exact quantities and detailed instructions (scroll down).

Chicken Wings: The star of the show! Make sure the wings are thawed for even cooking and optimal flavor absorption. Seasoning: I used cumin, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, and baking powder. This magical blend enhances the wings with a smoky, spicy kick and ensures a crispy texture when baked. Chipotle Glaze/Sauce: For the chipotle glaze/sauce, you will need a can of Coca-Cola, chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, onion powder, garlic powder, brown sugar, soy sauce, and cornstarch. The Coca-Cola adds a hint of sweetness, while chipotle peppers bring the heat. Brown sugar adds depth, and soy sauce contributes a savory note. Cornstarch thickens the glaze to perfection. Check out my Ultimate Guide to Cooking With Chipotle Peppers in Adobo Sauce.

Step 1 – Prepare the Chicken Wings

Pat wings dry with paper towels. It’s important to dry them REALLY well! This step will help you to get rid of the extra moisture, the less moisture left in the skin, the more crispy your wings will be!

Step 2 – Season the Chicken Wings

Place chicken wings and seasonings in a large Ziploc bag and shake to coat it evenly. Then, Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and place a wire rack (I use a cooling rack) on top. Spray the rack with non-stick spray. Finally, place seasoned chicken over the wired rack and spray it with oil.

Step 3 – Bake

Bake for 30 minutes, turning once, or until cooked through and golden brown and crispy. Important Note: The total cook time will depend on the size of the wings but may take up to 1 hour.

Step 4 – Make the Chipotle Glaze

Place all the sauce ingredients in a medium saucepan over medium heat; mix to combine. Bring to a boil; reduce heat and simmer until reduced by half, about 15 minutes. Stir in cornstarch slurry, and cook until thickened. Set aside.

Step 5 – Glaze the Wings and Bake Again

When the chicken is done, baste both sides of the chicken generously with the wing sauce and bake for 10 -15 minutes. Garnish with cilantro, if desired, and serve with lime wedges on the side. Serve hot.

Sauce for Chicken Wings

Place these delectable wings on a platter, garnish with fresh cilantro or green onions, and watch them disappear. Serve with a side of cooling Ranch, Easy Avocado Sauce (Guasacaca), or blue cheese dip to balance the heat.

How to Reheat Chicken Wings

Reheating baked chicken wings to maintain their crispiness and flavor is a simple process. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

Oven Method:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Place the baked chicken wings on a baking sheet, ensuring they are in a single layer. Reheat in the preheated oven for about 10-15 minutes or until they reach the desired temperature. If you want to retain or enhance crispiness, you can broil them for an additional 2-3 minutes, keeping a close eye to prevent burning.

Air Fryer Method: The air fryer method is excellent for maintaining or even improving the crispiness of the wings.

Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Arrange the wings in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Reheat for 5-8 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even heating.

Microwave Method (not my favorite for maintaining crispiness): Keep in mind that this method may result in softer wings compared to the oven or air fryer methods.

Place the wings on a microwave-safe plate. Microwave on medium power in 30-second intervals, checking and flipping the wings after each interval until they are heated through.

If you’re reheating a large batch of wings, consider doing it in smaller batches for more even heating. Avoid using the microwave if you want to preserve the crispiness; it tends to make the skin soggy.

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Preheat the air fryer to 400º F (200º C). Cook for 18-20 minutes, flipping halfway, until crispy, browned, and cooked through. You will need to do this in batches since the chicken wings must be arranged in a single layer for even cooking. When all the batches are done, coat them with the sauce, return all the chicken to the air fryer, and cook them for 1 -2 minutes to heat through and caramelize.