Honey Chipotle Oven-Baked Chicken Wings

• ½ can Chipotle peppers in adobo, or use whole can for extra spicy
• ¼–½ cup Honey, adjust to taste for spice tolerance
• 2 tbsp Lime juice, freshly squeezed
• 2 tbsp Soy sauce
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 2 tbsp Brown sugar
• 2 tbsp Butter
• 1 tbsp Garlic, paste or minced
• 2 tbsp Apple cider vinegar
• Salt, to taste
• Black pepper, to taste
• Smoked paprika, to taste
• 2 lb Chicken wings
• 2 tbsp Cornstarch
• All-purpose seasoning, to taste, blend of salt, pepper, garlic, and onion powder
• Smoked paprika, to taste
• Lime, for garnish

Preparation

1. Step 1

   0:44
   Wash the chicken wings thoroughly to remove any bone fragments, cartilage, or feathers. Lay them out on paper towels and pat completely dry. For extra crispy results, you can place them in the fridge uncovered overnight to dry brine. Use kitchen scissors to trim any excess cartilage.
   Doneness — cleaned and dried
2. Step 2

   1:37
   Season the wings generously with all-purpose seasoning (a blend of salt, pepper, garlic, and onion powder) and smoked paprika. Toss with two tablespoons of cornstarch, making sure the coating is evenly distributed on all wings. The cornstarch helps achieve crispy skin in the oven.
3. Step 3

   2:20
   Preheat the oven to 425°F. Place the seasoned wings on a wire rack set over a baking sheet. The wire rack allows air to circulate around the wings for even cooking and maximum crispiness.
   Doneness — preheated
4. Step 4

   2:37
   While the wings bake, make the honey chipotle sauce. Melt butter in a pan over medium heat. Add brown sugar and garlic paste, whisk to combine. Stir in apple cider vinegar, lime juice, worcestershire sauce, and soy sauce. Add chipotle peppers in adobo (start with half a can for moderate heat, use whole can for extra spicy). Transfer to a blender and blend until smooth, about 30-45 seconds.
   Doneness — melted and combined
5. Step 5

   4:03
   Return the blended sauce to the pan over medium-low heat. Add honey and season to taste with all-purpose seasoning and smoked paprika. Whisk to combine and warm through. Taste and adjust - add more honey if too spicy, or more chipotles if too sweet.
   Doneness — warmed
6. Step 6

   5:10
   Bake the wings for about 40 minutes total, flipping every 15-20 minutes to ensure even cooking. Spray with cooking spray halfway through if desired. For extra crispy wings, increase oven temperature to 450-500°F in the last 5-10 minutes. Wings are done when golden brown, crispy, and reaching 175°F internal temperature.
   Doneness — golden brown and crispy, 175°F internal
7. Step 7

   6:09
   Remove wings from the oven and toss immediately in the warm honey chipotle sauce. Plate the wings and garnish with fresh lime zest for a pop of flavor. Serve with blue cheese dressing on the side.