Go Back
Spicy Chicken Wings

Spicy Chicken Wings Recipe

Spicy chicken wings are the ultimate crowd-pleasing appetizer, featuring crispy, golden-brown chicken coated in a fiery, flavorful sauce that delivers the perfect kick of heat. Whether baked, fried, or grilled, these wings combine tender, juicy meat with bold spices and tangy seasonings, making them ideal for game days, parties, or any time you crave something deliciously hot and satisfying.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Servings: 6
Course: Appetizer
Cuisine: American
Calories: 136
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 2 lb 500g chicken wings
  • 2 tbsp sunflower oil
  • 1 tsp lemon juice
  • 1 tbsp paprika
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • ½ tsp oregano
  • ½ tsp mild chili powder
  • Black pepper to taste
  • ½ red bell pepper cut into strips, for serving
  • ½ head celery cut into sticks, plus leaves, for serving
  • Blue cheese dressing for serving
  • Parsley sprigs for garnish

Method
 

  1. Begin by preparing the chicken and marinade. Cut 2 lbs of chicken wings in half and place the pieces in a shallow dish.
  2. In a large bowl, combine 2 tbsp sunflower oil, 1 tsp lemon juice, 1 tbsp paprika, 1 tsp ground cumin, ½ tsp oregano, ½ tsp mild chili powder, and black pepper to taste. Mix these ingredients thoroughly until they form a cohesive paste.
  3. Brush this spice mixture generously over all the chicken pieces, ensuring each piece is well coated. Cover the dish and allow the chicken to marinate at room temperature for at least 1 hour, though longer marinating times will intensify the flavors.
  4. When you're ready to cook, preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large baking sheet with foil and place a rack on top of it. This setup allows air to circulate around the chicken for even cooking and crispiness.
  5. Lay the marinated chicken wings in a single layer on the rack and bake for 40 minutes, or until the wings are browned, sizzling, and crispy on the outside.
  6. Once cooked through, remove the chicken from the rack and drain the pieces on paper towels to remove excess oil.
  7. Arrange the wings on a serving platter alongside ½ red bell pepper cut into strips and ½ head celery cut into sticks with leaves attached.
  8. Serve with blue cheese dressing for dipping and garnish with fresh parsley sprigs for color and brightness.

Notes

What is the Best Flavor for Wings?

When it comes to the best flavor for wings, spicy reigns supreme for good reason. The perfect spicy chicken wing strikes an irresistible balance between heat, tanginess, and richness that keeps you coming back for more. Classic buffalo sauce leads the pack with its iconic combination of hot sauce and butter, delivering that signature kick that made wings famous. However, the beauty of spicy wings lies in their versatility. From sweet and spicy Korean gochujang glazes to smoky chipotle rubs, garlic parmesan with a cayenne twist, or honey sriracha for those who love sweet heat, there's a spicy variation for every palate. Ultimately, the best flavor is the one that matches your heat tolerance and taste preferences perfectly.