Cilantro Lime Chicken Wings
Savor the World.
Cilantro Lime Chicken Wings
If you're looking for an easy-to-make recipe that’s fresh and, above all, packed with flavor for your get-togethers or quick dinners, these cilantro lime chicken wings are just what you need. They have a bright, citrusy kick that everyone at home will love, and they’re super simple to make. So go ahead—give them a try and wow everyone!
Cilantro Lime Chicken Wings
Servings: 4
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Ingredients
- 2 lbs of chicken wings (approx. 900 g)
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil (30 ml)
- 1/4 cup of fresh lime juice (60 ml)
- 1/4 cup of chopped fresh cilantro (approx. 15 g)
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon of ground cumin (5 ml)
- 1 teaspoon of chili powder (5 ml)
- Salt to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper to taste
What You’ll Need
- Large bowl for marinating
- Baking tray
- Aluminum foil or a baking rack
- Knife and cutting board
See 5 variations of the recipe at the end.
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Did You Know?
Did you know chicken wings became popular in Buffalo, New York back in 1964, when a restaurant decided to deep-fry them and toss them in a spicy sauce? Since then, they’ve become a game-day and party staple—and now they’re getting a fresh, green upgrade with lime and cilantro!
Instructions
- Make the marinade: Let’s get started! In a large bowl, combine the olive oil, freshly squeezed lime juice, minced garlic, chopped cilantro, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Mix everything thoroughly until well combined and you get a super aromatic marinade.
- Marinate the wings: Alright, now add the chicken wings to the bowl and toss them well in the marinade until they’re fully coated—really coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, longer if you can. If you want even deeper flavor, let them marinate for 4 to 8 hours or overnight.
- Preheat the oven: This step is important—don’t skip it! Preheat your oven to 400°F (205°C) about 10–15 minutes before baking to ensure even and beautiful cooking.
- Prep the baking tray: Line a baking tray with aluminum foil or place a wire rack on top. Arrange the wings in a single layer with some space between each so the air can circulate and they cook evenly. The foil also makes cleanup way easier afterward.
- Bake the wings: This part’s easy—bake the wings for 30 to 35 minutes. Halfway through, carefully flip them using long tongs so they brown nicely on both sides. For extra crispiness, you can turn on the broiler for the last 2–3 minutes—but keep an eye on them!
- Garnish and serve: Done! Take them out of the oven and garnish with extra chopped cilantro and a few lime slices. Let them cool just a bit, then serve hot with your favorite sides. See? That wasn’t hard at all!
Ingredient Substitutions
- Chicken wings: You can swap them for boneless chicken thighs or sliced chicken breast.
- Lime juice: Easily replace it with lemon juice or apple cider vinegar in the same amount.
- Fresh cilantro: If you don’t have any, try fresh parsley or basil for a different flavor.
- Fresh garlic: You can use garlic powder (about 1/2 teaspoon) or garlic paste instead.
- Chili powder: Swap it for spicy paprika or cayenne pepper—just adjust to your heat preference.
Prep Tips
- Marinate the wings for at least one hour, but if you’ve got the time, let them sit overnight for deeper flavor—it’s worth it.
- Pat the wings dry before baking to help them crisp up nicely in the oven.
- Using a rack over your baking tray helps air circulate and keeps the wings from getting greasy.
- For an extra burst of freshness, sprinkle more chopped cilantro right before serving.
Nutritional Info (per serving)
- Calories: 280 kcal
- Protein: 22 g
- Fat: 20 g
- Carbohydrates: 2 g
- Fiber: 0.5 g
- Sodium: 350 mg
Nutritional Benefits
Chicken wings are a great source of lean protein that helps support and repair muscle tissue. Cilantro brings antioxidants and vitamins A and K, both of which are great for bone health and immune function. And of course, lime juice adds a boost of vitamin C, which helps your immune system and improves iron absorption. Garlic not only adds flavor—it also has anti-inflammatory properties and may support heart health.
Recipe Story or Inspiration
Cilantro Lime Chicken Wings are a fresh and flavorful twist inspired by Latin cooking, where citrus and herbs come together to make magic. This recipe was born from the idea of offering something lighter and brighter than the usual fried wings—something that tastes like backyard cookouts, warm afternoons, and good times with friends and family.
Serving Suggestions
- Fresh coleslaw with a light lemon dressing.
- Oven-roasted or homemade fries.
- Guacamole with tortilla chips for that perfect Mexican touch.
- Cilantro lime rice to match the flavors in the wings.
- A refreshing drink like cucumber agua fresca or classic lemonade.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Can I use frozen wings? Yes, but make sure to fully thaw and pat them dry before marinating for best results.
- Can I cook these in an air fryer? Absolutely! Cook the wings at 400°F (205°C) for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- How long can I keep the marinated wings in the fridge? Up to 24 hours—after that, the texture might start to break down.
- Can I make this without cilantro? Yes, you can use parsley or just skip the cilantro if it’s not your thing.
- How do I get them crispier? Easy but key—pat them dry before baking and use a rack to let the air circulate around them.
Recipe Variations
So, now that you know this delicious cilantro lime chicken wings recipe, go ahead and try it out—see how easy it is and enjoy all that fresh, tasty flavor. Treat yourself or someone you love to something delicious and simple to make. Happy cooking!
Tastes of La Paz.
Cilantro Lime Chicken Wings
Servings: 4
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Ingredients
- 2 lbs of chicken wings (approx. 900 g)
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil (30 ml)
- 1/4 cup of fresh lime juice (60 ml)
- 1/4 cup of chopped fresh cilantro (approx. 15 g)
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon of ground cumin (5 ml)
- 1 teaspoon of chili powder (5 ml)
- Salt to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper to taste
What You’ll Need
- Large bowl for marinating
- Baking tray
- Aluminum foil or a baking rack
- Knife and cutting board
Instructions:
- Make the marinade: Let’s get started! In a large bowl, combine the olive oil, freshly squeezed lime juice, minced garlic, chopped cilantro, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Mix everything thoroughly until well combined and you get a super aromatic marinade.
- Marinate the wings: Alright, now add the chicken wings to the bowl and toss them well in the marinade until they’re fully coated—really coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, longer if you can. If you want even deeper flavor, let them marinate for 4 to 8 hours or overnight.
- Preheat the oven: This step is important—don’t skip it! Preheat your oven to 400°F (205°C) about 10–15 minutes before baking to ensure even and beautiful cooking.
- Prep the baking tray: Line a baking tray with aluminum foil or place a wire rack on top. Arrange the wings in a single layer with some space between each so the air can circulate and they cook evenly. The foil also makes cleanup way easier afterward.
- Bake the wings: This part’s easy—bake the wings for 30 to 35 minutes. Halfway through, carefully flip them using long tongs so they brown nicely on both sides. For extra crispiness, you can turn on the broiler for the last 2–3 minutes—but keep an eye on them!
- Garnish and serve: Done! Take them out of the oven and garnish with extra chopped cilantro and a few lime slices. Let them cool just a bit, then serve hot with your favorite sides. See? That wasn’t hard at all!
Nutrition Information (Per Serving):
- Calories: 280 kcal
- Protein: 22 g
- Fat: 20 g
- Carbohydrates: 2 g
- Fiber: 0.5 g
- Sodium: 350 mg
Tastes of La Paz.