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Spicy Cranberry Chicken Wings Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 76 reviews

These Spicy Cranberry Chicken Wings are a perfect combination of heat and sweetness, featuring juicy wings roasted to crispy perfection and tossed in a vibrant cranberry-chipotle sauce. A tangy garlic mayo dip complements the dish, making it an ideal appetizer or snack for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Wings

  • 2 tsp. baking powder
  • 1 tsp. smoked paprika
  • 2 1/2 tsp. kosher salt, divided
  • 3 tsp. chipotle chili powder, divided
  • 1 1/4 tsp. garlic powder, divided
  • 2 lb. chicken wings
  • Cooking spray

For the Cranberry Chipotle Sauce

  • 1 1/4 cups frozen cranberries
  • 1/3 cup (71 g) packed light brown sugar
  • 4 tbsp. Dijon mustard, divided
  • 3 tbsp. fresh lime juice, divided
  • 2 tbsp. cranberry juice

For the Garlic Mayo Dip

  • 1/4 cup mayonnaise
  • Remaining 2 tbsp. Dijon mustard
  • 1 tbsp. fresh lime juice
  • 1/4 tsp. garlic powder

For Garnish

  • Thinly sliced chives (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Wings: In a large bowl, combine baking powder, smoked paprika, 2 teaspoons kosher salt, 1 1/2 teaspoons chipotle chili powder, and 1 teaspoon garlic powder. Pat the chicken wings dry with paper towels, add them to the bowl, and toss thoroughly to coat them evenly with the spice mixture. Arrange the wings on a wire rack set over a baking sheet and refrigerate for about 1 hour to chill and help dry the skin for crispiness.
  2. Make the Cranberry Sauce: While the wings chill, place frozen cranberries, brown sugar, 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard, 2 tablespoons lime juice, remaining 1 1/2 teaspoons chipotle chili powder, and 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt into a small saucepan over medium heat. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the mixture thickens into a jammy sauce, approximately 5 to 6 minutes. Allow to cool slightly before transferring to a blender or food processor. Add the cranberry juice and blend until smooth, setting aside the sauce for later use.
  3. Prepare the Garlic Mayo Dip: In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise with the remaining 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard, 1 tablespoon lime juice, and 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder. Mix well and set aside until serving.
  4. Preheat Oven and Prepare Wings for Roasting: Position an oven rack in the center of the oven and preheat to 425°F (220°C). On the wire rack with the wings, spray the bare rack side next to the wings with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Repeat for the opposite side after shifting wings accordingly. Arrange the wings skin-side up in a single layer ensuring they have enough space for air to circulate.
  5. Roast the Wings: Place the wings in the preheated oven and roast for about 30 minutes until the skin starts to crisp up and the wings are partially cooked.
  6. Toss Wings in Sauce: Remove the wings from the oven and transfer them to a large bowl. Add all but 2 tablespoons of the cranberry sauce and toss to coat the wings evenly.
  7. Finish Roasting: Return the coated wings back onto the wire rack and continue roasting for an additional 12 to 15 minutes until cooked through and the cranberry sauce caramelizes slightly.
  8. Serve: Transfer the wings to a serving platter. Brush them with the reserved 2 tablespoons of cranberry sauce for extra gloss and flavor. Garnish with thinly sliced chives if desired and serve alongside the prepared garlic mayo dip.

Notes

  • Refrigerating the wings before roasting helps to dry the skin and makes the wings crispier.
  • Use a wire rack to allow air circulation around the wings, promoting even cooking and crispiness.
  • The cranberry sauce can be made ahead of time and stored refrigerated for up to 3 days.
  • Adjust chipotle chili powder amounts to modify the heat level according to your preference.
  • Serve immediately for best texture, as wings may lose crispiness upon standing.

Keywords: spicy chicken wings, cranberry chicken wings, chipotle wings, roasted wings, appetizer, game day snack, holiday wings

Find it online: https://kitchenbyclara.com/spicy-cranberry-chicken-wings-recipe/