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Spicy Cranberry Chicken Wings Recipe

★★★★★

5 from 476 reviews
  • Author: lilan
  • Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Description

These Spicy Cranberry Chicken Wings offer a perfect blend of smoky heat and sweet-tart cranberry glaze. Crispy oven-roasted wings are coated in a flavorful chipotle and paprika spice mix, then finished with a luscious homemade cranberry sauce and a creamy garlic mayo for dipping. Ideal for game day or a tasty appetizer.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Wings and Spice Mix

  • 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

For the Cranberry 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

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

Others

  • Cooking spray
  • Thinly sliced chives, for topping (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Wings: In a large bowl, combine baking powder, smoked paprika, 2 teaspoons of kosher salt, 1 1/2 teaspoons chipotle chili powder, and 1 teaspoon garlic powder. Pat the chicken wings dry thoroughly to ensure crispiness, then add to the bowl with the spice mix and toss well to evenly coat each wing. Transfer the coated wings to a wire rack set over a baking sheet. Refrigerate for about 1 hour to chill and help dry the skin.
  2. Make the Cranberry Sauce: While the wings chill, combine the frozen cranberries, light brown sugar, 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard, 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice, remaining 1 1/2 teaspoons chipotle chili powder, and 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt in a small saucepan over medium heat. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 5 to 6 minutes until the mixture is thick and jammy. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
  3. Blend the Sauce: Transfer the slightly cooled cranberry mixture into a small blender or food processor. Add 2 tablespoons cranberry juice and blend until smooth, creating a vibrant and flavorful sauce.
  4. Preheat Oven and Prepare Garlic Mayo: Arrange a rack in the center of the oven and preheat to 425°F (220°C). In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise with the remaining 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard, 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice, and 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder. Set this garlic mayo aside until ready to serve.
  5. Prepare Wings for Roasting: On the wire rack, shift the wings to one side and spray the bare side with cooking spray. Then shift the wings to the other side and spray the bare part again. Adjust wings so they are in a single layer with the skin side facing up, ensuring even roasting and crispiness.
  6. Initial Roasting: Roast the wings in the preheated oven for about 30 minutes, until they start to crisp on the outside but are not yet fully cooked through.
  7. Coat with Cranberry Sauce: Remove the wings from the oven and transfer them to a large bowl. Add all but 2 tablespoons of the prepared cranberry sauce. Toss the wings gently to coat them well, then return them to the wire rack.
  8. Final Roasting: Continue roasting the sauced wings for an additional 12 to 15 minutes, allowing the wings to cook through completely and the cranberry sauce to caramelize on the surface.
  9. Serve and Garnish: Transfer the finished wings to a serving platter. Brush them with the reserved 2 tablespoons of cranberry sauce to add an extra layer of flavor and glossy finish. Sprinkle thinly sliced chives on top for a fresh garnish if using, and serve with the prepared garlic mayo on the side for dipping.

Notes

  • Patting the chicken wings dry before coating with the baking powder mixture is key for achieving crispy skin.
  • Refrigerating the wings before cooking helps dry out the skin further, enhancing crispiness.
  • The homemade cranberry sauce has a balance of sweet, spicy, and tangy notes from brown sugar, chipotle, and lime.
  • Use a wire rack during roasting to allow hot air to circulate around the wings and prevent sogginess.
  • Adjust chipotle chili powder quantity to control the spice level according to your preference.
  • Optional chives add a pop of color and mild onion flavor that complements the cranberries.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 45 minutes
  • Category: Appetizer
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Keywords: chicken wings, spicy wings, cranberry sauce, holiday appetizer, oven-baked wings, chipotle, smoky wings

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