Lime Cilantro Chicken Wings: A Zesty, Herbaceous Game Day Treat
Chicken wings are a classic finger food, a staple at game day gatherings, and a favorite at countless dinner tables. The beauty of chicken wings is in their versatility – they can take on a myriad of flavors, from spicy to sweet, tangy to savory. Among the numerous ways to season and sauce chicken wings, one combination stands out for its freshness and zing: Lime and Cilantro.
Lime Cilantro Chicken Wings bring together the tangy brightness of lime and the earthy, slightly citrusy notes of cilantro, creating a flavor pairing that's hard to resist.
Lime Cilantro Chicken Wings Recipe
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs chicken wings
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- Zest and juice of 2 limes
- 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 1/2 teaspoon chili flakes (optional, for a spicy kick)
Instructions:
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Preparation: Preheat your oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). Pat the chicken wings dry with paper towels and season with salt and pepper.
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Bake the wings: Arrange the wings on a baking sheet and drizzle with olive oil. Toss until the wings are well coated. Bake in the preheated oven for about 40-45 minutes, or until the wings are golden brown and crispy, flipping halfway through.
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Prepare the sauce: While the wings are baking, prepare the lime cilantro sauce. In a bowl, combine the minced garlic, lime zest, lime juice, chopped cilantro, and chili flakes (if using). Mix well.
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Toss the wings: Once the wings are baked, remove them from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. Place the wings in a large bowl, pour the lime cilantro sauce over them, and toss until all the wings are coated in the sauce.
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Serve: Serve the Lime Cilantro Chicken Wings immediately, garnished with extra lime wedges and fresh cilantro leaves, if desired.
A Versatile, Flavor-Packed Dish
These Lime Cilantro Chicken Wings make an excellent appetizer or main course, perfect for game day, a backyard barbecue, or a casual dinner at home. The zesty, herbaceous flavor of the lime cilantro sauce is a delightful change from traditional buffalo or barbecue wings, and is sure to impress your guests.
Plus, this recipe is easily adaptable. Want it spicier? Add more chili flakes or a dash of your favorite hot sauce. Prefer a sweeter profile? Mix in a bit of honey or agave nectar. The possibilities are as limitless as your creativity.
In conclusion, Lime Cilantro Chicken Wings are a testament to the versatility of chicken wings and the flavor-packed potential of simple ingredients. So the next time you're in the mood for wings, give this zesty, fresh recipe a try – it might just become your new favorite!
