Tequila Lime Chicken Wings

Tequila lime chicken wings are juicy, moist, and full of flavor. The tequila lime glaze on the crispy wings will make your taste buds sing! How can you go wrong with a recipe that has tequila as one of its main ingredients.

These are perfect for BBQs, potlucks or game day! The sweet and tangy glaze has a nice kick, without being too spicy. But you can certainly kick up the heat it you want! (Recipe adapted from Cooking Light. Originally published July 11, 2012)

Ingredients for tequila lime chicken

• 3 lbs. bone-in chicken wings and/or chicken wing sections. 

Dry Rub

• 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cumin powder
• 1 1/2 teaspoons of chili powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon chipotle chile powder

Tequila lime glaze

• 3/4 cup pineapple juice
• 1/3 cup tequila
• 1/4 cup honey
• 2 teaspoons cornstarch
• 2 teaspoons water
• fresh lime juice and zest (2 limes)
• 1/4 teaspoons crushed red pepper 

How to make tequila lime wings

• Pat wings dry with paper towels.
• In a medium bowl, mix dry rub ingredients together.
• Rub spices all over the chicken wings. Let it sit while you make the glaze.

• In a medium saucepan, bring the pineapple juice, tequila and honey to a boil in a small saucepan; cook until reduced to 3/4 cup (about 10 minutes).
• Combine cornstarch and water in a small bowl and stir well. Add to reduced juice mixture, stirring constantly with a whisk. Bring to a boil and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly. Remove from heat and stir in lime zest, lime juice, and red pepper.

​Cooking methods for tequila lime wings

I’ve grilled them and used the air-fryer. You can also bake them and then crisp them up under the broiler for a minute or two for crispier skin! Whichever method you choose, brush them with the glaze before and once or twice during cooking, or each time you flip them.

Discard any unused glaze, or bring it to a simmer over low heat until hot and bubbling. With all methods, chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165 degrees F. when tested with a Meat Thermometer. Remember to discard any unused sauce after it’s touched the raw chicken. OR bring it to a simmer and boil the sauce for 3-4 minutes to ensure it’s safe to eat.

Grilling

These are perfect to throw on the grill. If using a gas grill, grill them slow and low over indirect heat, basting occasionally until golden brown.

Air fryer

I’ve had an air fryer for years but only used it very rarely. It seemed silly to keep an appliance on my counter when it was only used once or twice a month. I recently bought a new one, and now I’m obsessed! It’s not just an air fryer, it’s a toaster, dehydrator, pizza oven, rotisserie and more! Here’s the Air-Fryer I purchased. It even has a WINGS setting! This is now my favorite method to make great chicken wings. 

For the air fryer, place the wings in a single layer or a wire rack (or in the basket) of your air fryer. Cook according to the directions. My air fryer had these delicious wings done in just about 15 minutes. Turn and brush them with the wing sauce once or twice during baking.

Oven method

This is how I’ve always cooking wing recipes in the past! 

Preheat oven to 425 degree F. and set rack in the middle of the oven. Place wings in a single layer on a baking sheet. Brush wings with sauce. Bake for 20-25 minutes, brushing them with the tequila lime sauce, and flipping wings at least once during cooking. 

Substitutions and notes:

• ​Don’t limit yourself to just wings! This tequila lime sauce would make chicken thighs or breasts a meal! This Cilantro Rice is the perfect side dish!

• Make it spicier! Everyone has personal taste preferences. My family loves spicy food. When I am developing recipes, I strive for something in between spicy and mild since I know not everyone is on board with a spicy flavor profile. Feel free to up the heat by adding more chipotle or ancho chili powder, or just increasing the red pepper flakes!
• The sweetener in this recipe calls for honey, but if you want a lower sugar option, substitute agave nectar for the honey.

Looking for more appetizers for your next party?

Traditional Buffalo Wings with Homemade Blue Cheese Dressing

French Onion Dip

Easy Mushroom Spread

Cheese Spread (Potted Cheese)

Don’t forget the classic 3-2-1 Margarita recipe or frosty Mango Margaritas!