Go Back
A plate piled high with crispy, saucy buffalo wings, ready to be eaten.

Zesty Cilantro-Lime Wings

These Zesty Cilantro-Lime Wings are bursting with fresh, vibrant flavors thanks to a quick and easy marinade. Perfect for an appetizer or a light meal, they bake up crispy and delicious in under an hour.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 3 hours
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 450
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 2 lbs chicken wings separated into drumettes and flats, patted dry
  • 1/2 cup fresh cilantro finely chopped
  • 2 large limes Juice of (about 1/4 cup)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 green chili (like jalapeño or serrano), minced (remove seeds for less heat)
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Equipment

  • Paper towels
  • Large bowl
  • Whisk
  • Zip-top bag or covered bowl
  • Refrigerator
  • Oven
  • Baking sheet
  • Wire rack
  • Cooking spray
  • Platter

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Pat the chicken wings thoroughly dry with paper towels.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together cilantro, lime juice, olive oil, garlic, green chili, cumin, salt, and black pepper to create the marinade.
  3. Add the dried chicken wings to the marinade, ensuring each piece is fully coated, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours or preferably 4-6 hours.
  4. If baking, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with foil and a lightly sprayed wire rack.
  5. Remove wings from the marinade, let excess drip off, discard remaining marinade, and arrange wings in a single layer on the prepared rack.
  6. Bake for 40-50 minutes, flipping halfway, until they are golden brown, crispy, and reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
  7. Transfer the cooked wings to a platter and serve hot, optionally with extra lime wedges or a sprinkle of fresh cilantro.

Notes

For a deeper flavor, marinate the wings for 4-6 hours or even overnight. Discard any excess marinade before baking.