Are you ready to spice up your next party or game day with a sweet and fiery appetizer that will have everyone licking their fingers?
Look no further than these mouthwatering Mango Habanero Chicken Wings!
The perfect balance of juicy chicken, tropical mango sweetness, and a kick of habanero heat, these wings are sure to become your new go-to crowd-pleaser.
Mango Habanero Chicken Wings Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 lbs chicken wings, separated into drumettes and flats
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 large ripe mango, peeled and diced
- 1-2 habanero peppers, seeded and minced (adjust to your heat preference)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 2 tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp lime juice
- 1/4 cup butter, melted
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper and place a wire rack on top.
In a large bowl, toss the chicken wings with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika until evenly coated. Arrange the wings on the wire rack, making sure they aren’t touching each other.
Bake the wings for 40-45 minutes, flipping them halfway through, until they are crispy and golden brown.
While the wings are baking, prepare the mango habanero sauce. In a blender or food processor, combine the diced mango, habanero peppers, garlic, apple cider vinegar, honey, and lime juice. Blend until smooth.
Pour the mango habanero mixture into a saucepan and bring it to a simmer over medium heat. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens slightly. Remove from heat and whisk in the melted butter until well combined.
Once the wings are done baking, transfer them to a large mixing bowl. Pour the mango habanero sauce over the wings and toss until they are evenly coated.
Return the sauced wings to the wire rack and bake for an additional 5-7 minutes, until the sauce is caramelized and sticky.
Remove the wings from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped cilantro and extra lime wedges if desired.
These Mango Habanero Chicken Wings are best served hot and fresh out of the oven, but they can also be enjoyed at room temperature. The sweet and spicy sauce pairs perfectly with the crispy, juicy chicken, creating a flavor explosion in every bite.
Tips and Variations
Adjust the heat: If you prefer a milder sauce, use only one habanero pepper or substitute with a milder chili like jalapeño. For extra heat, leave some of the seeds in the habaneros or add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the sauce.
Grilling option: These wings can also be grilled for a smoky flavor. Grill the wings over medium-high heat for 20-25 minutes, flipping occasionally, until cooked through. Baste with the mango habanero sauce during the last 5 minutes of grilling.
Make ahead: The mango habanero sauce can be prepared up to 3 days in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Reheat the sauce before tossing with the wings.
Serving suggestions: Serve these wings with a cool, creamy dip like ranch or blue cheese to balance out the heat. Celery and carrot sticks also make a refreshing accompaniment.
Whether you’re hosting a summer barbecue, a tailgate party, or just looking for a delicious appetizer to spice up your weeknight dinner, these Mango Habanero Chicken Wings are sure to impress.
The combination of sweet, fruity mango and fiery habanero creates a unique and addictive flavor that will have everyone reaching for more.
So fire up your oven, grab some napkins, and get ready to dive into a plate of these irresistible wings. With their perfect balance of sweet and heat, these Mango Habanero Chicken Wings are destined to become a family favorite. Just be warned – once you start eating them, it’s hard to stop!
