Zesty Garlic Lime Crispy Chicken Wings

🕒 Prep: 15 min
🔥 Cook: 20 min
🍽 Serves: 4
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Get ready to elevate your chicken wing game with these Zesty Garlic Lime Crispy Chicken Wings. With a tangy twist of lime and a hint of spice, these wings are bound to become a hit at your next gathering. Perfect for game days, parties, or just a cozy night in.

Ingredients for Zesty Garlic Lime Crispy Chicken Wings

The star of the dish is, of course, the chicken wings. They are the perfect canvas for our bold flavors. The all-purpose flour helps create that irresistible crispy coating. A blend of spices like salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika provides depth and warmth. The lime zest and freshly squeezed lime juice offer a fresh, tangy kick that brightens the whole dish. Buttermilk tenderizes the meat, ensuring juicy wings. Cayenne pepper adds a subtle heat, while fresh cilantro offers a refreshing finish. Lastly, vegetable oil is our frying medium, ensuring the wings are perfectly golden and crispy.

Tips & Tricks

  • For extra crispy wings, let them rest on a wire rack for a few minutes after dredging them in the flour mixture. This helps the coating adhere better.
  • If you prefer a spicier kick, feel free to adjust the cayenne pepper to your taste.
  • Use a thermometer to maintain the oil temperature. Keeping it steady ensures evenly cooked wings.

Serving Suggestions

These wings are a hit on their own, but if you want to make them part of a meal, consider serving them with a side of creamy coleslaw or a crisp green salad. For a more indulgent option, pair them with sweet potato fries or corn on the cob. A cold, refreshing drink like a lime soda or iced tea complements the zesty flavors perfectly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use chicken drumsticks instead of wings?
Absolutely! Just adjust the cooking time as drumsticks are larger and may take longer to cook through.
Is there a substitute for buttermilk?
If you don't have buttermilk, you can use regular milk with a tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar. Let it sit for a few minutes before using.
Can these wings be baked instead of fried?
Yes, you can bake them at 400°F for about 30-40 minutes. They won't be as crispy as fried, but still delicious!

Zesty Garlic Lime Crispy Chicken Wings Recipe Walkthrough

Start by rinsing your chicken wings under cold water and patting them dry with paper towels. This step is crucial for a crispy finish, as excess moisture can make the wings soggy. Once they’re ready, set them aside while you prepare your coating mixtures.

In a shallow bowl, combine the flour, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, lime zest, cayenne pepper, onion powder, and paprika. Stir everything together until evenly mixed. In another bowl, pour in the buttermilk. Dip each wing into the buttermilk, ensuring it's well-coated, then dredge it in the flour mixture. Make sure each wing is thoroughly covered for maximum crispiness.

Heat the vegetable oil in a deep skillet over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F. You can use a thermometer to check the temperature, or drop a small piece of bread into the oil; if it sizzles and turns golden, you’re good to go. Fry the wings in small batches, being careful not to overcrowd the skillet. This helps maintain the oil temperature and ensures even cooking. Fry each batch for about 10 minutes or until the wings are golden brown and crispy.

Once cooked, remove the wings with a slotted spoon and drain them on paper towels. This step helps remove any excess oil. While the wings are still hot, drizzle them with freshly squeezed lime juice and sprinkle with chopped cilantro for a burst of freshness. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Quick and easy to prepare, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
  • A delightful combination of zesty, spicy, and savory flavors.
  • Crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside — the perfect texture contrast.
  • Simple ingredients that pack a punch without breaking the bank.

Ingredients

2 lbs chicken wings
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 tsp salt
1 tsp black pepper
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tbsp lime zest
1 cup buttermilk
2 cups vegetable oil
1 tbsp freshly squeezed lime juice
1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
1 tsp onion powder
1 tsp paprika
1 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Rinse and pat the chicken wings dry.
2. In a shallow bowl, combine flour, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, lime zest, cayenne pepper, onion powder, and paprika.
3. Pour buttermilk into another bowl and dip each wing into the buttermilk, then dredge in the flour mixture ensuring full coverage.
4. Heat vegetable oil in a deep skillet to 350°F. Fry the wings in small batches until golden brown and crispy, about 10 minutes per batch.
5. Remove wings and drain on paper towels.
6. Drizzle with lime juice and garnish with cilantro before serving.

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