Need a bit more heat on your low-carb menu for the week? You're in luck because this Chipotle Chicken Wings recipe has it all! The dry-rubbed chipotle wings are a hot delicacy, especially when grilled for that extra smoky taste. The last time I made this recipe, the wings disappeared from the bowl in no time! They were so good that I had to make another batch later that day, this time adding a light coat of my homemade chipotle aioli and a sprinkle of fresh basil for brightness.
The best thing about this recipe is the versatile chipotle dry rub. You can use it as a fajita seasoning or taco seasoning or add a couple tablespoons into sour cream for an awesome chipotle dipping sauce. It's perfect to rub all over a pork shoulder to make some incredibly tasty pulled pork or apply liberally to boneless skinless chicken thighs for some shredded southwest chicken.
Whether you're planning a game night or a family dinner, these Chipotle chicken wings are guaranteed to be a hit. Trust me, this recipe is a winner and perfect for any occasion, especially because it's too easy to make. Let's make and savor the flavors of this mouthwatering recipe together!
This recipe is:
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- Low Carb
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- Gluten Free
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- Paleo
Table of Contents
5 Reasons to Love This Recipe
Here are a few reasons why you'll love these chipotle chicken wings:
- They are amazingly tasty.
- Easy to make.
- Easy dry rub that is great on other proteins.
- Grill or cook in the oven.
- Pairs well with Mexican-style side dishes.
Are Chipotle Chicken Wings Low Carb?
Yes, chipotle chicken wings are low-carb since they are made with low-carb ingredients compared to the classic honey chipotle wings. Each wing contains less than 0.5 g of net carbs, making them a fantastic healthier alternative for anyone following a low-carb diet. They're a perfect addition to your collection of low-carb recipes!
Also, check out my article on Carbs In Chicken Wings to have in-depth knowledge on the topic with some amazing tips and hacks!
Chipotle Chicken Wings Ingredients List
You'll need the following ingredients to make grilled chicken wings:
For the Chipotle Chicken Wing Dry Rub:
- 1 tablespoon ground chipotle pepper
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1 tablespoon smoked Hungarian paprika
- 1 tablespoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon mustard powder
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- ½ teaspoon pepper
For the Chicken Wings:
- 16 chicken wings, drums & flats separated, wing tips discarded
- 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
Ingredient Substitutions
Missing some of the ingredients for this chipotle chicken wings recipe? Don't worry! Here are some healthy alternatives you can use:
- Ground chipotle: Try ground ancho for an earthy flavor, regular chili powder for less smoke, or cayenne for more heat.
- Smoked paprika: Use regular paprika instead of smoked paprika.
- Dried oregano: Dried marjoram works as a good substitute.
- Cayenne pepper: Use red pepper flakes or Aleppo pepper flakes for a sweeter heat.
- Red wine vinegar: Substitute with white wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar.
Additional Ingredients
Enhance your chipotle chicken wings with these delicious additions:
- Citrus zest: Add lemon, lime, or orange zest to the dry rub to make chipotle lime chicken wings.
- More dried herbs: Incorporate dried or fresh cilantro, chives, or parsley for additional flavor.
- Dipping sauce: Pair these wings with a chipotle aioli for a creamy, spicy dip.
- Hot sauces: Try your favorite sugar-free hot sauce for extra heat and the explosion of flavors. Just be mindful of hidden sugars!
- Blue cheese dressing: Adding blue cheese dressing to chipotle chicken wings increases the flavor profile with creamy and tangy notes complementing the smoky heat of the wings.
- Honey: If you are not following a low carb diet, you can also use honey chipotle sauce for the authentic honey chipotle chicken wings.
Note: Additional ingredients are only for improving the flavor and not part of the original recipe.
Cooking Tools Required
You'll need the following tools for this chipotle chicken wings recipe:
- Mixing bowl
- Tongs or spatula
- Measuring spoons
- Paper towels (optional)
How to Make Chipotle Chicken Wings: Complete Cooking Guide
Cooking Method
- Grilling
Preparation Steps
For The Chipotle Wing Chicken Dry Rub
- Add all the ingredients for the chipotle wing chicken dry rub to a bowl. Mix well until fully incorporated.
For The Chipotle Chicken Wings
- Wash the chicken wings, separate the drums and flats, and discard the wing tips.
- Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
- Place chicken wings in a large bowl.
- Coat with olive oil. Adjust the amount of olive oil based on the size of the wings, using less if necessary.
- Liberally coat the wings with the chipotle spices mixture.
Cooking Instructions
- Grill the wings for 15-20 minutes or until cooked, turning occasionally. Chicken is fully cooked when the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Serve hot and enjoy.
Alternative Cooking Steps (Baking):
Oven-Baked Chicken Wings
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Prepare the wings as mentioned above, coated with olive oil and the chipotle spice mixture.
- Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and place a wire rack on top. Arrange the wings in a single layer on the rack.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, or until fully cooked or you get crispy wings, turning halfway through the cooking time.
- Serve hot.
💡 My Pro Tip
When cooking chicken wings, it's important to consider the varying cooking times for drums and flats. The flats tend to cook faster than the drums. My method involves cooking the wings until the flats reach an internal temperature of 165°F. Then, I move the wings to a holding rack inside the grill to impart a delicious smoky flavor from the heat below. I continue cooking the drums until they are juicy and perfectly done, ensuring that all wings are cooked to perfection before removing them from the grill.
Keep in mind, that if you're using the oven, the cooking time will be longer compared to grilling because the baking sheet surface doesn't get as hot. For nicely cooked wings in the oven, just allow for a bit more time!
⏲️ Time-Saving Tips
- Buy pre-cleaned and pre-cut chicken wings to skip the hassle of cutting.
- Mix the dry rub in advance and store it in your spice drawer for quick seasoning.
- Preheat your grill thoroughly to ensure a nice sear and faster cooking.
- Prepare any accompanying sauces or dips ahead of time to streamline serving.
What to Serve With Chipotle Chicken Wings?
Chipotle chicken wings pair well with a variety of low-carb sides. Here are some delicious options:
- Bacon Avocado Salad: Chipotle hot wings are complemented perfectly by a Bacon Avocado Salad, where the richness of avocado and bacon contrasts with the smoky heat of the wings.
- Creamy Garlic Parmesan Wing Sauce: The crispy texture of chicken wings pairs well with creamy garlic Parmesan wing sauce, creating a flavor combination with a creamy texture, perfect for dipping and enjoying!
- Grilled Asparagus: Pairing chipotle chicken wings with Grilled Asparagus offers a delightful combination of smoky flavors from the wings and the charred, earthy taste of asparagus.
- Fresh Summer Broccoli Salad: Fresh Summer Broccoli Salad makes a refreshing side with my hot chicken wing recipe, adding crispness and a burst of flavor to your meal.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Storage Tips
- These chipotle chicken wings can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Freezing Tips
- These wings freeze well. Cool them on a baking sheet in a single layer, then transfer them to a freezer bag. Store for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating Tips
- For best results, reheat the wings in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 12-15 minutes or on the grill at medium heat for 8-10 minutes. Avoid reheating on the stovetop to preserve the flavor and texture.
Recipe Conclusion
I absolutely adore crispy chicken wings. Their unique shape makes them perfect for holding onto all their incredible flavor. They're also incredibly versatile—ideal for appetizers, party platters, or a hearty lunch or dinner option. Whether baked, grilled, or fried, they're always a hit.
With these Chipotle Chicken Wings, you're in control of the spice level. We prefer them extra spicy but feel free to adjust the cayenne and chipotle pepper to suit your taste. The smoked Hungarian paprika adds a delightful smoky flavor even with milder heat.
For a drink pairing, I recommend a refreshing pilsner or hard cider. While wine may not be the best match, a margarita will certainly hit the spot if beer or cider isn't your thing.
I hope you enjoy this recipe, and I'd love to hear how it turns out for you!
More Chicken Wing Recipes
If you want to try more chicken wing recipes, check out these:
FAQs
Chicken wings typically take 15-20 minutes to cook until done.
Chipotle is both sweet and spicy, with a smoky flavor.
Chipotle sauce consists of smoked and dried jalapeño peppers blended with various spices and seasonings.
Yes, you can make wings in an air fryer! Air-frying chicken wings is a great way to achieve crispy, flavorful wings with less oil than traditional frying methods. The texture and taste are similar to baked wings.
Chipotle Chicken Wings 🍗
Ingredients
Chipotle Chicken Wings Ingredients List
- For the Chipotle Chicken Wing Dry Rub:
- 1 tablespoon ground chipotle pepper
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1 tablespoon smoked Hungarian paprika
- 1 tablespoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon mustard powder
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- ½ teaspoon pepper
For the Chicken Wings:
- 16 chicken wings drums & flats separated, wing tips discarded
- 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
Instructions
Preparation Steps
For The Chipotle Wing Chicken Dry Rub
- Add all the ingredients for the chipotle wing chicken dry rub to a bowl. Mix well until fully incorporated.
For The Chipotle Chicken Wings
- Wash the chicken wings, separate the drums and flats, and discard the wing tips.
- Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
- Place chicken wings in a large bowl.
- Coat with olive oil. Adjust the amount of olive oil based on the size of the wings, using less if necessary.
- Liberally coat the wings with the chipotle spices mixture.
Cooking Instructions
- Grill the wings for 15-20 minutes or until cooked, turning occasionally. Chicken is fully cooked when the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Serve hot and enjoy.
Alternative Cooking Steps (Baking):
Oven-Baked Chicken Wings
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Prepare the wings as mentioned above, coated with olive oil and the chipotle spice mixture.
- Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and place a wire rack on top. Arrange the wings in a single layer on the rack.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, or until fully cooked or you get crispy wings, turning halfway through the cooking time.
- Serve hot.
Notes
If you're a fan of these Chipotle Chicken Wings, I'd love your feedback! If you have any tips for making them even lower in carbs, please share your ideas in the comments below! Hope you have fun cooking!
Nutrition
“This website provides approximate nutrition data and information for convenience and as a courtesy only.”
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Abra says
I've been craving wings all week and these look incredible!
Scott Groth says
Hi Abra:
One of my good friends made this last night when I went over to visit. It's funny when you get a chance to taste your own recipe cooked by someone else. So yummy- I hope you get a chance to make it!
Take care-
Scott