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grilled chili lime chicken wings on cutting board.
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4.84 from 12 votes

Marinated Chicken Wings With Chili Lime Honey Glaze

Marinated chicken wings cooked on the grill are tangy and sweet with a little bit of heat. They are coated in a chili lime honey glaze, offering a delicious twist on a game day classic.
Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time25 minutes
marinating30 minutes
Total Time1 hour 5 minutes
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Servings (change as needed): 4 -5

Ingredients

  • 3 pounds chicken wings, wing tips removed (whole or split) about 12-15

Marinade

  • 1/3 cup light mayonnaise
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 2 tablespoons lime juice, Note 1 (about 1 lime)
  • 2 teaspoons chili powder (or more, to taste)
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar (or honey or maple syrup)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced (2 teaspoons finely chopped)
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
  • optional: 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper, red pepper flakes or 1-2 teaspoons of sriracha sauce if you like heat

Glaze

  • 3 tablespoon lime juice
  • 3 tablespoon honey
  • zest of 1 lime
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder or more, to taste
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • optional: 1-2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro (or 1 tsp dried coriander)

Garnish

  • chopped fresh cilantro and/or green onions

Instructions

  • MARINATE WINGS: Place marinade ingredients in a ziploc bag and massage to blend well (or mix in medium bowl). Add wings and coat will with marinade. Let site at room temperature to marinate for 30 minutes or refrigerate for up to 2 hours.
  • MIX GLAZE: In the meantime, combine ingredients for the glaze with a fork or whisk in a small bowl.
  • GRILL WINGS: Spray grill with oil (or use a little olive oil on some paper towels to oil the grills) and heat grill to High. Tip: I also spray the wings with oil to avoid sticking. Lower burners on half of grill to medium low heat (about 325F/163C). Leave other half on medium-high heat. Place wings on side with low heat. Cover and grill for 15-20 minutes, depending on the size of the wings, turning once or twice. Note 2 to bake.
  • FINISH WINGS: Increase heat under wings to medium-high and brush glaze on top of wings with a pastry brush. Continue grilling for a few minutes on each side, brushing with chili lime sauce until you get a golden skin with grill marks on the wings. Watch carefully as the honey in the glaze can burn easily. The internal temperature should be 160F/71C with an instant-read meat thermometer. Rest for 5-10 minutes (temperature will rise 5 degrees f). If you have a little glaze left over, brush it over the wings before serving. Garnish with cilantro, fresh lime wedges or chopped green onions. Serve hot or at room temperature.

Notes

  1. To marinate longer: Do not marinate the wings for more than 2 hours if you're using lime juice as the acid will break down the meat and change its texture. If you want to marinate for longer (e.g overnight), use the zest of one lime instead, not the juice. 
  2. To bake wings (instead of grilling): Heat oven to 400F/204C. Prepare a rimmed baking sheet lined with aluminum foil. Place wire rack on top and spray with oil for easy cleanup. Put wings on rack in single layer. Bake for 20-30 minutes in the preheated oven, depending on size of wings. Increase heat to 425F/218C, brush glaze on the wings and bake another 10 minutes or until slightly charred and golden. If not browned enough, broil for 2-3 minutes. 
  3. Make Ahead:
    • The wings can be made ahead and either kept in a warm oven for up to an hour (covered) in the oven or served at room temperature.
    • Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
    • Wings can be frozen for up to 2 months, defrosted, then warmed in a moderate oven, covered for 10 minutes.
 
Nutrition value estimates for 1/4 of the wings and depend on their size. 
Calories: 531kcal | Carbohydrates: 23g | Protein: 34g | Fat: 34g | Saturated Fat: 9g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 9g | Monounsaturated Fat: 13g | Trans Fat: 0.4g | Cholesterol: 144mg | Sodium: 938mg | Potassium: 388mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 17g | Vitamin A: 748IU | Vitamin C: 13mg | Calcium: 46mg | Iron: 2mg