Fiesta Chicken Wing Night

Name: Fiesta Chicken Wing Night
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 1 h
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 2 pounds chicken wings; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 teaspoon chili powder; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon onion powder; 1 teaspoon cumin; Salt and pepper to taste; Fresh lime wedges for serving; 2 ripe mangoes, diced; 1 red onion, finely chopped; 1 jalapeño, seeded and diced; 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped; Juice of 1 lime; Salt to taste

Highlighted under: International Flavor Recipes

I always look forward to our Friday night rituals, and this Fiesta Chicken Wing Night has become a highlight in our household. The aroma of spicy, crispy wings fills the kitchen, making it nearly impossible to wait for dinner. I love how simple it is to prepare these finger-licking wings, letting my family join in on the fun of assembling the spicy marinade. It's a vibrant dish that brings a festive atmosphere to our table, and each bite bursts with flavor, reminding us of our favorite taco nights.

Created by

Emily

Last updated on 2026-01-17T13:58:27.628Z

When I first tried making chicken wings at home, I was amazed at how easy and affordable it was. The trick? Marinating them overnight to really deepen the flavors. This method ensures every wing is packed with zest and tang, making them irresistible. Plus, the baking technique helps achieve that perfect crispiness without the mess of frying.

Last time we had friends over, I tried a new twist by serving these alongside a fresh mango salsa. The combination of sweet and spicy was a total game changer! I highly recommend making extra salsa—it pairs wonderfully with the wings and provides a refreshing contrast.

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        Crispy chicken wings with a zesty blend of spices
Perfect for sharing with friends and family
Customizable heat levels for everyone's taste

      

Unlocking the Flavor with Right Marinade

The marinade is crucial to achieving flavorful chicken wings, and it's all about balance. The combination of chili powder, garlic, and cumin not only adds heat but also a depth of flavor that complements the crispy texture. I find that letting the wings marinate for longer, ideally overnight, allows the spices to penetrate deeper, enhancing every bite. However, if you're short on time, even a quick 1-hour marination can yield delicious results.

Remember to adjust the salt and pepper according to your taste preferences as well as those of your guests. For an exciting twist, consider adding smoked paprika or a pinch of cayenne pepper for extra smoky or spicy notes. The key is to experiment within the boundaries of your family’s flavor tolerance while still ensuring the essential elements of this Fiesta-inspired dish shine through.

Baking Tips for Perfectly Crispy Wings

Achieving that sought-after crispy texture without frying is all about temperature and timing. Baking at 400°F (200°C) is ideal, as it allows the fat from the wings to render out and the skin to crisp up beautifully. Flipping the wings halfway through the cooking time ensures they brown evenly. You’ll know they’re ready when they have a golden, crispy exterior and a juicy interior that’s still tender.

If your wings aren’t as crispy as you’d like after the baking time, consider giving them an additional few minutes under the broiler. Keep a close eye, though; they can go from perfectly crispy to burnt quite quickly. I recommend setting a timer for 1-2 minutes to monitor the process closely and achieve that perfect crunch.

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to create the perfect fiesta wings.

For the Wings

2 pounds chicken wings
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon chili powder
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon cumin
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh lime wedges for serving

For the Mango Salsa

2 ripe mangoes, diced
1 red onion, finely chopped
1 jalapeño, seeded and diced
1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
Juice of 1 lime
Salt to taste

Make sure all ingredients are fresh for the best taste!

Instructions

Preparation Steps

Follow these steps for a delicious outcome.

Prepare the Marinade

In a large bowl, combine olive oil, chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly.

Marinate the Wings

Add the chicken wings to the bowl and toss them until they are evenly coated in the marinade. For best results, marinate for at least 1 hour or overnight.

Bake the Wings

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the wings on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 35-40 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they are crispy.

Prepare the Mango Salsa

While the wings are baking, mix together the diced mangoes, onion, jalapeño, cilantro, lime juice, and salt in a bowl. Set aside.

Serve

Once the wings are done, serve them hot with the mango salsa and lime wedges on the side.

Enjoy your tasty fiesta chicken wings!

Pro Tips

For added heat, toss the wings with your favorite hot sauce before serving. You can also substitute the chicken wings with drumsticks if desired.

Fresh Mango Salsa Variations

Mango salsa provides a refreshing contrast to the spicy wings, but feel free to customize the ingredients based on what's available. If mangoes aren’t in season, consider substituting with diced peaches or pineapple for a similarly sweet, tangy accompaniment. Adding diced red bell peppers can also increase crunch and sweetness, making the salsa even more vibrant.

For those who enjoy a bit of heat, try incorporating diced habanero or serrano peppers instead of jalapeños. Adjusting the lime juice can also enhance flavor; more lime brings brightness, while a touch of honey or agave can balance the spiciness for a more rounded salsa.

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

These chicken wings are excellent for meal prep. You can marinate them and then freeze them for later use. Just place the coated wings in a resealable bag, pressing out as much air as possible, and store them in the freezer for up to three months. When ready to cook, thaw them overnight in the refrigerator before baking for best results.

Although the wings are best enjoyed fresh and crispy, leftover wings can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, I recommend using the oven rather than the microwave. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and place the wings on a baking sheet, heating for about 10-15 minutes until they regain their crispiness.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I grill these wings instead of baking?

Absolutely! Grilling adds a wonderful smoky flavor. Just make sure to keep an eye on them to prevent burning.

→ How long can I marinate the chicken wings?

You can marinate them for up to 24 hours for maximal flavor absorption.

→ Can I use frozen chicken wings?

Yes, but make sure to thaw them completely before marinating and cooking for even results.

→ What if I don't have mangoes for the salsa?

You can substitute with diced pineapple or even avocado for a different twist.