Calabrian Chili Wings with Honey and Lemon Recipe
These Calabrian Chili Wings are a spicy and flavorful appetizer featuring crispy chicken wings tossed in a zesty sauce made from Calabrian chili peppers, honey, lemon, rosemary, and garlic. Perfect for game day or a zesty snack, they deliver a sweet, tangy, and smoky heat that’s guaranteed to impress.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
Chicken Wings
- 2 pounds of chicken wings
Calabrian Chili Sauce
- 1 tablespoon Calabrian Chili Peppers / Italian Bomba Hot Pepper Sauce
- 2 tablespoons honey
- Juice and zest of half a lemon
- 2 sprigs fresh rosemary, stems removed
- 1 clove garlic, grated
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Wings: Begin by placing the chicken wings in a large bowl. Sprinkle the baking soda evenly over the wings to help crisp up the skin during cooking. Season generously with salt and pepper, then toss well to coat all the wings thoroughly. Set aside while you prepare the sauce, allowing the baking soda to work its magic.
- Make the Calabrian Chili Sauce: In a separate small bowl, combine the Calabrian chili pepper sauce with honey, lemon juice, lemon zest, grated garlic, and finely chopped rosemary leaves. Mix until the ingredients form a smooth, balanced, flavorful sauce with sweet, spicy, and tangy notes.
- Cook the Wings: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Arrange the wings in a single layer on a wire rack placed over a baking sheet to ensure even heat circulation and crispy skin. Bake the wings for 35 to 45 minutes, flipping halfway through to evenly crisp both sides. The wings should be golden and cooked through with an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Toss Wings in Sauce: Once the wings are perfectly roasted, transfer them to a large mixing bowl. Pour the prepared Calabrian chili sauce over the hot wings and toss well to coat each wing evenly in the vibrant sauce.
- Serve and Enjoy: Serve these fiery, crispy Calabrian Chili Wings immediately while hot. Garnish with extra fresh rosemary if desired for a delightful presentation. These wings pair well with cooling dips like ranch or blue cheese, and celery sticks on the side.
Notes
- Using baking soda helps to achieve extra crispy skin by raising the pH level on the chicken surface.
- If you prefer less heat, reduce the amount of Calabrian chili pepper sauce or substitute with milder chili sauces.
- Make sure to use fresh lemon zest and juice for the brightest flavor and acidity balance.
- Oven temperature and cooking time may vary depending on wing size; check for internal doneness with a thermometer.
- For a smoky variation, try finishing the wings under the broiler for 2-3 minutes at the end of baking.
