Name: Sweet and Spicy Calabrian Chili Chicken Wings Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Ingredients: 2 pounds chicken wings (fresh, not frozen); 2 teaspoons baking soda; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 1/4 cup honey; 2 tablespoons Calabrian chili paste (or Italian Bomba hot pepper sauce); 2 tablespoons lemon juice; 1 teaspoon lemon zest; 2 garlic cloves (grated); 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary (finely chopped)

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When I first made Sweet and Spicy Calabrian Chili Chicken Wings Recipe, I didn’t know I was about to stumble upon a flavor-packed masterpiece. The sweet honey mingles with the fiery Calabrian chili paste, creating the most tantalizing balance of heat and sweetness.

And the crispiness? Perfect! What I love most is how easy they are to whip up, whether you’re prepping for a party or indulging midweek. They’re a go-to in my kitchen, and every time I serve these, someone’s asking for the recipe. Trust me, one bite and you’ll be hooked too!

Ingredients to Create Magic

Every ingredient in this recipe does its part to deliver bold, unforgettable flavor.

For the Chicken Wings

2 pounds chicken wings: Use fresh wings for the best texture; frozen can turn out watery.
2 teaspoons baking soda: This is the secret to incredibly crispy baked wings.
1 teaspoon salt: Enhances the overall flavor.
1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Adds subtle warmth to the seasoning.

For the Sweet and Spicy Glaze

1/4 cup honey: Provides sweetness that balances the spice beautifully.
2 tablespoons Calabrian chili paste or Italian Bomba hot pepper sauce: The star of the show; adjust to your spice level.
2 tablespoons lemon juice: Cuts through the richness for a fresh, zesty kick.
1 teaspoon lemon zest: Amplifies that bright citrusy base.
2 garlic cloves, grated: Infuses aromatic depth into the glaze.
1 teaspoon fresh rosemary, finely chopped: Adds an earthy flavor that complements the spice.

Note: Serves 4 as an appetizer or 2 as a meal.

Delicious Variations to Try

Customizing these wings to make them your own is easy!

Make it Gluten-Free: Use a certified gluten-free Calabrian chili paste to ensure everyone can enjoy.
Add More Sweetness: Swap honey for maple syrup or increase the amount for a more candied glaze.
Switch the Herbs: Oregano or thyme gives the glaze a different herbal twist.
Try the Air Fryer: For a lower-fat option, cook the wings at 400°F in an air fryer for about 20 minutes.

Cooking Time Breakdown

These wings are quick and simple, perfect for busy days.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes

Equipment You’ll Need

Gather these tools before you start to make the process seamless.

Mixing bowls: For seasoning the wings and preparing the glaze.
Sheet pan: To bake the wings evenly and keep your oven clean.
Wire rack: Keeps the wings elevated for even airflow and maximum crispiness.
Tongs: To flip the wings and coat them in the glaze without mess.
Saucepan: For simmering the sweet and spicy glaze to perfection.

How to Make Sweet and Spicy Calabrian Chili Chicken Wings?

These colorful, flavorful wings come together with ease! Follow these steps for guaranteed success.

Season the Chicken

Begin by preheating your oven to 450°F. If your wings are whole, cut them at the joints to separate the drumettes and flats. Pat them dry with paper towels until they’re completely moisture-free. This is essential for achieving that crispy golden skin. Toss the wings in a bowl with salt, pepper, and baking soda. The baking soda will ensure maximum crispiness, even without frying.

Refrigerate for Extra Crisp

Place the wings on a wire rack set over a baking sheet, making sure they don’t overlap. Refrigerate them uncovered for at least 2 hours. This step helps dry out the skin even further, so they bake up irresistibly crisp.

Bake the Wings

Lightly grease the wire rack with olive oil, then arrange the wings in a single layer. Bake for about 30 minutes, flipping the wings halfway through. This ensures both sides crisp up evenly and gives you that satisfying crunch in every bite.

Simmer the Sweet and Spicy Glaze

While the wings bake, get started on the glaze. Combine honey, Calabrian chili paste, lemon juice, lemon zest, grated garlic, and rosemary in a small saucepan. Slowly heat it over medium-low, stirring occasionally to meld the flavors. The glaze should become slightly thickened but still pourable.

Toss and Broil

When the wings are finished baking, transfer them to a mixing bowl and pour the glaze over the top. Toss gently to coat every wing evenly. For an extra-sticky and caramelized texture, spread the wings back onto the wire rack and broil them for 2-3 minutes, watching closely to avoid burning.

Serve and Enjoy

Arrange the wings on a serving platter and garnish with fresh rosemary sprigs or a sprinkle of lemon zest for presentation. Serve immediately with your favorite dip or a side of crisp veggies.

Tips to Elevate Your Wings

Here are some personal tips I’ve learned to ensure your wings turn out better than ever.

Dry is Key: Patting the wings dry ensures crisp skin, so don’t skip this step.
Balance the Glaze: If the glaze feels overly spicy, a touch more honey or lemon juice will balance it perfectly.
Avoid Overcrowding: Space the wings out on the rack so air can circulate for even cooking.
Experiment: Adjust the amount of Calabrian chili paste depending on your heat tolerance.

How to Serve Sweet and Spicy Calabrian Chili Chicken Wings?

Serve these wings with a cooling dip like ranch or blue cheese dressing to complement their heat. To create a stunning platter, pair them with crunchy veggies like carrot sticks, celery, or bell pepper slices. Garnishing with thinly sliced lemon wedges and rosemary sprigs adds the perfect finishing touches.

Nutritional Information

These wings are indulgent yet balanced.

Calories: ~380
Protein: ~26g
Carbohydrates: ~12g
Fat: ~28g

Make Ahead and Storage

This recipe is perfect for prepping ahead or enjoying leftovers.

Refrigeration: Store cooled wings in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 10 minutes to maintain crispiness.
Freezing: Freeze cooked and cooled wings for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in the oven until warmed through.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe?

Here’s why these wings will win you over.

Powerful Flavor Pairing: Sweet honey and fiery Calabrian chili are a match made in flavor heaven.
Crispy Texture Without Frying: Baking offers the same crunch without the oily mess.
Prep-Friendly: The wings can be prepped hours ahead, making them perfect for parties.
Scalable Heat Level: They’re easy to customize for spice lovers or those who prefer milder wings.

Sweet and Spicy Calabrian Chili Chicken Wings are everything you could want in a party snack or indulgent weeknight dinner. They’re easy to make, bursting with bold flavors, and always a hit! Give them a try and see for yourself why they’re an instant favorite.