Tequila Lime Wings

Tequila lime wings are a version of drunken chicken wings in a sticky, irresistible tequila lime sauce. Whip up these margarita chicken wings as a crowd-pleasing appetizer, snack, or even an indulgent lunch. All the tips and tricks you need are here to make these wings easy and delicious!

I can’t be alone in my chicken wing craving, right? I’m not talking about healthy baked wings or frozen pre-made ones in a plastic bag. I’m talking deep fried, crispy wings in a delicious sauce that you have with a cool, preferably alcoholic drink. Are you hungry yet?

While I love a good buffalo wing, these tequila lime chicken wings are an easy to love alternative. The flavors here are classic for recipes like honey jalapeno chicken thighs, and here the addition of lime and tequila transforms the sticky, sweet sauce into a citrusy, mildly spicy flavor bomb. A simple fried wing becomes a margarita inspired drunken chicken wing that is oh so easy to devour.

Tools for Deep Frying

Before we get into the recipe I wanted to quickly share a couple of really helpful tools to make the deep fry process easier.

• A large, heavy duty pot – you can use what you have but I prefer a dutch oven for this!
• A deep fry or candy thermometer – they’re one in the same, but sooooo helpful for getting the right temperature on your oil.
• A spider strainer – This will help get finished wings out of the oil without making a mess!

Tequila Lime Wing Ingredients

There aren’t any complicated ingredients that go into making the perfect tequila lime chicken wing, just a few things to cook down into the tequila lime sauce, chicken, and oil.

• Chicken wings – you can’t have a drunken chicken wing without the chicken! You can buy a party pack of pre-cut drumette and wingette (also called flats) pieces, or you can buy them as one (cheaper) and butcher them yourself. Learn how here.
• Oil – This is a deep fried recipe, and to deep fry you must have a high heat oil. I recommend grapeseed, canola, or vegetable oil.
• Tequila – Something magical happens to tequila when it’s reduced with the right additions, I like an anejo or reposado tequila for this recipe.
• Limes – 3 well juiced limes are needed for this recipe.
• Orange – The addition of fresh orange juice really help balance out the tequila and limes.
• Honey – The needed sweetness, and the stickiness of the final sauce is thanks to the honey.
• Jalapeno – 1 pepper, sliced into rounds and simmered in the sauce creates a lovely bite to the tequila lime sauce without making it really spicy. It can be left out, or the seeds removed to reduce or eliminate any spice.
• Salt – always, always!

How to Make Tequila Lime Wings

If you’ve never deep fried a wing before let me put your mind at ease, it’s very easy! No flouring or coating is needed, just a heavy duty pot and some oil. I’ll walk you through it start to finish and you’ll be whipping up fried wings like a pro in no time.

1. Combine the tequila, lime juice, orange, juice, honey, salt, and sliced jalapeno in a saucepan over medium heat. Bring to a rapid simmer.
2. Stir the sauce occasionally until the liquid is reduced by 2/3 and syrupy.
3. Place your oil in a large, deep pot over medium high heat and bring up to 375°F. Lay out your chicken wings on a paper towel and gently pat dry.
4. When your oil is up to temp place your wings carefully in the oil, fry for 8 mins, or until golden brown, crispy, and the juices run clear. The internal temperature should be 165°F.
5. Remove to paper towel briefly to rid of excess oil then place in a bowl and toss with finished tequila lime sauce.
6. Serve immediately!

Pro Tips for Frying Wings

• Do not overcrowd the pan of oil, this will bring down the oil temperature and lead to oily wings. Fry in batches to keep the oil temperature where it needs to be.
• If frying in batches you can keep wings hot by placing them in a low oven (200°F) on a cooling rack set over a baking sheet.
• Start with room temperature wings. Pull them out of the fridge 15 minutes before frying to prevent the cold chicken from reducing your oil temperature.

FAQ’s

Enjoy! Other Recipes to Try

I hope you wind up licking gooey tequila lime sauce from your fingers like we do whenever I make a batch of these drunken chicken wings! It’s a great recipe for a casual lunch or snack, or as a game day appetizer, Superbowl Sunday anyone? Here are a few more appetizer recipes for you to add to your menu, and until next time, Happy Eating!

• Hot Spinach Artichoke Dip
• Bacon Jam Crostini
• Gooey White Queso Dip with Chorizo
• Creamy Chipotle Dip
• Mini Pizza Bites
• Maple Bacon Onion Jam
• Taco Dip Recipe with Meat
• Deep Fried Brussels Sprouts with Bacon