Chef notes
I have never met a spicy chicken wing I didn't like and these are no exception. Making your own barbecue sauce is the key; this one is super tangy and bright. They are perfect with cold beer! I could eat an entire platter of them on my own any day.
Technique tip: Using a cooling rack set inside a baking sheet allows air to circulate and helps the wings get extra crispy without frying.
Ingredients
- Nonstick cooking spray
- 3 pounds chicken wings, tips removed, drumettes and flats separated
- 2½ teaspoons chili powder, divided
- 2 teaspoons smoked paprika, divided
- 3/4 teaspoon ground cumin, divided
- Kosher salt
- Freshly ground black pepper
- 1 tablespoon canola oil
- 1/3 cup ketchup
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon mustard powder
Preparation
1.Preheat the oven to 475°F. Spray a cooling a rack with cooking spray, then set it into a 13- by 18-inch rimmed baking sheet. Rinse the wings under cold running water and pat dry.
2.In a large bowl, whisk together 2 teaspoons chili powder, 1 teaspoon paprika, 1/2 teaspoon cumin, 2 teaspoons salt, 1/2 teaspoon pepper and the oil. Add the wings to the spice mixture and toss to coat evenly.
3.Arrange the wings, skin-side up, on the prepared rack. Roast for 20 minutes (you're likely to get a bit of smoke, but the wings will not burn), then rotate the pan and reduce the oven temperature to 400°F. Continue roasting until the wings are cooked through and crispy, about 20 to 25 minutes more.
4.Meanwhile, in a saucepan, combine the ketchup, vinegar, honey, mustard powder and the remaining 1/2 teaspoon chili powder, 1 teaspoon paprika and 1/4 teaspoon cumin. Bring to a simmer and cook for 5 minutes. Remove from heat.
5.Once the wings are cooked, transfer them to a large mixing bowl, pour the barbecue sauce over them and toss well to evenly coat. Serve warm.
