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A tray of glazed chicken wings garnished with green onions is served with a bowl of ranch dip; fresh vegetables, spices, and lime slices surround the tray.
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Baked Mango Habanero Wings

Crispy oven-baked wings with a fresh mango habanero sauce that's fruity, sticky, and actually hot. No frying required.
Prep Time20 minutes
Cook Time50 minutes
Total Time2 hours 10 minutes
Course: Appetizer
Cuisine: American
Servings: 4 servings (about 4-5 wings per person)
Calories: 453kcal
Author: Dee Broughton

Equipment

Ingredients

For the Chicken

  • 2 pounds chicken wings split into drums and flats
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder (aluminum-fre
  • 1.5 teaspoons kosher salt
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 0.5 teaspoon black pepper

For the Sauce

  • 2 cups diced fresh mango about 2 ripe mangoes)
  • 2 to 3 habanero peppers stems and seeds removed
  • 3 garlic cloves
  • 0.25 cup honey
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 1 lime juice Juiced
  • 0.25 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 2 tablespoons butter

Instructions

Prep the Wings:

  • Line a rimmed baking sheet with foil and set a wire rack on top. Pat the wings completely dry with paper towels.
  • Combine the baking powder, salt, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and pepper. Toss the wings in the dry rub until evenly coated.
    A bowl of dry seasoning mix with a whisk inside, next to a cutting board holding garlic, lime, and orange peppers.

Air Chill:

  • Arrange the wings in a single layer on the rack. Refrigerate uncovered for at least 1 hour, up to 8 hours. Do not cover.
    A wire rack holds 20 raw, seasoned chicken wings spaced evenly apart, ready for cooking. A dark cloth, garlic, lime, and small bowls are visible nearby.

Bake:

  • Preheat oven to 425°F. Transfer the baking sheet to the oven and bake 40 to 50 minutes, flipping halfway, until the skin is deep golden brown and the internal temp reads 165°F.
    A baking tray with a wire rack holds cooked chicken wings spaced evenly, with some sauce residue underneath. Garlic, lime, and salt are visible in the upper right corner.

Make the Sauce:

  • Add mango, habanero peppers, garlic, apple cider vinegar, lime juice, and salt to a blender. Blend until completely smooth.
    A food processor filled with blended yellow sauce sits on a countertop next to a brown towel, with limes, habanero peppers, salt, and pepper on a wooden board.
  • Pour into a small saucepan over medium heat, stir in the honey, and simmer 10 minutes, stirring frequently, until slightly thickened. Remove from heat and whisk in the butter.
    A saucepan filled with yellow sauce and a whisk, next to a brown cloth, with limes, habanero peppers, salt, and pepper on a tray nearby.

Sauce and Serve:

  • Optional: broil the wings 2 minutes for extra char.
  • Transfer hot wings to a large bowl, pour sauce over, and toss with tongs until coated. Garnish with minced parsley or sliced scallions.
    Tongs mixing glazed chicken wings in a metal bowl, with limes, black pepper, garlic, and habanero peppers on a tray nearby.

Notes

  • Use aluminum-free baking powder to avoid a metallic aftertaste
  • Wear gloves when handling habaneros
  • For a glossy sauce, strain through a fine-mesh sieve after blending
  • Sauce keeps in a sealed jar in the refrigerator for up to 1 week
  • Reheat leftovers at 350°F for 10-12 minutes to re-crisp the skin

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving | Calories: 453kcal | Carbohydrates: 34g | Protein: 24g | Fat: 26g | Saturated Fat: 9g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 4g | Monounsaturated Fat: 9g | Trans Fat: 0.5g | Cholesterol: 109mg | Sodium: 1158mg | Potassium: 613mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 29g | Vitamin A: 1547IU | Vitamin C: 41mg | Calcium: 125mg | Iron: 2mg