BBQ Wings with Wild Chiltepin

BBQ wings with wild chiltepin are the perfect balance between sweet, smoky and spicy. BBQ sauce and honey deliver caramelization; wild chiltepin adds the fruity, clean spiciness that sets this recipe apart from standard sports-bar wings.

Ingredients

• 1 kg chicken wings (preferably skin-on)
• 1/2 cup quality BBQ sauce
• 3 tablespoons honey
• 3 tablespoons La Yaquiyori chiltepin hot sauce
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 2 cloves garlic, grated
• 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
• Salt to taste
• Vegetable oil
• Cilantro and lime to serve

Method

1. Preheat the oven to 220°C (425°F). Pat the wings dry with paper towels - dry wings brown better. Season with salt, pepper and a touch of oil.

2. Place the wings on a rack over a tray. Bake 25 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and crispy.

3. While they bake, prepare the sauce: in a large bowl, mix BBQ sauce, honey, La Yaquiyori chiltepin sauce, soy sauce and grated garlic.

4. Remove the wings from the oven and toss in the sauce until well coated. Return to the oven for 5 more minutes so the sauce caramelizes.

5. Serve hot with chopped fresh cilantro, lime on the side and extra chiltepin sauce for those who want more spiciness.

Tips

For spicier wings, increase to 4 tablespoons of chiltepin sauce and reduce honey by 1 tablespoon. For a smokier version, add 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika to the sauce. The rack matters: it lets air circulate so the wings crisp all the way around.