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cowboy butter chicken wings recipe
- Total Time: 60 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: General
Description
This recipe features crisp, juicy chicken wings coated in a vibrant, herby cowboy butter glaze, perfect as an easy weeknight dinner or impressive appetizer with bold, family-friendly flavor.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1.5 kg (3.3 lbs) chicken wings, separated into flats & drumettes (Pat dry for ultimate crispness)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (Helps seasonings adhere and promotes a beautiful golden-brown color)
- 1 teaspoon fine sea salt (Essential for seasoning the chicken and balancing flavors)
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper (Adds a subtle warmth to the wings’ foundational taste)
- 0.5 teaspoon garlic powder (Provides an aromatic base that blends well with other spices)
- 0.5 teaspoon onion powder (Contributes a savory, umami depth to the wing seasoning)
- 115 g (8 tablespoons) unsalted butter (Creates the rich, luscious base for the cowboy butter sauce)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced (The core of the butter’s aromatic, savory punch)
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped (or 1 tsp dried parsley)
- 1 tablespoon fresh chives, finely chopped (Adds a delicate, oniony brightness to the herb mix)
- 0.5 teaspoon dried thyme (or 1.5 tsp fresh thyme)
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (or to taste (for a gentle kick))
- 2 tablespoons smoked paprika (Imparts a deep, smoky flavor and a rich, appealing color)
- 1 teaspoon lime zest (A burst of bright, aromatic citrus to cut through richness)
- 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice (lemon juice works too)
- 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup (Provides a touch of sweetness and a beautiful glossy finish)
- Pinch cayenne pepper (optional)
- 2 tablespoons vegetable stock (Helps create a smooth, slightly thickened, glossy glaze)
- 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, finely chopped (for garnish)
- 2 lime wedges (for serving)
Instructions
- Prep the Wings: Preheat oven to 200°C (400°F). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper and an oven-safe wire rack. In a large bowl, toss wings with olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder until evenly coated. Arrange seasoned wings in a single layer on the wire rack, ensuring they are not touching for optimal air circulation.
- Cook the Wings: Bake for 40-50 minutes (Oven Baked), flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crispy, reaching an internal temperature of 74°C (165°F). Alternatively, (Air Fryer) cook at 190°C (375°F) for 20-25 minutes, shaking the basket every 5-7 minutes. If wings appear pale, turn the oven to 220°C (425°F) for the last 5-10 minutes for extra crispness.
- Make Cowboy Butter: While wings bake, melt unsalted butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant (do not brown). Stir in parsley, chives, thyme, red pepper flakes, smoked paprika, lime zest, lime juice, honey, cayenne, and vegetable stock. Bring to a gentle simmer, reduce heat, and cook for 3-5 minutes, stirring until the glaze slightly thickens and becomes glossy.
- Toss and Serve: Once wings are cooked and crispy, transfer them to a large clean bowl. Pour the warm Smoked Paprika-Lime Glaze over the wings and toss gently until each wing is thoroughly coated. Serve immediately on a dark platter, garnished with fresh cilantro and lime wedges.
Notes
Avoid crowding the pan for maximum crispness. Always pat wings completely dry. Cook garlic just until fragrant to prevent bitterness in your cowboy butter sauce.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 3-4 wings (approx. 250 g)
- Calories: 650 calories
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 950 mg
- Fat: 55 g
- Saturated Fat: 25 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 25 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 12 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 50 g
- Cholesterol: 200 mg