Ingredients
Chicken Wings Marinade
- 2.5 pounds chicken wings, separated into flats and drums
- ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
- ¼ cup lime juice
- 6 large garlic cloves, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon red chili flakes
- 1 tablespoon cumin
- 2 teaspoons oregano
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
Aji Verde Sauce
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 2 cups cilantro, mostly leaves
- 2 jalapeños, roughly chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, roughly chopped
- ¼ cup grated cotija or parmesan cheese
- 1 lime, juiced
- ¼ teaspoon sea salt
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 425°F (220°C) to get it ready for roasting your wings to crisp perfection.
- Prepare the marinade: In a bowl, combine extra virgin olive oil, lime juice, finely chopped garlic, soy sauce, honey, paprika, smoked paprika, red chili flakes, cumin, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly to create a well-blended marinade.
- Prepare the chicken wings: Pat the chicken wings dry using paper towels to remove excess moisture, which helps the wings crisp up during baking.
- Marinate the wings: Pour the marinade over the chicken wings and rub it evenly all over them. For best results, marinate the wings for several hours or overnight in the refrigerator to allow deep flavor penetration.
- Set up for roasting: Place a wire rack on top of a baking sheet and spray it lightly with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Arrange the wings skin-side down on the wire rack.
- Roast the wings – first side: Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes to begin crisping the skin.
- Flip and continue roasting: Carefully flip each wing and bake for an additional 15 to 20 minutes until the wings are golden, crisp, and cooked through.
- Prepare the Aji Verde sauce: In a blender, combine cilantro, jalapeños, and garlic and pulse until finely chopped. Add mayonnaise, grated cotija or parmesan cheese, lime juice, and sea salt. Blend until the sauce is mostly smooth with some texture remaining. Adjust salt or heat by adding more jalapeño or lime juice as desired.
- Serve immediately: Plate the crispy Peruvian wings and serve hot with the Aji Verde sauce on the side for dipping.
Notes
- Marinating time: For the best flavor, marinate the wings overnight, but if short on time, even 30 minutes to an hour helps.
- Aji Verde sauce adjustments: If you prefer a spicier sauce, increase the amount of jalapeños. For a milder, tangier flavor, add more lime juice.
- Cooking alternatives: If you don’t have a wire rack, place wings directly on a parchment-lined baking sheet but flip frequently for even crisping.
- Serving suggestions: These wings pair excellently with simple sides like rice, salad, or fries for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Peruvian
