My Tequila Lime Drunken Chicken Wings are not only incredibly delicious, they’re also quick and easy to make.
So if you’re looking for a delicious snack for your next get-together or a monotony breaker for a fun family dinner give this recipe a try!
Updated from original post January 30, 2015
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I love buffalo wings and my recipe is the standard I judge all others by. But man (and woman) cannot live by Buffalo Wings alone so I’m always thinking of new and delicious ways to serve them.
What Ingredients do I need to make Drunken Chicken Wings?
Let’s start by gathering the ingredients we need to make my Drunken Chicken Wings. In Chef Speak this is called the “Mise en Place” which translates to “Everything in its Place”.
Not only does setting your ingredients up ahead of time speed the up cooking process, but it also helps ensure you have everything you need to make the dish.
Do I have to use Tequila to make these wings?
No, you do not. You can leave it out altogether or replace it with Vodka, Rum or Gin.
How do I make Drunken Chicken Wings?
Start by combining all the ingredients to make the marinade in a small bowl, mixing well.
Place the chicken wing sections in a large bowl or large ziplock bag, then the marinade. Mix the wings in the marinade so they all get coated.
Cover the bowl or seal the ziplock bag and refrigerate for 4-6 hours. You can marinate the wings overnight if needed. (bone-in and skin-on chicken is okay to marinate overnight)
Preheat the oven to 400. Line a baking pan with foil and arrange the chicken wings in a single layer on the pan. Pour the marinade evenly over all the wings.
Bake until meat is well browned and pulling away from the bone, about 1 hour to 1 hour and 15 minutes.
These wings get that lovely caramelization from the sugar in the marinade and the lime and tequila give it that margarita flavor that you love. But don’t worry all the alcohol burns off when you cook the wings. If you’d rather not use the tequila that’s not a problem, you can substitute your favorite lemon-lime soda.
My drunken chicken wings go great with sriracha or your favorite hot sauce for your friends that want to bring the heat. Just make sure to print out a few extra copies of the recipe if you serve it to your friends because they’re going to be begging for the recipe!
More Chicken Wing Recipes You’ll Love!
- The Most Ah-Mazing Buffalo Chicken Wings
- Garlic Ginger Chicken Wings
- Chinese Sticky Wings
- Honey Lime Buffalo Wings
Drunken Chicken Wings
Ingredients
- 2 ½ pounds chicken wings tips trimmed off saved for soup.
- ⅔ cup tequila
- ½ cup fresh lime juice
- 3 tablespoons sugar
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 teaspoon sea salt
- ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes or hotter if you like
Instructions
- Start by combining all the ingredients to make the marinade in a small bowl, mixing well.
- Place the chicken wing sections in a large bowl or large ziplock bag, then the marinade. Mix the wings in the marinade so they all get coated.
- Cover the bowl or seal the ziplock bag and refrigerate for 4-6 hours. You can marinate the wings overnight if needed. (bone-in and skin-on chicken is okay to marinate overnight)
- Preheat oven to 400°.
- Line a baking pan with foil.
- Arrange the chicken wings in a single layer in the pan, and pour the marinade evenly over all the wings
- Bake until meat is well browned and pulling away from the bone, about 1 hour to 1 hour and 15 minutes.
- Any marinade that is on the tray with the fully cooked chicken wings is safe to use since its been a subjected to a high temperature.
Nutrition
Ellen says
My family said they are the best wings they have ever had! Wow.
Chef Dennis Littley says
Thats what I like to hear! Thanks for the great review and I hope you find more recipes to try !
Lorie says
I have made these several times absolutely love this recipe!! Any tips on grilling these??
Chef Dennis Littley says
I would marinate the wings longer, possibly overnight. Place a piece of foil on the grill and lay the wings on the foil to cook. Brush the remaining marinade on the wings and repeat as you turn them. If you want a good char, place them directly on the grates for a minute or so at the end of the cooking process. They should come out pretty tasty that way.
Michelle says
These were delicious! I’m going to make these for our next tailgate party to share with my friends
Jo says
oh my God these chicken wings were so crispy and delicious! That marinade with tequila, lime and chili flakes is mind blowing. I can’t wait to give this a try. Saving it.
Sam | Ahead of Thyme says
OMG these chicken wings looks so delicious and crispy. I love how easy it is to make. Can’t wait to try it!
Jamie says
I made these last night and they made such a good appetizer! The lime and tequila really gave these wings a lot of flavor!
Amanda says
Great recipe! I love baking them as it’s less messy.
Jenni LeBaron says
These Drunken Chicken Wings were delicious! I love the mix of tequila and lime juice in the marinade. Next time I’m going to enjoy these with a side of chips and guac and a margarita for a fun meal!
Patti@PattyCakesPantry says
You’re right about how chicken wings status in the meat department has changed. In my local grocer, they frequently cost more per pound than boneless skinless chicken breasts. It’s shocking. I love all of the flavors going on in this recipe, and I can’t wait to try these Tequila Lime Drunken Chicken Wings. I think we will be serving these at our New Year’s Eve Party. YUM!!
Shelley says
Haha – you’re so right – man (and woman) definitely cannot live by Buffalo wings alone! So I was really excited you posted this … perfect timing! I’m hosting an early Thanksgiving this weekend, specifically to include my kids’ boyfriend and girlfriend, whom we won’t be able to include later in the week. We’re going totally off-script and not doing turkey and stuffing, since everyone will have the traditional things in a few days. And – no kidding – I was planning to make wings for an appetizer the boys can enjoy during the Browns game before our “big meal” (my daughter’s sweet boyfriend is a huge carnivore and LOVES wings). How perfect to find a unique alternative to the same-old, same-old version! Thank you – and Happy Thanksgiving!
Analida Braeger says
Wings are a family favorite in my house and I love lime flavor with chicken for a tangy kick! Thanks for sharing a great recipe!
Anna says
What a great and unique use for Tequila! Your chicken wings look utterly delicious and it would be such a perfect appetiser to serve at any gathering with friends or family, especially in the upcoming holidays!
Lynndee says
Oh, my! It has tequila in it? I must try this recipe because it’s been a while since the hubs and I had tequila. LOL. Bet those chickens are yummy!
Mama Maggie's Kitchen says
Hmm yum! I am drooling right now! This Tequila Lime Drunken Chicken Wings look sooo appetizing. I can’t stop myself from craving.
HilLesha says
This sounds like something that my husband would enjoy. Thank you for sharing the recipe!
Catalina says
Oh my goodness! I am drooling over these chicken wings! My new favorite recipe for sure!