Chipotle BBQ Chicken Wings with Creamy Coleslaw
Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: ~1 hour 10 minutes
Servings: 4–6
Ingredients
For the Chicken Wings:
2–3 lbs chicken wings, split at joints, tips removed
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp smoked paprika
1 tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
½ tsp onion powder
For the Chipotle BBQ Sauce:
1 cup BBQ sauce (your favorite base)
2–3 chipotle peppers in adobo (chopped) + 1 tbsp adobo sauce
1 tbsp honey or brown sugar (optional for sweetness)
1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
Juice of ½ lime
½ tsp cumin
For the Creamy Coleslaw:
4 cups shredded green cabbage (or slaw mix)
1 cup shredded purple cabbage (optional for color)
1 carrot, julienned or shredded
¼ small red onion, thinly sliced
Slaw Dressing:
½ cup mayonnaise
1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
1 tbsp Dijon mustard
1 tbsp honey or sugar
Salt & pepper to taste
Splash of milk or buttermilk (to thin, optional)
Instructions
1. Preheat Oven & Season Wings:
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with foil and place a wire rack on top (for crispier wings).
In a large bowl, toss wings with olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, salt, pepper, and onion powder.
2. Bake the Wings:
Arrange wings in a single layer on the rack.
Bake for 40–45 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crispy. (For extra crispiness, broil for 2–3 minutes at the end.)
3. Make the Chipotle BBQ Sauce:
In a saucepan, combine BBQ sauce, chopped chipotle peppers, adobo sauce, honey, vinegar, lime juice, and cumin.
Simmer over low heat for 5–10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Adjust spice level to taste.
Set aside.
4. Toss Wings in Sauce:
When wings are done, remove from oven and let rest 5 minutes.
Toss them in the warm chipotle BBQ sauce until fully coated.
Optional: Return to oven or broiler for 5 minutes to caramelize the sauce.
5. Make the Creamy Coleslaw:
In a large bowl, combine shredded cabbage, carrot, and onion.
In a separate bowl, whisk together mayo, vinegar, mustard, honey, salt, and pepper. Thin with a splash of milk if desired.
Pour dressing over the veggies and toss to coat.
Chill for at least 15 minutes to let flavors meld.
Serving Suggestions
Serve wings hot with a side of chilled slaw.
Garnish with chopped cilantro, lime wedges, or extra chipotle drizzle.
Add pickles, cornbread, or fries on the side for the ultimate plate.
Tips & Variations
Grill It Up: For smoky flavor, grill the wings over medium-high heat, then baste with sauce during the last few minutes.
Wing Alternative: Try this sauce on drumsticks, thighs, or even tofu for a spicy BBQ twist.
Slaw Boost: Add chopped green apples or a handful of raisins for sweetness, or jalapeños for heat.