Spicy Chicken Wings are packed with flavor, thanks to the combination of seven spices used in the gluten-free coating – cumin, garlic salt, paprika, onion powder, lemon-pepper, oregano and a touch (or more, to taste) of cayenne pepper. Not only are they delicious, these wings are super easy to make, and can be prepared up to 3 days ahead. Instead of the traditional wings side of blue cheese dressing, serve with guacamole. It provides a nice balance to the spicy-savory flavor of the wings, adding a creamy texture and a touch of freshness. All in all, the perfect appetizer or game day snack!

Table of Contents
  1. You Will Love these Spicy Wings
  2. Oven Chicken Wings Ingredients – a quick overview
  3. How to Bake Chicken Wings in the Oven
  4. How to Serve Spicy Chicken Wings
  5. How to Store Oven Chicken Wings
  6. Spicy Wings FAQs
  7. Spicy Chicken Wings

You Will Love these Spicy Wings

Here are a few of the reasons why, once you make these spicy wings, they’ll quickly become a favorite:

  • Unique flavor. These aren’t your classic somewhat sweet, spicy Buffalo chicken wings. Instead, these Spicy Wings have a subtle yet flavorful coating, with a just a bit of heat. No hot sauce, no breadcrumbs, no flour – just oil and a mix of everyday spices that give these wings their deep, satisfying flavor profile. They’re not very sweet, definitely savory, somewhat smoky with a hint of herb (from dried oregano).
  • Controllable level of spice. The spiciness in this wings recipe comes from cayenne pepper, which means you control the degree of heat.
  • Easy to make. These wings take just 5 minutes to prep before baking. Just mix together olive oil and the spices, then toss with the wings. Place on a broiler pan and and bake. How easy is that?
  • Can be made ahead. These wings can be made up to 3 days ahead, covered, refrigerated and then reheated.
  • Very shareable. These chicken wings are great finger food, making them easy to eat and share. Plus, they have broad appeal – everyone from kids to grandparents eats them up.
  • Versatile. While I tend to serve these wings as an appetizer or snack, I’ve also served them as a main dish, with Dorothy’s Potato Salad, Lemon-Mayonnaise Coleslaw, Orzo Pasta Greek Salad, and/or French fries together with Lemon-Dijon Baby Spinach Salad.
overhead shot of round oval white platter filled with spicy chicken wings; guacamole in a bowl on the side

Oven Chicken Wings Ingredients – a quick overview

Here’s all you need to make these crowd-pleasing spicy wings (details, including quantities, are in the recipe card below):

  • Chicken wings – wingettes (also called “wing flats”), drumettes (also called “drums”) or a mixture. Drumettes – the piece that looks like a baby chicken leg – are a bit easier to eat, but a mixture of shapes adds visual appeal to the platter.
  • Olive oil – can use regular, EVOO, avocado or vegetable oil
  • Ground cumin
  • Garlic salt – can also use garlic powder or garlic granules
  • Onion powder
  • Paprika – can use regular, hot or smoked
  • Lemon-pepper seasoning
  • Dried oregano
  • Cayenne pepper
  • Prepared guacamole and lime wedges, for serving

How to Bake Chicken Wings in the Oven

You only need 5 minutes to prep these wings before popping them in the oven! Here’s all you have to do:

  1. Prep oven and baking pan.
    Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Spray rack of a broiler pan – or wire rack inserted in rimmed baking sheet – with cooking spray.
  2. Prep wings.
    Pat chicken wings dry with paper towels; place in a large bowl.
  3. Mix coating ingredients.
    In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, cumin, onion powder, paprika, lemon-pepper, garlic salt, oregano and cayenne pepper.
  4. Toss wings with coating; bake.
    Pour coating over chicken and toss to coat well (I use my hands). Arrange wings in a single layer on prepared pan. Bake for 30 minutes or until wings are tender, browned and 165 degrees on an instant read thermometer.
small white plate holding 2 spicy chicken wings with a dollop of guacamole

How to Serve Spicy Chicken Wings

  1. As an appetizer. My favorite way to serve these delectable wings is as an appetizer. I place the wings on a large serving platter with a large bowl of guacamole on the side (on or off the dish). I then place a bowl of tortilla chips on the other side of the guacamole – making two appetizers out of one!
  2. As a casual main dish. To turn these wings into a meal, add bowls of one or more of the following side dishes and serve buffet-style:

How to Store Oven Chicken Wings

If making ahead, I recommend leaving them on the baking dish, cover with aluminum foil or plastic wrap and refrigerate. That way they’re ready to reheat – just bring to room temperature and then place in a 350 degree oven to warm. For leftovers, I toss them in a zip top baggie and refrigerate.

How long will spicy wings last in the fridge?

Refrigerated cooked wings will last up to 4 days but I think they taste best if served within 3 days of baking.

How to reheat chicken wings

To reheat, place in a 350 degree oven just until warmed through, around 10 to 15 minutes.

overhead shot of a large oval white platter filled with spicy chicken wings; guacamole in a bowl on the side

Spicy Wings FAQs

How many calories are in spicy chicken wings?

For this recipe there are around 250 calories per serving (2 to 3 wings).

Can I make this spicy chicken wings recipe in an air fryer?

Yes, you can make these wings in an air fryer. I would cook them at 400 degrees. While they will cook faster, it may actually take longer. Because they need to bake in a single layer, you’ll need to cook the wings in batches.

How long to cook chicken wings in oven?

For this recipe, the wings are baked at a high temperature (425 degrees), so they only take around 30 minutes. Oven temperatures vary, so start checking them after around 25 minutes.

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round white platter filled with spicy chicken wings; guacamole in a bowl on the side

Spicy Chicken Wings

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5 from 2 reviews

Spicy Chicken Wings are packed with flavor, thanks to the combination of seven spices used in the gluten-free coating – cumin, garlic salt, paprika, onion powder, lemon-pepper, oregano and a touch (or more, to taste) of cayenne pepper. Not only are they delicious, these wings are super easy to make, and can be prepared up to 3 days ahead. Instead of the traditional wings side of blue cheese dressing, serve with guacamole. It provides a nice balance to the spicy-savory flavor of the wings, adding a creamy texture and a touch of freshness. All in all, the perfect appetizer or game day snack!

  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 8 to 10 as an appetizer, or 4 to 6 as a main dish 1x
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Ingredients

Scale
  • Vegetable cooking spray
  • 3 pounds chicken wings – drumettes, wingettes or a mixture
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon ground cumin
  • 2 teaspoons onion powder
  • 2 teaspoons paprika
  • 2 teaspoons lemon-pepper seasoning
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons garlic salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (or more if you like it hot!)
  • 2 cups prepared guacamole, for serving
  • Lime wedges, for serving (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 425 degrees.
  2. Spray rack of a broiler pan – or wire rack inserted in rimmed baking sheet – with cooking spray. Set aside.
  3. Pat chicken wings dry with paper towels; place in a large bowl.
  4. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, cumin, onion powder, paprika, lemon-pepper, garlic salt, oregano and cayenne pepper.
  5. Pour over the chicken and toss to coat with clean hands.
  6. Arrange wings in a single layer on prepared broiler pan.
  7. Bake for 30 minutes or until wings are tender, browned and 165 degrees on an instant read thermometer.
  8. Serve hot or at room temperature with guacamole on the side.

Notes

Make ahead: The wings can be made up to 3 days ahead, covered and refrigerated. Bring to room temperature or warm in a 350 degree oven before serving.

  • Author: From “Fresh Tastes from A Well-Seasoned Kitchen” by Lee Clayton Roper
  • Category: quick and easy, make ahead, appetizers, snacks
  • Method: Bake
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: (2 to 3 wings, excluding guacamole)
  • Calories: 253
  • Sugar: 0.1 g
  • Sodium: 365.1 mg
  • Fat: 9.8 g
  • Saturated Fat: 2.1 g
  • Carbohydrates: 1.6 g
  • Fiber: 0.6 g
  • Protein: 37.7 g
  • Cholesterol: 97 mg

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Comments

  1. Just wanted to say thank you for your spicy chicken wing recipe. We tried it tonight and loved it!
    I always look for recipes that can be made ahead, and especially for ones that can also be taken to friends either for “pot luck” or to help out when they can’t cook themselves. This recipe will be perfect for both!
    It is also super easy to prepare.






round white platter filled with spicy chicken wings; guacamole in a bowl on the side

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About the author

Hi, I'm Lee.

I am inspired by my mother, Sally’s, love of cooking and entertaining to gather friends and family together over great meals and conversation. In fact, I held my first dinner party at the age of 16. Throughout the years, I’ve provided recipes, menu advice and cooking tips to friends seeking uncomplicated and delicious ideas for home entertaining.


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