Brazilian Citrus Pepper Wings

Whoa—these wings? Total flavor bomb. I took one bite and just had to share.

They’ve got this zingy citrus thing going on. And that kick of pepper? Oh man, it wakes up your taste buds.

I made them for game night, and everyone went nuts. Wanna know the best part? They’re super easy, and the marinade smells like magic.

Let’s jump in, ‘cause you’re gonna love how bold and juicy these wings turn out.

Why You’ll Love These Brazilian Citrus Pepper Wings

• Bold & Flavorful: The marriage of citrus, spices, and smoky flavors creates an irresistible taste profile.
• Crispy Perfection: Whether fried or baked, these wings are crispy on the outside while staying juicy on the inside.
• Easy to Make: With a simple marinade and frying technique, these wings come together easily.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether you’re hosting a game day party or preparing dinner for your family, these wings will be a hit!
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Marinate the wings up to 8 hours ahead of time for maximum flavor. Just fry them when you’re ready to serve!

Required Kitchen Tools

• Large Mixing Bowl: For marinating the wings.
• Zester or Grater: To extract zest from the lime.
• Measuring Spoons & Cups: For accurate measurements.
• Frying Pan or Deep Fryer: For frying the wings.
• Paper Towels: For draining excess oil.
• Tongs: To handle the wings while frying.
• Baking Sheet (Optional): For draining fried wings.
• Meat Thermometer (Optional): To ensure wings reach the correct internal temperature.

Ingredients

For the chicken wings:

• 800 g to 1 kg chicken wings (separated into drums and flats)
• 30 ml lime juice (freshly squeezed)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon ground cayenne pepper
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon white pepper
• ½ teaspoon ground ginger
• ½ teaspoon ground coriander
• 200 g corn flour (cornstarch)

For the sauce:

• 100 g unsalted butter
• 30 ml lime juice
• 2 teaspoons brown sugar
• 2 teaspoons ground cayenne pepper
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• ¼ teaspoon dried parsley
• ¼ teaspoon oregano
• ¼ teaspoon ground coriander
• ¼ teaspoon white pepper
• ¼ teaspoon ground ginger

Extras:

• Vegetable oil for frying
• Fresh parsley, finely chopped (for garnish)
• Lime slices (for garnish)

Variations for Brazilian Citrus Pepper Wings

• Increase the Heat: If you prefer your wings extra spicy, add extra cayenne pepper or fresh chopped chilies into the marinade or sauce.
• Grilled Option: If you’re craving a smoky grilled flavor, skip the frying and grill the wings after marinating them.
• Add Honey: For a touch of sweetness that balances the spiciness, you can swap some of the brown sugar for honey in the marinade or sauce.
• Citrus Twist: Use orange juice or lemon juice in place of lime for a different citrusy flavor profile.
• Try Other Herbs: Add fresh thyme or rosemary to the marinade for a more herbal, earthy flavor.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Brazilian Citrus Pepper Wings

1. Prepare the Marinade

Start by making the marinade. In a large mixing bowl, combine the freshly squeezed lime juice, olive oil, brown sugar, cayenne pepper, salt, smoked paprika, chili powder, onion powder, garlic powder, white pepper, ground ginger, and ground coriander. Stir everything together until well combined. This marinade will infuse your wings with a tangy, smoky, and slightly spicy flavor.

2. Marinate the Chicken Wings

Place the chicken wings into the marinade, ensuring they’re fully coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and let the wings marinate for at least 30 minutes. For more intense flavor, marinate the wings for up to 8 hours in the refrigerator. The longer they marinate, the more flavorful they’ll be, so if you can plan ahead, I highly recommend letting them sit overnight.

3. Prepare for Frying

After marinating, remove the wings from the bowl and let any excess marinade drip off. Now it’s time to dredge the wings for that crispy outer layer! In a shallow bowl, place the corn flour (cornstarch) and lightly season it with a pinch of salt and a dash of smoked paprika. Toss each wing into the flour, ensuring that they are fully coated. The corn flour helps to create that ultra-crisp crust when frying.

4. Fry the Wings

Heat vegetable oil in a large frying pan or deep fryer over medium-high heat. The oil should be hot but not smoking—around 350°F (175°C) is ideal. Carefully drop the wings into the hot oil, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Fry the wings in batches if necessary. Cook the wings for about 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally, until they are golden brown and crispy on the outside. To ensure they’re fully cooked, the internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).

Once fried, transfer the wings to a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.

5. Make the Sauce

While the wings are frying, you can make the sauce! In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add lime juice, brown sugar, cayenne pepper, salt, smoked paprika, chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, dried parsley, oregano, ground coriander, white pepper, and ground ginger. Stir until the sauce is smooth and slightly thickened, about 2-3 minutes. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.

6. Coat the Wings in Sauce

Once the wings are fried and crispy, it’s time to coat them in the sauce. In a large mixing bowl, pour the sauce over the fried wings and toss them gently until every wing is evenly coated. This sauce is a game-changer—it adds a spicy, tangy, and smoky burst of flavor that takes the wings to the next level!

7. Garnish and Serve

Transfer the sauced wings to a serving platter and garnish with freshly chopped parsley and lime slices for an extra burst of color and flavor. Serve these Brazilian Citrus Pepper Wings hot and enjoy!

How to Serve Brazilian Citrus Pepper Wings

These wings are versatile and can be served in a variety of ways:

• As an Appetizer: Serve as an appetizer or party snack at gatherings, game days, or BBQs.
• With Sides: Pair with crispy fries, roasted vegetables, or a refreshing salad for a complete meal.
• Tacos or Wraps: For a fun twist, toss the wings in a tortilla wrap or taco shell with fresh cilantro, shredded lettuce, and a drizzle of lime crema.
• With Dips: These wings pair beautifully with dips like ranch dressing, blue cheese, or a cool yogurt-based sauce to balance the heat.

Storing Brazilian Citrus Pepper Wings

• Leftover Wings: Store any leftover wings in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in an oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes to restore their crispiness.
• Freezing: If you want to freeze the wings for later, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until firm. Transfer the frozen wings to a resealable bag or container. Reheat them by baking from frozen at 375°F (190°C) until heated through.

Brazilian Citrus Pepper Wings FAQs

Can I make these wings spicier?

Absolutely! If you like your wings extra hot, feel free to add more cayenne pepper or chili flakes to the marinade and sauce.

Can I grill these wings instead of frying them?

Yes! If you prefer a smoky grilled flavor, grill the wings over medium heat for 8-10 minutes on each side until fully cooked. Then toss them in the citrus pepper sauce as instructed.

Can I use boneless chicken instead of wings?

While the recipe is tailored for wings, you can certainly use boneless chicken thighs or breasts. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly since boneless cuts cook faster than wings.

How can I adjust the sweetness of the sauce?

If you prefer a sweeter sauce, increase the amount of brown sugar or add a spoonful of honey. Adjust it to your liking!

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	340
Protein	25g
Carbohydrates	15g
Fat	22g
Saturated Fat	6g
Cholesterol	70mg
Sodium	650mg
Fiber	1g
Sugar	5g

Conclusion

These Brazilian Citrus Pepper Wings are a perfect blend of bold flavors and crispy goodness. Whether you’re serving them for a casual meal or an impressive party spread, these wings will surely stand out. The citrusy marinade, combined with the smoky and spicy sauce, creates an unforgettable flavor experience that your guests (and your taste buds) will love.

So, give this recipe a try and bring a little taste of Brazil into your kitchen today!