These Easy Baked Chipotle Chicken Wings are sweet, spicy, sticky, and crispy—without deep frying. Made with chipotle peppers in adobo and a splash of Coca-Cola, they bake up with bold flavor and caramelized edges that feel indulgent but are oven-friendly. They solve the game-day wing dilemma: big flavor, great texture, and no fryer mess. Finger-licking good and always a crowd favorite.
Do you love Chipotle peppers as much as I do? Try my Easy Honey Chipotle Grilled Shrimp and Easy Chipotle Steak Bites.
Oriana’s Thoughts On The Recipe
These wings are one of those recipes I make when I want maximum flavor without hovering over a pot of oil. The Chipotle sauce does all the heavy lifting here. As it bakes, it melts right into the meat, and the Coca-Cola adds just enough sweetness to balance the smoky heat. The result? Sticky, glossy wings that disappear fast—especially on game day. I’ve made these for casual get-togethers and loud sports nights, and they never last long. Trust me—you’ll want extra napkins.
Why You’ll Want to Try My Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need, Substitutions & Notes
Please check the recipe card at the bottom of the post for exact quantities and detailed instructions (scroll down).
- Chicken Wings: The star of the show! Make sure the wings are thawed for even cooking and optimal flavor absorption.
- Seasoning: I used cumin, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, and baking powder. This magical blend enhances the wings with a smoky, spicy kick and ensures a crispy texture when baked.
- Chipotle Glaze/Sauce: For the chipotle glaze/sauce, you will need a can of Coca-Cola, chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, onion powder, garlic powder, brown sugar, soy sauce, and cornstarch. The Coca-Cola adds a hint of sweetness, while chipotle peppers bring the heat. Brown sugar adds depth, and soy sauce contributes a savory note. Cornstarch thickens the glaze to perfection. Check out my Ultimate Guide to Cooking With Chipotle Peppers in Adobo Sauce.
My Secrets to make crispy chicken wings without frying
I have three secrets to make crispy chicken wings without frying:
- First, pat the wings dry with paper towels. It’s important to dry them REALLY well! This step will help you get rid of the extra moisture; the less moisture left in the skin, the crisper your wings will be!
- Add a little baking powder to the seasoning mixture, which will help absorb moisture to the skin’s surface.
- Bake the chicken wings over a cooling rack to ensure that the hot air is circulating and crisping up all the sides.
Process Overview: How to Make Baked Chipotle Chicken Wings
Please check the recipe card at the bottom of the post for exact quantities and detailed instructions (scroll down).
Step 1 – Prepare the Chicken Wings
Pat wings dry with paper towels. It’s important to dry them REALLY well! This step will help you to get rid of the extra moisture; the less moisture left in the skin, the crisper your wings will be!
Step 2 – Season the Chicken Wings
Place chicken wings and seasonings in a large Ziploc bag and shake to coat them evenly. Then, line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and place a wire rack (I use a cooling rack) on top. Spray the rack with non-stick spray. Finally, place seasoned chicken over the wired rack and spray it with oil.
Step 3 – Bake
Bake for 30 minutes, turning once, or until cooked through and golden brown and crispy. Important Note: The total cook time will depend on the size of the wings, but it may take up to 1 hour.
Step 4 – Make the Chipotle Glaze
Place all the sauce ingredients in a medium saucepan over medium heat; mix to combine. Bring to a boil; reduce the heat and simmer until reduced by half, about 15 minutes. Stir in cornstarch slurry, and cook until thickened. Set aside.
Step 5 – Glaze the Wings and Bake Again
When the chicken is done, baste both sides of the chicken generously with the wing sauce and bake for 10 -15 minutes. Garnish with cilantro, if desired, and serve with lime wedges on the side. Serve hot.
Recipe Tips
- Perfect Crisp: Pat the wings dry before seasoning for an extra crispy texture.
- Baste and Bake: Baste the wings generously with the chipotle glaze during baking for an irresistible glossy finish.
- Swap Coca-Cola for cola alternatives or ginger beer.
- For a Milder Kick, reduce the amount of chipotle peppers.
Sauce for Chicken Wings
Place these delectable wings on a platter, garnish with fresh cilantro or green onions, and watch them disappear. Serve with a side of cooling Ranch, Easy Avocado Sauce (Guasacaca), or blue cheese dip to balance the heat.
Storing and Freezing Instructions
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. For longer storage, freeze the wings in a freezer-safe bag, ensuring they’re well-sealed to preserve freshness.
How to Reheat Chicken Wings
Reheating baked chicken wings to maintain their crispiness and flavor is a simple process. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
1. Oven Method:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C).
- Place the baked chicken wings on a baking sheet, ensuring they are in a single layer.
- Reheat in the preheated oven for about 10-15 minutes or until they reach the desired temperature.
- If you want to retain or enhance crispiness, you can broil them for an additional 2-3 minutes, keeping a close eye to prevent burning.
2. Air Fryer Method:
The air fryer method is excellent for maintaining or even improving the crispiness of the wings.
- Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
- Arrange the wings in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
- Reheat for 5-8 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even heating.
3. Microwave Method (not my favorite for maintaining crispiness):
Keep in mind that this method may result in softer wings compared to the oven or air fryer methods.
- Place the wings on a microwave-safe plate.
- Microwave on medium power in 30-second intervals, checking and flipping the wings after each interval until they are heated through.
Reheating Tips:
- If you’re reheating a large batch of wings, consider doing it in smaller batches for more even heating.
- Avoid using the microwave if you want to preserve the crispiness; it tends to make the skin soggy.
Air Fryer Chicken Wings
These delicious baked chicken wings can be made in an air fryer. However, my preferred cooking method is to bake in the oven because you can make all the chicken wings at once. In the air fryer, you have to work in batches.
- Preheat the air fryer to 400º F (200º C).
- Cook for 18-20 minutes, flipping halfway, until crispy, browned, and cooked through. You will need to do this in batches since the chicken wings must be arranged in a single layer for even cooking.
- When all the batches are done, coat them with the sauce, return all the chicken to the air fryer, and cook them for 1 -2 minutes to heat through and caramelize.
Frequently Asked Questions
It’s best to thaw the wings for even cooking.
Absolutely! Adjust the number of Chipotle peppers to suit your spice preference.
For the best results, it’s generally recommended to sauce your wings after baking them. Baking the wings first allows the skin to crisp up, giving you that desirable texture. If you sauce them before baking, the liquid in the sauce can interfere with the crisping process. Plus, when you sauce the wings after baking, the sauce adheres better to the cooked surface, providing a more even and flavorful coating.
Yes, turning the wings over in the oven while baking is a good practice. Flipping the wings during cooking ensures that they cook evenly on all sides, leading to a more uniformly crispy exterior.
Ensuring that your chicken wings are fully cooked is crucial to avoid foodborne illnesses. The most accurate method is to use a meat thermometer. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the wing, avoiding contact with the bone. The wings are considered safe to eat when they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Fully cooked chicken wings will have opaque meat. Cut into the thickest part of a wing, and if the juices run clear without any pinkness, the wings are likely done. Cooked chicken wings should have a golden-brown color on the outside. If the skin is still pale or the meat looks translucent, it’s an indication that they need more time in the oven.
I do not recommend that! This won’t work for crispy wings. It makes the wings sweat too much to become crispy.
Yes. High heat plus baking powder (if used) helps the skin crisp while the sauce caramelizes.
Absolutely. The air fryer gives great texture in less time—perfect for smaller batches.
They’re smoky with medium heat. You can reduce the amount for milder wings.
It adds sweetness and helps the glaze thicken and caramelize as it bakes.
Yes. Bake them, refrigerate, and reheat at high heat until sticky and hot.
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
If You’re Wondering What To Serve On The Side…
Recipe Card
Chipotle Chicken Wings
Important
• For best results, I highly recommend using a kitchen scale to measure the ingredients.
Ingredients
- 4 lb (1.8 kg) chicken wings, thawed (halved at joints, wingtips discarded)
- 2 teaspoons cumin
- 1 1/2 teaspoon Kosher salt
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons baking powder
- 2 tablespoons cilantro leaves to garnish (optional)
- Lime wedges to serve (optional)
Chipotle Glaze:
- 7.5 oz (221 ml) Coca Cola (one small can)
- 4 Chipotle peppers in abodo sauce, puréed (see notes)
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 cup (100 g) brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons (30 ml) soy sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon cornstarch dissolved in 1 teaspoon cold water
Instructions
Make the Chipotle Sauce:
- Place a medium saucepan over medium heat, add the Coca-Cola, puréed chipotles, onion powder, garlic powder, brown sugar, and soy sauce; mix to combine. Bring to a boil; reduce the heat to low and simmer until reduced by half, about 15 minutes. Stir in cornstarch slurry and cook until thickened, about 2 minutes. Set aside.
Oven Chicken Wings:
- Preheat oven to 425º F (220º C). Line a baking sheet with foil. Place a wired rack on top and spray it with oil.
- Pat the chicken wings dry with a paper towel. It's important to dry them REALLY well! This step will help you get rid of the extra moisture; the less moisture left in the skin, the crispier your wings will be!
- Add the cumin, salt, paprika, black pepper, and baking powder to a gallon-sized bag. Shake the bag to combine. Add chicken wings and shake again to coat them evenly with the seasoning.
- Place seasoned chicken over the wired rack and spray with oil.
- Bake for 30 – 40 minutes, turning once, or until cooked through and golden brown and crispy. Important Note: The total cook time will depend on the size of the wings, and may take up to 1 hour.
- When the chicken is cooked. Baste both sides of the chicken wings generously with the chipotle sauce, then bake for 10 -15 minutes.
- Garnish with cilantro, if using, and lime wedges. Serve hot.
Air Fryer Chicken Wings:
- Preheat the air fryer to 400º F (200º C). Spray the fry basket with cooking spray.
- Pat the chicken wings dry with a paper towel. It's important to dry them REALLY well! This step will help you get rid of the extra moisture; the less moisture left in the skin, the crispier your wings will be!
- Add the cumin, salt, paprika, black pepper, and baking powder to a gallon-sized bag. Shake the bag to combine. Add chicken wings and shake again to coat them evenly with the seasoning.
- Arrange wings in an even layer, skin side up. Spray the top of the wings with cooking spray and air fry for 18-20 minutes, flipping halfway, until crispy, browned, and cooked through. Total cook time will depend on the size of the wings and the air fryer; it may take up to 25 minutes. You will need to do this in batches since the chicken wings must be arranged in a single layer for even cooking.
- When all the batches are done, remove from the air fryer and allow to rest for 5 minutes before tossing in chipotle sauce.
- Oven Method:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C).
- Place the baked chicken wings on a baking sheet, ensuring they are in a single layer.
- Reheat in the preheated oven for about 10-15 minutes or until they reach the desired temperature.
- If you want to retain or enhance crispiness, you can broil them for an additional 2-3 minutes, keeping a close eye to prevent burning.
- Air Fryer Method:
- Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
- Arrange the wings in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
- Reheat for 5-8 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even heating.
- Microwave Method (not my favorite for maintaining crispiness):
- Place the wings on a microwave-safe plate.
- Microwave on medium power in 30-second intervals, checking and flipping the wings after each interval until they are heated through.
- Perfect Crisp: Pat the wings dry before seasoning for an extra crispy texture.
- Baste and Bake: Baste the wings generously with the chipotle glaze during baking for an irresistible glossy finish.
- Swap Coca-Cola for cola alternatives or ginger beer.
- For a Milder Kick, reduce the amount of chipotle peppers.
Nutrition
Nutrition information provided is an estimate and will vary based on cooking methods and brands of ingredients used.
More Recipes You’ll Love!
- Easy Honey Chipotle Grilled Shrimp
- Eggless Mozzarella Sticks
- Easy Chipotle Steak Bites
- Super Easy Pizzadillas
- Chipotle Glazed Ham
- Chipotle Turkey Breast
- BEST Citrus-Chipotle Turkey Marinade
- Easy Sausage and Veggies Foil Packets with Grilled Chipotle Mangoes
This recipe was originally shared in January 2017. The photos and content were refreshed in April 2025, but the recipe itself remains unchanged. And then refresh again in January 2026.
Made these tonight along with a version of the chipotle cilantro dip (used more yogurt than mayo). Turned out wonderfully. The household teens loved them. Muy sabrosas, gracias!
Hello Rachel! So happy you and your family enjoyed this recipe. Thanks so much for trying my recipe and taking the time to come back and let me know!
What’s the recipe for the dip? Looks delicious!
Hello Mark! That is my chipotle mayo. 1/2 cup mayo + 1/2 cup sour cream + 1 -2 chipotle in adobo sauce + pinch of salt. Blend everything together and it’s done. Hope you give a try soon.
Hi, regarding the Coca Cola is that supposed to be a 12oz can? In the ingredients list it says “1oz can. If I use only 1oz there will be very little sauce. Thank you
Hello Jason! So sorry for the confusion, for some reason the recipe card got misconfigured. This recipe calls for 7.5 oz (small can) of coca cola. Thanks for your interest in my recipe. Please come back and let me know how you like it. ?
What’s the sauce in the photo?
Hello Camila! The sauce is Chipotle Mayo. Mix together 1 cup mayo, 1 tablespoon lime juice, 1 tablespoon chipotle en adobo (pureed), 1 teaspoon chopped cilantro leaves, and salt and pepper to taste.
Why is there brown sugar listed in the ingredients list, but it’s not in the directions anywhere? Does it go in the sauce or the shaking bag? Thanks!
Hello Mark, thanks for pointing out my omission! The recipe is been updated. The brown sugar goes in the sauce.
Thanks! 🙂
Wow don’t these look amazing, I love chicken wings in all their forms, great looking glaze you have got on these!
These wings look stunning and your photos make me so hungry!!
These chicken wings look absolutely scrumptious! So juicy and delicious!
I wish I was invited to this party looks delicious =) #client
I absolutely love the fact that these wings are not fried and they look so delicious and spicy! I love spicy wings paired with a bottle of cold beer 🙂
WOW! I’m not normally a wings girl. but these photos have got my attention! I’ll have to give this recipe a go!!
nice job on the photography!
and the flavor combination is going to be incredible!
These look finger-licking good. I can’t get enough chipotle flavored things. Pinning this too.
Si empiezo a comerlas, no paro, Oriana.
¡Ay Vero!… eso mismo me paso a mi jajaja
No soy muy amiga del picante, pero este pollo se ve tan, pero tan, super rico que lo hare lo mas pronto posible. Uuummm!
Mayito, le puedes colocar menos cantidad de chipotles en adobo, así no serán tan picantes. ¡Gracias por tu visita!