Mango Habanero Wings

Content… How to Control the Heat Recipe Ingredients How to Make It Recipe Variations Tips and Tricks Make-Ahead Instructions Serving and Storage Instructions What to Serve More Finger Lickin’ Hot Wing Recipes to Try Watch How to Make It

Mango Habanero Wings Sauce: How to Control the Heat

There are several ways to adjust the heat of your mango habanero wings. The easiest way is to be sparing (or not) in your use of habaneros. More habaneros equals more heat.

The same goes for the pith and seeds. Leaving the pith and seeds will intensify the heat, and removing them will tone it down. Start with one or two habaneros, give the blended sauce a taste test, and add more as needed.

You can also omit the hot peppers and cayenne from the seasonings to tone down the heat. 🔥

Ingredient List

1. Chicken Wings – You can use whole wings for this recipe, but I like to use pre-cut party wings, as they cook a little more evenly in the oven. Plus, they’re easier to dig into. Either just flats or just drummettes is another option.
2. Seasonings – Thyme, onion powder, garlic powder, smoked paprika, white pepper, cayenne pepper, bouillon powder, and vegetable oil make a tasty marinade. Lightly salt your wings before and after for extra deliciousness.
3. Homemade Mango Habanero Sauce – Mangoes or mango nectar, of course, habanero peppers, apple cider vinegar, lemon juice, smoked paprika, honey, butter, and a dash of salt make a sweet, sour, and spicy dipping sauce that rivals Buffalo wings sauce.

How to Make Mango Habanero Chicken Wings

Make the Wings

• Optional: Pat the chicken wings dry with a paper towel and arrange them on a cookie sheet in a single layer. Let them sit in the refrigerator until ready to bake. For extra crispy skin, let them sit for three hours or overnight if you have time. No need to cover them; just let them air dry. (Photo 1)
• Preheat oven to 425°F (218℃) about 15 minutes before baking.
• Marinade – Mix thyme, salt, onion powder, garlic powder, smoked paprika, white pepper, cayenne pepper, and bouillon powder in a medium bowl. Stir well. (Photo 2)
• Marinate – Place the wings in a large bowl and drizzle with vegetable oil. Add the marinade mix and toss the wings until well coated. Marinate them in the refrigerator for 30 minutes or overnight. (Photo 3)
• Prep – Line your baking pan with aluminum foil and put a wire rack on top. Place the chicken wings in a single layer on the rack. While the chicken wings bake, the oil will drip into the bottom of the pan.
• Bake chicken wings until cooked through and the skin is crispy for 25-30 minutes. Rotate the wings halfway through, roughly 15 minutes in. (The internal temperature should be 165℉/75℃.) (Photo 4)

Make the Mango Habanero Sauce

• Puree the mangoes and peppers in a blender until smooth. (Photo 5)
• Melt butter in a hot pan over medium heat. Then, add the mango-pepper mixture. Stir and simmer for about 5 minutes. (Photo 6)
• Simmer – Add the apple cider, lemon juice, paprika, honey, and salt. Simmer for another 5 minutes. (Photos 7-8)
• Drench Wings – Take the sauce off the heat and reserve about a third to serve with the wings. Add the baked wings to a bowl, pour the rest of the mango sauce over them, and toss to coat the spicy wings evenly with the sauce. (Photo 9)
• Bake Again – Place the wings back on the wire rack on the baking sheet. Bake for 6-8 minutes more. (Photo 10)
• Serve with the reserved mango habanero sauce or your favorite dipping sauce.

Recipe Variations

1. Bread the wings. You can lightly bread the wings by coating them with a few tablespoons of flour before baking them. 
2. Tone down the heat. For a milder version of crispy chicken wings, omit the cayenne pepper and replace the habaneros with milder jalapenos.
3. Try a different fruit. Get creative by swapping out the mango with pineapple, peaches, apricots, or another tangy fruit. 😋
4. Use a different cut of chicken. This recipe will work with chicken tenders, thighs, or any other cut; just adjust the cooking time as needed.
5. Air-fryer hot wings. Take advantage of your air fryer for a healthy between version of fried and baked wings. Preheat to 350℉ (175℃), arrange the chicken wings in the basket so they’re not touching, and crank it up to 400℉ (205℃) to cook them.
6. Fry. Yes, you can deep fry these guys for extra comfort food vibes. Heat your oil to about 375℉ (190℃) and fry them in small batches for about 10 minutes.

Tips and Tricks

1. Handle the habaneros with gloves. Those puppies are hot, and any bare-hand-to-eye contact can be killer! ⚠️
2. If your blender or food processor isn’t powerful enough to make a smooth puree, strain the blended mangoes. Then, proceed with the sauce. However, use it as is if you don’t mind chunky sauce.
3. Add a teaspoon of baking powder or soda to your seasoning blend for crispier wings.
4. If the sauce is a little too spicy when you give it a taste test, add some more honey to cut the heat. 

Make-Ahead Instructions

Season these wings a day or two ahead of time and store them in the fridge in an airtight container. Let them set at room temperature for 30 minutes while the oven preheats, and bake them per the recipe instructions.

You can also make the sauce in advance and reheat it while the wings are baking. Even better, both freeze well in a freezer-safe container. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bake as planned the next day while you reheat the sauce stovetop.

Serving and Storage Instructions 

Serve these wings hot out of the oven with some extra mango habanero sauce for dipping. Refrigerate leftover chicken in an airtight container for 3-5 days or freeze it for 2-3 months.

What Goes With Mango Habanero Wings

Serve these delicious wings with festive sides like baked crispy potato wedges, pineapple cucumber salad, and grilled coconut corn. Make sure you have some refreshing pineapple lemonade on hand for your guests to take the edge off when the habanero hits. 😆

More Finger Lickin’ Hot Wing Recipes to Try

1. Honey Hot Wings
2. Lemon Pepper Chicken Wings
3. Fried Chicken Wings
4. Grilled Chicken Wings
5. Buffalo Chicken Wings

Watch How to Make It