September 04th, 2019

Sweet and Spicy Tequila Shot Wings

SERVINGS: 2
DIFFICULTY: Moderate
DIETARY: Dairy-Free, Gluten-Free
PREP/COOK TIME: 10 min/35 min

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Chicken Wings

• 1-1 1/2 lbs of chicken wings and drumettes (around 10 pieces)
• 1 tbsp. neutral oil (vegetable, peanut, canola, etc.)
• salt and pepper

Tequila Shot Glaze

• 1 c. tequila blanco (Hornitos, Jose Cuervo, etc.)
• 1/4 c. lime juice
• 1 tbsp. lime zest
• 2/3 c. honey
• 1 tbsp. crushed red pepper
• 1-2 jalepenos, diced very finely
• 1 garlic clove, diced very finely
• 1 tbsp. unsalted butter
• 1/2 tbsp. neutral oil 
• salt and pepper
• Garnish:  limes and cilantro

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Put the chicken wings in a bowl with the oil and salt and pepper and toss until evenly coated.  Put a wire rack on a sheet tray and place the chicken wings on the wire rack (if you don't have one that's alright, just put them directly on a nonstick tray and turn halfway through the cooking time).  Place the wings in the oven for about 25 minutes.  After 20 minutes, turn the heat up to 450 degrees F for 10 minutes or until crispy brown on the outside.
2. While the wings are cooking, put the jalepeno, garlic, crushed red pepper, lime zest, and oil in a pan on medium heat.  Sweat the mixture (don't brown) until halfway cooked.  Add the tequila, lime juice, and honey to the mixture (CAUTION: Be careful putting the alcohol in the pan...it may catch fire.  This is OK because that means the alcohol is burning out.  If it lasts too long, turn off the heat and place another pan on top to get rid of the fire).
3. Cook the mixture until reduced about halfway and is starting to thicken, around 20 minutes (like a syrupy consistency...think of sweet chili sauce).  Take off the heat, cool, and pour the mixture into a large bowl.
4. Once the wings are done baking, place the hot wings into the bowl with the sauce and mix/flip until evenly coated.  Garnish with lime, cilantro, and a big shot of tequila.

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Me Cuisine Tips

• I start off with a low temp for the wings so the fat renders and raise the heat to make them crispy.  You can also steam and bake for the same result.  Frying them makes them crispy and moist, but be sure to maintain a 375 degrees F in the pot.  
• Try any sauce you want!  I like this glaze because it pairs well with a light beer or margarita...perfect for any football game.  
• Be careful with the alcohol and don't freak out over the fire!  You want to burn off the alcohol so it's not too overpowering.  Mezcal works well because of the smoky flavor!