Spicy Tex-Mex Enchilada Chicken Wings: Your Ultimate Game Day Appetizer
Transform your game day spread with these irresistible Enchilada Chicken Wings! Crispy, pan-fried wings are coated in a vibrant, slightly spicy enchilada sauce and served with a refreshing creamy cilantro dip. It’s a bold Tex-Mex twist that will have everyone reaching for more.
For more mouth-watering wing ideas, explore our Empress Chicken Wings or these zesty Chipotle Orange Chicken Wings.
This post is sponsored by Old El Paso. I am delighted to partner with brands and organizations that I genuinely admire and trust. Your support for them is greatly appreciated!
Meal planning was a structured affair in my childhood home. My mom had a weekly rotation: one day for chicken, one for beef, another for Italian, and naturally, a dedicated Mexican night. As my siblings and I ventured out to build our own kitchens and families, her methodical approach to menu organization often served as a helpful guide. However, as delightful as that system was, I’ve found myself breaking free from the single “Mexican night” constraint.
Lately, my culinary explorations have been thoroughly Tex-Mex-ified. Why limit the vibrant, comforting flavors of Mexican cuisine to just one evening when every meal could benefit from a little zest? This passion has led to some exciting kitchen experiments, transforming everyday favorites into something extraordinary with a Southwestern flair. And what better canvas for bold flavors than crispy chicken wings?
Today, we’re giving the classic game day snack a thrilling Tex-Mex makeover. If rich enchilada sauce tastes incredible on enchiladas, it stands to reason that it would be absolutely phenomenal coating savory chicken wings, right? The answer is a resounding yes! Prepare for a flavor explosion that will elevate your next gathering.
Why These Enchilada Chicken Wings Will Be Your New Favorite
This enchilada chicken wing recipe is deceptively simple to prepare, requiring just a few common ingredients to create an appetizer that’s truly “lick-your-fingers” good. It’s perfect for cheering on your favorite team, hosting a casual get-together, or simply satisfying a craving for something deliciously different. Forget bland, basic wings – these Tex-Mex beauties bring serious flavor to the table.
The Essential Creamy Cilantro Dip
Every outstanding wing needs an equally impressive dipping sauce, and this creamy cilantro dip rises to the occasion. It’s incredibly straightforward, featuring only three key ingredients that come together to create a bright, tangy, and refreshing counterpoint to the rich, spicy wings. I typically use my trusty blender for a perfectly smooth consistency, but a food processor works just as well. If you prefer a more rustic texture or don’t have these appliances, you can simply finely chop the cilantro and mix everything by hand. The fresh cilantro and garlic infuse the sour cream with a delightful herbaceous kick, making it an indispensable part of this Tex-Mex experience.
Crispy Pan-Fried Perfection
The wings themselves are a breeze to prepare. We start by generously seasoning them with Old El Paso taco seasoning, infusing them with authentic Tex-Mex flavor right from the start. Then, we pan-fry them to golden, crispy perfection. Pan-frying offers an unparalleled crispiness that many wing enthusiasts adore, providing a satisfying crunch with every bite. While I advocate for pan-frying here, if you’re a dedicated wing baker or prefer the convenience of an air fryer, feel free to use your preferred method for cooking the wings until they are fully cooked and nicely browned. The goal is a tender interior and a crisp exterior.
The Zesty Enchilada Coating
Once cooked, the wings are tossed in a glorious mixture of Old El Paso Enchilada Sauce and a touch of classic wing sauce. My initial attempt used only enchilada sauce, but I quickly realized it needed an extra punch. The addition of wing sauce provides that essential “kick” and a subtle tang that perfectly balances the rich, savory notes of the enchilada sauce. This vibrant coating clings beautifully to the crispy wings, ensuring every mouthful is packed with an exciting blend of spicy, savory, and tangy flavors.
This unique fusion recipe quickly became a runaway hit with my entire family. In fact, they devoured every single wing and immediately wished I had doubled the batch! It’s clear that these enchilada chicken wings are destined to become a beloved family favorite, especially for future game nights and casual gatherings.
Tips for Perfect Enchilada Chicken Wings
- Wing Preparation: For the best results, ensure your chicken wings are patted thoroughly dry before seasoning and frying. This helps achieve maximum crispiness.
- Oil Temperature: Maintaining a consistent oil temperature of 350°F (175°C) is crucial for even cooking and a perfectly crispy skin without burning. Use a kitchen thermometer if possible.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Fry wings in batches to avoid lowering the oil temperature too much. Overcrowding can lead to steaming instead of frying, resulting in less crispy wings.
- Keep Them Warm: As you finish each batch, transfer the cooked wings to a cooling rack set over a baking sheet in a warm oven (set to its lowest temperature) to keep them hot and crispy until all wings are ready to be tossed in the sauce.
- Adjust Spice Level: If you prefer more heat, increase the amount of wing sauce or add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the enchilada sauce mixture. For a milder version, use a mild wing sauce.
- Make Ahead Dip: The creamy cilantro dip can be made a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.
Customizing Your Tex-Mex Wing Experience
While this recipe is fantastic as written, don’t hesitate to personalize it! You could experiment with different types of Old El Paso sauces – perhaps a smoky chipotle or a zesty green chile enchilada sauce. A sprinkle of fresh cotija cheese or a squeeze of lime juice over the finished wings would add another layer of authentic flavor. For those who love a bit of char, a quick finish under the broiler after saucing can deepen the flavors and add extra texture. These wings are truly versatile, making them a fantastic canvas for your culinary creativity.
Enchilada Chicken Wing Recipe
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Ingredients
Creamy Cilantro Dip
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup loosely packed cilantro
- 2 cloves garlic grated
- salt
Wings
- 2 1/2 lbs chicken wings separated at the joint, tips removed
- 2 teaspoons Old El Paso taco seasoning
- vegetable oil for frying
- 1 (10 oz) can Old El Paso Enchilada Sauce
- 2 tablespoons wing sauce
Instructions
Make the Dip:
- Combine the sour cream, cilantro, and garlic in a small food processor or blender. Process until smooth. Season to taste with salt. Refrigerate until needed.
Make the Wings:
- Preheat the oven to its lowest warm setting. Place a cooling rack on top of a baking sheet and set aside to keep wings warm.
- Heat a large, heavy skillet with about an inch of vegetable oil to 350ºF (175°C).
- Sprinkle the taco seasoning evenly onto both sides of the chicken wings. Working in 2 batches to avoid overcrowding, add the wings to the hot oil and fry until thoroughly cooked and crispy, approximately 5 minutes per side. As each batch finishes cooking, use tongs to transfer the wings to the prepared cooling rack in the warm oven.
- Meanwhile, in a large mixing bowl, combine the Old El Paso enchilada sauce and the wing sauce.
- Once all wings are cooked, add them to the bowl with the enchilada sauce mixture and toss gently to ensure they are fully coated. Serve immediately with the creamy cilantro dip.
More Game Night Favorites
- Homemade Tater Tots
- Jalapeno Poppers
- 7 Layer Dip
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This post is sponsored by Old El Paso. I am delighted to partner with brands and organizations that I genuinely admire and trust. Your support for them is greatly appreciated!