Craving a unique twist on your favorite game day snack? This Enchilada Chicken Wing Recipe delivers an unforgettable Tex-Mex flavor experience. Crispy, pan-fried chicken wings are generously coated in a vibrant, slightly spicy enchilada sauce, creating an appetizer that’s packed with bold taste and perfect for any gathering. Move over, traditional buffalo wings – these enchilada-style wings are ready to become your new go-to crowd-pleaser!
If you’re a true wing connoisseur, you might also enjoy these Empress Chicken Wings or these zesty Chipotle Orange Chicken Wings.
I am delighted to be in a working relationship with Old El Paso, and this post has been sponsored. I am committed to collaborating with companies and organizations I genuinely believe in. Your support for them is greatly appreciated.
Growing up, my mom had a highly organized system for creating her monthly menus. Each week featured a dedicated day for certain cuisines: chicken one day, beef another, Italian (pasta) on a specific night, and naturally, one day reserved for Mexican dishes. As my siblings and I eventually moved out and began cooking for our own families, she often offered her wisdom, sharing her tried-and-true methods for planning and deciding what to prepare. It was a structured approach that brought consistency and predictability to meal times.
However, I must admit, I’ve somewhat broken free from that rigid culinary mold. Lately, my kitchen adventures have been consumed by a singular, delicious obsession: Tex-Mex. One night a week dedicated to Mexican food simply isn’t enough when there are so many incredible flavors to explore! This passionate pursuit has led me to “Tex-Mex-ify” almost everything I cook, from breakfast burritos to weeknight dinners, and even beloved appetizers. The robust and vibrant flavors of cumin, chili powder, and cilantro have a way of transforming ordinary dishes into extraordinary culinary experiences.
Today, I’m channeling that Tex-Mex enthusiasm into the ultimate game day classic: chicken wings. It’s a bold fusion that just makes sense. If enchilada sauce tastes fantastic on enchiladas, enhancing every savory bite, then it stands to reason it would be equally incredible draped over a batch of perfectly crispy wings, right? This recipe is all about taking familiar comfort food and giving it an exciting, south-of-the-border makeover that’s guaranteed to score big with your taste buds.
Why You’ll Love These Enchilada Chicken Wings
This enchilada chicken wing recipe is wonderfully straightforward, proving that you don’t need a complicated process to achieve incredible flavor. With just a few common ingredients and simple steps, you’ll create a platter of wings that are so delicious, they’re practically guaranteed to be “lick-your-fingers good.” They are the ultimate appetizer for cheering on your favorite team, hosting a casual get-together, or simply satisfying a craving for something deliciously different. The beauty lies in their ease of preparation combined with an unexpected flavor profile that truly stands out from the crowd of typical wing recipes.
The Secret Weapon: Creamy Cilantro Dip
Every outstanding chicken wing deserves an equally impressive dipping sauce, and these Enchilada Chicken Wings are no exception. We kick things off with a vibrant, creamy cilantro dip that provides the perfect cool contrast to the warm, spicy wings. This dip is incredibly simple, requiring just three ingredients: sour cream, fresh cilantro, and a hint of garlic. You can effortlessly whip it up in a blender or food processor for a perfectly smooth consistency. If you prefer a more rustic texture or don’t have those appliances, a very fine chop of the cilantro works beautifully too. A pinch of salt to taste brings all the fresh flavors together, making this an irresistible accompaniment that you might just want to put on everything!
Crafting the Perfect Enchilada Wings
The wings themselves are designed for maximum flavor with minimal fuss. We start by seasoning them generously with Old El Paso taco seasoning, which infuses them with a rich blend of Tex-Mex spices right from the start. For that irresistible crispy exterior and juicy interior, I highly recommend pan-frying the wings. This method ensures a beautifully golden-brown crust that truly elevates the texture. However, if baking is your preferred approach for wings, that works too – just adjust your cooking time until they’re perfectly cooked and slightly crisp.
Once cooked, the magic happens: the wings are bathed in a delectable sauce crafted from Old El Paso Enchilada Sauce and a touch of classic wing sauce. I initially experimented with just straight enchilada sauce, but quickly discovered that adding a few tablespoons of wing sauce provides that essential “kick” and a subtle tang that perfectly balances the rich, earthy notes of the enchilada base. This combination creates a sticky, savory, and slightly spicy coating that clings to every piece, making each bite an explosion of Tex-Mex goodness. The result is a dish that’s incredibly satisfying and utterly addictive.
Tips for Success and Variations
- For Extra Crispy Wings: After seasoning, you can lightly dust your wings with a tablespoon of baking powder (not baking soda!) before frying or baking. This helps draw out moisture and promotes an even crisper skin.
- Adjusting Spice Level: If you prefer more heat, increase the amount of wing sauce or add a pinch of cayenne pepper to your enchilada sauce mixture. For a milder version, reduce the wing sauce and consider a mild enchilada sauce.
- Baking Alternative: To bake, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Arrange seasoned wings on a wire rack over a baking sheet. Bake for 40-50 minutes, flipping halfway through, until crispy and cooked through. Then, toss with the sauce as directed.
- Make Ahead Dip: The creamy cilantro dip can be made a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container. Its flavors will deepen beautifully.
- Garnish Ideas: A sprinkle of fresh chopped cilantro, a squeeze of lime juice, or even some crumbled cotija cheese can add extra flair and flavor before serving.
A New Family Favorite!
This chicken wing recipe was an absolute sensation with my entire family. Every single wing vanished from the platter, and the consensus was clear: they wished I had doubled the batch! It’s truly heartwarming when a new recipe resonates so strongly, becoming an instant hit. I can confidently say these Enchilada Chicken Wings are destined to be a regular family favorite, especially for our game nights and casual weekend meals. Their irresistible flavor profile and straightforward preparation make them a winner every time. Get ready to impress everyone with these flavorful wings!
More Game Night Favorites
Looking for other delicious additions to your game night spread? Try these fantastic recipes:
- Homemade Tater Tots
- Jalapeno Poppers
- 7 Layer Dip
LOOKING FOR MORE FREE RECIPES?
Subscribe to my free recipe newsletter to get new family friendly recipes in your inbox each week! Find me sharing more family-friendly inspiration on Pinterest, Facebook, and Instagram.
Enchilada Chicken Wing Recipe
Deborah Harroun
15 minutes
20 minutes
35 minutes
4 servings
Appetizer
Mexican/Tex-Mex
Pin
Ingredients
Creamy Cilantro Dip
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup loosely packed cilantro
- 2 cloves garlic, grated
- Salt, to taste
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 or warm setting. Place a cooling rack on top of a baking sheet and set aside; this will keep the cooked wings warm and crispy.
- Heat a large, heavy skillet with about an inch of vegetable oil to 350ºF (175°C). Ensure the oil is at the correct temperature for best results.
- Generously sprinkle the taco seasoning onto both sides of the chicken wings. Working in 2 batches to avoid overcrowding the pan, add the wings to the hot oil and fry until cooked through and golden brown, approximately 5 minutes on each side. As each batch finishes cooking, use tongs to transfer the wings to the cooling rack and place them in the preheated oven to keep them warm while you cook the remaining wings.
- Meanwhile, in a large mixing bowl, combine the Old El Paso enchilada sauce and the wing sauce. Stir well to ensure they are thoroughly mixed.
- Once all the wings are cooked, add them to the bowl with the enchilada sauce mixture. Toss gently to ensure every wing is evenly coated in the rich, spicy sauce. Serve immediately with the creamy cilantro dip on the side.
chicken wings, game day food, tex-mex, enchilada chicken wings, spicy wings, appetizer