By Beth Lipton
Whether you’re in it for the football, the half-time show, or the commercials, you’re probably going to want chicken wings on game day (or really any other given Sunday). The good news is that wings don’t have to be deep-fried and dunked in junky dip to be delicious.
We found 10 healthier recipes for chicken wings that are super-simple, super-tasty, and super-crispy. So you can have a super Super Bowl (or Puppy Bowl, we don’t judge) and still feel like a champ afterwards.
1. Chipotle Peach Baked Wings from The Whole Cook
You don’t have to wait for summer to whip up these uber-flavorful wings. Unsweetened canned peaches work just as well as fresh. And chipotle chili powder adds smokiness to counter the sweet, leaving you with wings that are finger-licking awesome.
2. Asian Sticky Wings from Nom Nom Paleo
Crispy wings that are loaded with flavor but also Whole30 compatible? Oh yeah, baby. Unsweetened jam is the secret, along with coconut aminos, Sriracha and plenty of garlic. Don’t forget the sesame seeds and scallions at the end for added color and crunch.
3. Everything Bagel Seasoned Chicken Wings with Garlic Aioli from Allianna’s Kitchen
Just when we thought we had used that jar of everything bagel seasoning everywhere, we discovered this genius combo of our favorite bagel flavor and our favorite game-day food. Mix up the easy 4-ingredient aioli while the wings are baking.
4. Deliciously Crispy Whole30 Buffalo Chicken Wings from All the Healthy Things
If you thought having healthier wings meant no buffalo sauce, get a stack of napkins ready. You can bake or air-fry these luscious, spicy wings. For a healthier side of ranch, we love Primal Kitchen and Whole30 — or make your own!
5. Crispy Baked Garlic Parmesan Wings from Peace, Love and Low Carb
Parmesan, garlic, parsley and butter would make just about anything taste better, so it makes sense that this combo yields to-die-for wings. Mini bell peppers and celery are perfect on the side.
6. Thai Curry Wings from What Great Grandma Ate
This recipe takes the best of take-out curry — the spices, the coconut milk, the red curry paste, and the fish sauce — and uses them to transform wings. Let everyone else focus on the game while you get your fill of these.
7. Spicy Middle Eastern Chicken Wings with Tahini Sauce from Tori Avey
Hold. The. Phone. Wings with Middle Eastern spices and a lemony tahini sauce for dipping? This is next level, yet it’s still great for you. Plus, it utilizes ingredients you probably already have in your pantry (e.g., cumin, paprika, cayenne).
8. Honey Mustard Chicken Wings from Downshiftology
Talk about simple yet amazing: Just 6 staple ingredients come together to make a plateful of irresistible wings. Don’t forget to set aside some of the sauce for dipping. Or double the sauce recipe. You won’t regret it.
9. Cilantro Lime Chicken Wings from Damn Delicious
If you were trying to decide between wings and tacos for game day, this one’s for you. With Mexican-inspired flavors, it’s a guaranteed crowd pleaser. We recommend serving it with salsa and guac on the side.
10. Tandoori Wings with Mint Chutney Dipping Sauce from Wicked Spatula
The hardest part about these fragrant Indian-inspired wings (aside from sharing them) is gathering up the spices. But it’s so worth it. Buy chutney at the store for a shortcut (we won’t tell).
