Chili Lime Competition Wings

Name: Chili Lime Competition Wings
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 1 h 15 min
Total time: 1 h 25 min
Yield: 6 servings
Ingredients: 2 tbsp Dan-O’s Chili Lime Seasoning; ¼ cup water; 2–3 tbsp salt (to taste); Juice of 5 limes; 1 bottle Modelo (or similar light beer); 1 tbsp Dan-O’s Chili Lime Seasoning; 3–4 lbs chicken wings, cut into drumettes and flats; 1 tbsp Dan-O’s Chili Lime Seasoning; 3–4 tbsp maple syrup; Juice of 3–4 limes; 1–2 tbsp apple cider vinegar (or white vinegar); 1 tbsp olive oil; 1 tbsp Dan-O’s Chili Lime Seasoning; Juice of 2 limes; 1–2 tbsp maple syrup (for added sweetness); 1 tsp vinegar; 1 tsp olive oil

I made Chili Lime Competition Wings at a BBQ competition… is that why I placed 60th out of 80? Maybe so—but don’t let the scoreboard fool you. These wings pack layers of flavor that’ll light up your taste buds and keep your crew coming back for more. Between a tangy beer-lime brine, chili lime seasoning, and a sweet, sticky glaze, these wings are proof that sometimes the underdog recipe is the one worth making at home. Let’s fire up the smoker and the grill, and I’ll show you how to make chili lime wings that might not win trophies, but will definitely win your weekend cookout!

Prep Time

10 Mins

Cook Time

75 Mins

Serving Size

Flavors Used:

Ingredients

For the Brine

2 tbsp Dan-O’s Chili Lime Seasoning
¼ cup water
2–3 tbsp salt (to taste)
Juice of 5 limes
1 bottle Modelo (or similar light beer)

For the Wings

1 tbsp Dan-O’s Chili Lime Seasoning
3–4 lbs chicken wings, cut into drumettes and flats

For the Basting Sauce

1 tbsp Dan-O’s Chili Lime Seasoning
3–4 tbsp maple syrup
Juice of 3–4 limes
1–2 tbsp apple cider vinegar (or white vinegar)
1 tbsp olive oil

For the Finishing Sauce

1 tbsp Dan-O’s Chili Lime Seasoning
Juice of 2 limes
1–2 tbsp maple syrup (for added sweetness)
1 tsp vinegar
1 tsp olive oil

Let’s Make It!

Prep the Wings: Cut chicken wings into drumettes and flats. Place wings into a large resealable plastic bag.
Make the Brine: Heat ¼ cup of water in a small pot and dissolve the salt. Remove from heat, then stir in lime juice, Modelo beer, and Chili Lime seasoning. Pour brine over the wings in the bag. Seal and refrigerate for 45 minutes to 1 hour.
Season the Wings: Drain the brine and pat the wings dry. Lay them on a drying rack or tray. Generously season both sides with Chili Lime seasoning.
Smoke the Wings: Preheat smoker to 300°F. Place wings on the smoker and cook for 30 minutes, flipping halfway.
Make the Basting Sauce: In a bowl, mix maple syrup, lime juice, vinegar, olive oil, and Chili Lime seasoning. Stir well until syrup blends evenly.
Baste and Cook: After 30 minutes of smoking, baste wings with sauce. Flip and baste both sides every 10–15 minutes. Continue smoking until about the 1-hour mark (internal temp ~180-195 F).
Make the Finishing Sauce: Mix lime juice, maple syrup, vinegar, olive oil, and more Chili Lime seasoning. This version should be a little sweeter.
Grill for the Finish: Preheat grill to high heat. Transfer smoked wings to grill and char for 2–3 minutes per side, until grill marks form.

Reduce heat to low, baste with finishing sauce, and let sit with lid closed for 5 minutes in residual heat.
Plate the wings while still sticky and hot. Garnish with extra lime wedges if desired. Yum Yum Get Ya Sum!