2chipotle chiles from chipotles chiles in adobo sauce, seeded and minced
1tablespoonsauce from chipotle chiles in adobo sauce
1/4cuporange juice
Zest of an orange
1tablespoonkosher or coarse sea salt
1teaspoonfreshly ground black pepper
3poundschicken wings
To make the chicken wing sauce:
4tablespoonsagave syrup or maple syrup
1garlic clove, minced
1teaspoonTabasco sauce
2tablespoonssauce from chipotle chiles in adobo sauce
1 1/2teaspoonapple cider vinegar
3tablespoonsolive oil
1/4teaspoonkosher or coarse sea salt, or to taste
To make the dipping sauce:
1cupMexican crema, crème fraiche or sour cream
1/2cupcrumbled queso fresco or a mild feta cheese
2tablespoonsfreshly squeezed lime juice
2tablespoonschopped cilantro leaves and upper parts of stems
2tablespoonschopped chives
kosher or coarse sea salt, to taste
freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Carrot and celery sticks to eat along with the wings and dip in the dipping sauce
To Prepare
In a large bowl or baking dish, add all the ingredients for the wing marinade: buttermilk, garlic, chipotle chiles, sauce from chipotles in adobo, orange juice, orange zest, salt and pepper, mix to combine. Add the chicken wings and mix well to make sure all of the wings are coated. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for a couple hours or overnight.
Preheat oven to 450°F. Place a cooling rack onto a lined (with aluminum foil or parchment paper) rimmed baking sheet and brush the cooling rack with vegetable oil. Remove the wings from the marinade and place them directly onto the cooling rack. Bake for 40 to 45 minutes, flipping once after 25 minutes, until crisp and browned on all sides.
While the wings are baking, place a small saucepan over medium heat and add all of the ingredients for the chicken wing sauce: agave syrup, garlic, Tabasco sauce, sauce from chipotles in adobo, vinegar, olive oil and salt, bring to a simmer. Whisk to emulsify and combine. Turn off the heat and set aside.
In a small bowl, combine the crema, queso fresco, lime juice, cilantro, chives and salt and pepper to taste. Stir well and set aside.
Once the wings are ready, place them in a large bowl. Whisk the agave wing sauce once more with a fork or whisk, then pour it over the wings and toss well so that all the wings are coated. Serve with the crema dipping sauce on the side.