Recipe Ideas for Healthy Chicken Wings to Spice Up Your Snack Game

Baked_Margarita _Chicken_Wings
Photo: Courtesy of Healthy Delicious

Healthy chicken wings do exist! They're thought of as junk food, but they don't need to be. With 6 grams of protein per wing, chicken wings can be part of a winning, well-balanced tailgate, as long as you DIY. That's where this roundup comes in: Check out these healthy chicken wing recipes that slash bad-for-you ingredients without sacrificing flavor.

01 of 11

Baked Brown Sugar Chicken Wings with Roasted Red Pepper Cream Sauce

Baked_Brown_Sugar_Chicken_Wings
Courtesy of Domestic Fits

The sweet and savory combo will keep guests coming back for more. Chili powder, paprika, and brown sugar team up for a powerful pop of flavor. Bake instead of fry (or air fry!) to slash calories.

02 of 11

Baked Margarita Chicken Wings

Baked_Margarita _Chicken_Wings
Courtesy of Healthy Delicious

Chicken wings get a south-of-the-border flair with the tequila and lime-flavored glaze. Check out these winning stats: Each healthy chicken wing has 85 calories and 11 grams of protein. (

03 of 11

Barbecue Baked Chicken Wings

BBQ_Baked_Chicken_Wings
Courtesy of Gimme Some Oven

The homemade Kansas City barbecue sauce on these wings has no added sugar, making them lower in calories but just as delicious as their not-so-healthy chicken wing cousins.

04 of 11

Buffalo Cauliflower Bites

Buffalo_Cauliflower_Bites
Courtesy of Gluten Free Pantry

Vegans won't experience FOMO this football season with the introduction of faux healthy chicken wings using cauliflower. Bake in a buffalo sauce and the bold flavors ensure this swap tastes just as good as the original.

05 of 11

Crispy Baked Orange Chicken Wings

Crispy_Baked_Orange_Chicken_Wings
Courtesy of Just a Taste

Like orange chicken from your neighborhood Chinese restaurant? Then you'll love this easy appetizer recipe. The baked healthy chicken wings are just the right amount of sweet and spicy with orange marmalade and red pepper flakes.

06 of 11

Roasted Chipotle Wings with Creamy Cilantro Dipping Sauce

Smokey_Chipotle_Chicken_Wings
Courtesy of Feasting at Home

For an extra-crispy coating, broil these healthy chicken wings for the last few minutes. Dunking in the cilantro dressing tones down the heat and provides lots of flavor. (Speaking of that dressing, sub in plain Greek yogurt for the mayo and sour cream to amp up the protein.)

07 of 11

Maple Mustard Grilled Chicken Wings

Maple_Mustard_Grilled_Chicken_Wings
Courtesy of Taste and Tell

Maple syrup is good for so much more than drizzling over pancakes. One strong piece of evidence: The marinade and dipping sauce for these healthy chicken wings. Pop the glazed wings on the grill and you'll have a tasty treat in under 25 minutes.

08 of 11

Baked Spicy Dry Rub Chicken Wings

Dry_Rub_Chicken_Wings
Courtesy of Low Carb Yum

Load up on spices, not calories, with the zesty dry rub for this healthy chicken wing recipe. It's the ideal way to clean out your spice cabinet: chili powder, smoked paprika, cumin, cayenne pepper, and garlic powder are all on the starting line-up. (

09 of 11

Spicy & Sweet Chipotle-Honey Baked Chicken Wings

Spicy_and_Sweet_Chipotle_Honey_Baked_Chicken_Wings
Courtesy of Paleo Newbie

Hosting a gathering for a team of two? Turn to this small-batch healthy chicken wing recipe so you won't have a big stack of leftovers. The chipotle seasonings on these baked wings perk up the flavors so you won't miss the extra oil.

10 of 11

Honey Baked Teriyaki Chicken Wings

Teriyaki_Chicken_Wings
Courtesy of Handle the Heat

These teriyaki chicken wings only take five minutes of prep work. Translation: More time to enjoy your company or the game-day action. Let the healthy chicken wings bake and finish off with sesame seeds for extra-satisfying texture. (FYI- teriyaki's not the only sauce you can totally DIY. Skip store-bought and opt for homemade condiments, stat.)

11 of 11

Healthy Blue Cheese Dressing

Healthy_Blue_Cheese_Dip_Dressing
Courtesy of Cooking 4 Love

As any wing lover knows, the best part is the dish is the dip. This recipe—a scrumptious partner to any of these healthy chicken wing recipes—uses Greek yogurt to lighten up classic blue cheese dressing.

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