Pan-Seared Chicken Wings with Spicy Empanada Salsa
Crispy pan-seared chicken wings served with a vibrant salsa inspired by classic empanada fillings, delivering a fresh and warming flavor profile. This latin american-inspired chicken ready in about 30 minutes blends chicken wings, olive oil, smoked paprika into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 4, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 12 pieces chicken wings
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 2 medium, diced tomato
- 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro
- 1 small, seeded and finely chopped jalapeño
- 1 tbsp lime juice
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- Step 1: Pat 12 chicken wings dry and season evenly with 1 tsp salt, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Step 2: Add the seasoned wings to the skillet and cook for 5-6 minutes per side, turning occasionally until the skin is crisp and the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Step 3: While the wings cook, combine 2 diced medium tomatoes, 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion, 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro, and 1 finely chopped seeded jalapeño in a bowl.
- Step 4: Stir in 1 tbsp lime juice and 1 tbsp olive oil to the salsa mixture, seasoning lightly with salt if needed, then let it rest for 5 minutes to meld flavors.
- Step 5: Serve the hot chicken wings alongside the fresh empanada-inspired salsa for dipping or topping.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Pan-Seared Chicken Wings with Spicy Empanada Salsa take to make?
Total time is about 30 minutes (15 min prep + 15 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.
How do I store leftover Pan-Seared Chicken Wings with Spicy Empanada Salsa?
Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.
Can I substitute ingredients in Pan-Seared Chicken Wings with Spicy Empanada Salsa?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Pan-Seared Chicken Wings with Spicy Empanada Salsa for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Pan-Seared Chicken Wings with Spicy Empanada Salsa?
Latin American chicken like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
