“Chili Ranch Chicken Wings”

Years ago, I learned Hidden Valley Ranch Dressing mix could be used in all sorts of recipes. Luckily,  you can buy it in a large container at Sam’s. Because the more you use it the recipes you’ll create. One day I came up with this recipe for Chili Ranch Chicken Wings. Hidden Valley Ranch has a recipe for chicken wings made with their dressing mix but it has nothing on my recipe.

My Chili Ranch Chicken Wings have a tangy heat from the dressing mix and cayenne pepper. If you like less heat and spiciness, cut down on the amount of cayenne pepper in the recipe. Otherwise coat some wings with olive oil and sprinkle with the seasoning mix and bake away. My Chili Ranch Chicken Wings are baked on a foil-lined pan for easy clean-up. Your kids can even help make this recipe for dinner or after school snack. They are delicious and will become a family favorite, I guarantee.

Chili Ranch Chicken Wings

Chili Ranch Chicken Wings

12 chicken wings, cutting in 1/2 at joints, tips discarded (look for small wings or drumettes or wingettes), 24 pieces

3 – 4 T. Olive oil

4 T. ranch salad dressing mix (Hidden Valley)

3 t. chili powder (I use ancho chili powder)

2 t. paprika

1 t. cayenne pepper

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Line a jelly roll baking sheet (sided) with non-stick foil or if using regular foil, spray with non-stick cooking spray.

In a large Ziploc plastic bag, pour in 3 T. Olive oil. Place wing pieces in bag to coat with oil; shake until well coated. Add additional oil if needed to coat. The wings should not be swimming in oil but nicely coated; set aside.

In a small mixing bowl, combine dressing mix, chili powder, paprika and cayenne pepper. Pour seasoning mixture in plastic bag with wings. Shake bag until all wing pieces are coated with seasoning mixture.

Place wing pieces on foil-lined baking sheet. Sprinkle any remaining seasoning over wings. Let sit for 20 minutes. Bake in oven for 25 minutes. Turn chicken wings over and bake for an additional 20 minutes or until done.

Serve with Ranch dipping sauce, carrots and celery.