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https://preview.redd.it/bekzksjxwtrb1.jpg?width=4032&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=03683f9931e3173a84376c8e4b215eb00137e19a
Link to recipe: [Sweet and Smoky Mezcal-Infused Buffalo Wings](https://hecooks.co/sweet-and-smoky-mezcal-infused-buffalo-wings/)
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### INGREDIENTS
**Crispy Baked Buffalo Wings**
* 2 pounds buffalo wings
* 1 tablespoon baking powder
* 1 tablespoon salt
* 1 tablespoon ground black pepper
* 1 tablespoon garlic powder
* 1 tablespoon paprika
**Sweet and Smoky Mezcal-Infused Sauce**
* 1⁄2 cup mezcal
* 1⁄2 cup hot sauce
* 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
* 1⁄4 cup agave nectar (or honey)
* 1 lime, juiced and zested
* 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
* 4 cloves garlic, smashed
* 1 dried chipotle pepper, rehydrated
* salt and ground black pepper, to taste
### DIRECTIONS
**Crispy Baked Buffalo Wings**
* **Preheat the Oven:** Preheat your oven to 425°F. Position an oven rack in the lower third of the oven.
* **Dry the Wings**: Pat the chicken wings dry with paper towels. This step is crucial for getting crispy wings.
* **Combine Seasonings:** In a large bowl, combine baking powder, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Add the wings to the bowl and toss them until they are evenly coated with the mixture.
* **Arrange the Wings:** Place a wire rack on a baking sheet. Arrange the wings on the rack in a single layer, allowing enough space for even cooking. This setup allows the heat to circulate around the chicken, which will give you a crispy wing without frying.
* **Bake:** Bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, turning over halfway through. Remove from the oven and allow to rest for 5 minutes before tossing in the sauce.
**Sweet and Smoky Mezcal-Infused Sauce**
* **Reduce the Mezcal:** In a small sauce pan, bring the mezcal to a simmer over medium heat. Allow it to reduce by half, about 5-7 minutes.
* **Add Ingredients**: Stir in the butter, hot sauce, agave nectar (or honey), lime juice, lime zest, garlic, apple cider vinegar, and the chipotle pepper.
* **Simmer:** Turn the heat down to low, and let the mixture simmer for 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
* **Blend:** Transfer the sauce to a blender, or using an immersion blender, blend until the mixture is smooth. If need be, pass through a mesh strainer to remove any large bits of garlic or chipotle pepper.
* **Toss Wings:** Add the crispy baked wings to a large bowl. Pour the warm sauce over them, and toss to combine. Serve immediately.
by hecooks_co