If you’re craving a bold and flavorful twist on classic crispy baked chicken wings, these Tikka Masala Chicken Wings will blow you away. They combine warm Indian spices with a creamy, aromatic tikka masala wing sauce, bringing your favorite curry’s richness to a crispy, snackable form. A cooling Mint Yogurt Dipping Sauce balances each bite with its freshness and creaminess. This recipe delivers incredible flavor and texture, perfect for game-day chicken wings or simply satisfying your craving for Indian-spiced chicken wings.
How to Make Crispy Oven-Baked Wings
The secret to achieving restaurant-quality crispy wings without deep frying lies in these simple techniques:
- Pat the Wings Dry – Remove all moisture with paper towels before seasoning, as wetness prevents proper crisping.
- Use Baking Powder – This magic ingredient helps create crispy skin by changing the pH balance and promoting better browning.
- Season Generously – Create layers of flavor with garam masala, cumin, paprika, coriander, and turmeric, which also help develop a fantastic crust.
- Use a Wire Rack – Elevate your wings on a rack over a baking sheet for even air circulation and all-around crispiness.
- Bake at a High Temperature – Cook at 400°F (200°C) or higher, flipping halfway through, to render fat and create perfectly crispy skin.
- Toss in Sauce After Baking – Keep that crispy texture by waiting until after cooking to coat wings in the tikka masala wing sauce.
Instead of traditional buffalo sauce, these wings feature a rich tikka masala wing sauce made by simmering tomato sauce, garlic, shallots, ginger, and warm spices in butter. A touch of coconut milk adds a luxurious creaminess and subtle sweetness that compliments the aromatic spices.
When the wings are golden brown and crispy, toss them in the tikka masala wing sauce. The thick sauce coats each wing evenly, ensuring you get the perfect blend of warming spices in every bite.
The cooling mint yogurt dipping sauce provides the ideal contrast. Blending Greek yogurt, sour cream, fresh mint, cilantro, and lemon juice, this creamy, tangy dip refreshes your palate and balances the spices while enhancing all the flavors.
These garam masala chicken wings shine as party food, a game day snack, or even a weeknight dinner when you’re craving something bold and delicious. They come together easily with a simple spice rub and quick bake before getting dressed in that luscious tikka masala sauce.
Whether you’re an Indian food enthusiast or simply want to elevate your wing game, these spicy, creamy, flavor-packed wings will steal the show. Serve them alongside fresh radishes, cucumbers, or naan for a complete and memorable experience.
Tikka Masala Chicken Wings with Mint Yogurt Dipping Sauce
4
servings15
minutes45
minutes1
hourTikka Masala Chicken Wings deliver bold Indian-inspired flavors with a crispy, spiced exterior and a rich, creamy sauce. Paired with a cooling Mint Yogurt Dipping Sauce, these wings offer the perfect balance of heat and freshness.
Ingredients
- For the Chicken Wings
2 pounds chicken wings
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground black pepper
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon garam masala
1 teaspoon ground coriander
1 teaspoon baking powder
- For the Tikka Masala Sauce
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 shallot, finely chopped
3 cloves of garlic, minced
1 tablespoon ginger, freshly grated
1 tablespoon tomato paste
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon garam masala
1 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup tomato sauce
1/2 cup coconut milk
- For the Mint Yogurt Dipping Sauce
1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
1/4 cup sour cream
1 tablespoon lemon juice, freshly squeezed
1 tablespoon mint, freshly chopped
1 tablespoon cilantro, freshly chopped
2 cloves of garlic, minced
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon cumin
Directions
- Bake the Wings:
Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and place a wire rack over the top. Pat the chicken wings dry with a paper towel. In a large bowl, toss wings with vegetable oil, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, paprika, cumin, garam masala, coriander, and baking powder until they are evenly coated. Arrange the wings on the wire rack in a single layer. Bake for 45 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden brown and crispy. - Make the Tikka Masala Sauce:
Melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Add the shallot and cook until soft, about 2 minutes.
Stir in the garlic and ginger, and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Add the tomato paste, cumin, garam masala, paprika, turmeric, and salt, and stir for 30 seconds to toast the spices. Pour in the tomato sauce and simmer for 6-7 minutes. Reduce the heat to low and stir in the coconut milk until heated through. - Make the Mint Yogurt Dipping Sauce:
Combine the Greek yogurt, sour cream, lemon juice, mint, cilantro, garlic, salt, and cumin. Mix well and refrigerate until ready to serve. - Coat the Wings and Serve:
Toss the crispy wings in the warm tikka masala sauce until they are evenly coated. Arrange on a serving platter with mint yogurt sauce on the side. Garnish with fresh mint and thinly sliced radishes.
Notes
- Using Baking Powder: Baking powder is the secret to crispy wings. It raises the pH level of the skin, helping it brown and crisp up more effectively in the oven. Make sure to use aluminum-free baking powder to avoid any metallic aftertaste.
SUGGESTED RECIPE: Chicken Tikka Masala Tacos with Yogurt Slaw
Upgrade your taco night with Chicken Tikka Masala Tacos with Yogurt Slaw—bold, spiced chicken wrapped in warm tortillas and topped with a cool, tangy slaw. The rich tikka masala flavors meet fresh crunch in every bite, making these tacos an irresistible fusion of comfort and spice.
