Pilipili Chicken Wings are a beloved Kenyan favorite known for their spicy, smoky, and tangy flavors. This recipe combines marinated chicken wings with a vibrant blend of pili pili (chili) spices, garlic, and a hint of citrus to create wings that are irresistibly crispy on the outside and juicy inside. Perfect as a party appetizer or a flavorful snack, these wings bring bold heat and authentic taste to your table with every bite. Chicken wings are morsels of delicious bites that you can serve as a starter at a party or even at home for the family. If making for kids or even people who do not like chili, you can still make them delicious, though I love my wings with some kick.
These wings are absolutely crunchy and moist on the inside, coating them with the flour gives them that texture. You can have fun and add more spices or create your own sauce to toss these wings with. Pilipili is a Swahili word that means pepper, whether green or red. Mostly in Kenya we add to salads like kachumbari, mutura a local street food. Everything just tastes better with chili and these wings certainly taste heavenly!
INGREDIENTS
1 Pack Chicken Wings
3 Tablespoons Butter
1 Tablespoon Chilli Powder
1 Tablespoon Paprika
2 Tablespoons Lemon Juice
1 Teaspoon Ginger
1 Teaspoon Garlic
Cornstarch/Flour
Pinch Salt
1 Tablespoon Black Pepper
Few whole red or green chili peppers
METHOD
Season the chicken wings with salt and black pepper. Dust the chicken wings with flour, do not coat them we want a light coating on the wings
Heat deep pan with oil and drop the chicken wings in once the oil is hot enough. Deep fry the wings until golden brown
Melt butter in pan, add the chili powder, whole chili, paprika, lemon juice, ginger and garlic. Cook a few minutes so that everything is mixed through
Add the chicken wings and toss in the chili pepper until evenly covered with the sauce
Garnish with cilantro and whole red or green chili
PILIPILI CHICKEN WINGS
Recipe by Mulunga Alukwe
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 20 Minutes
Total time: 30 Minutes
Yield: 2 Servings
Ingredients
- 1 Packet Chicken Wings
- 3 Tablespoons Butter
- 1 Tablespoon Chili Powder
- 1 Tablespoon Paprika
- 2 Tablespoon lemon Juice
- 1 Teaspoon Ginger
- 1 Teaspoon Garlic
- 1 Tablespoon Corn Starch
- Pinch Salt
- 1 Tablespoon Black Pepper
- 2-3 Green or Red Chili Pepper
- Season the chicken wings with salt and black pepper. Dust the chicken wings with flour, do not coat them we want a light coating on the wings
- Heat deep pan with oil and drop the chicken wings in once the oil is hot enough. Deep fry the wings until golden brown
- Melt butter in pan, add the chili powder, whole chili, paprika, lemon juice, ginger and garlic. Cook a few minutes so that everything is mixed through
- Add the chicken wings and toss in the chili pepper until evenly covered with the sauce
- Garnish with cilantro and whole red or green chili
Kenyan Pilipili Chicken Wings
These wings are marinated, oven-roasted or fried, then tossed in a bold and spicy "pilipili" (Swahili for chili) sauce made with fresh chilies, garlic, lemon, and herbs.
FAQs
What kind of chili should I use?
Scotch bonnets or bird’s eye chilies are authentic and very spicy. For milder heat, use red fresno or remove chili seeds.
Can I use a bottled hot sauce instead?
You can, but homemade pilipili delivers a fresher and more authentic East African flavor.
Are these grilled or fried traditionally?
They’re often deep-fried or grilled over open flame. Baking or air-frying works for a healthier twist.
How spicy is it?
Very! Adjust chili quantity based on your heat tolerance or add sugar/lemon to mellow the spice.
Can I make it ahead?
Yes. Cook wings and refrigerate. Reheat and toss in sauce before serving.
🧾 Printable Nutrition Card (per 4–5 wings)
| Nutrient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | ~350 kcal | Based on baked version with skin-on wings. |
| Protein | ~28 g | High-protein snack or meal. |
| Fat | ~24 g | Lower if baked; frying increases fat. |
| Carbohydrates | ~4 g | Mostly from sauce ingredients. |
| Sodium | ~420 mg | Adjust salt as needed. |
| Vitamin C | ~25% DV | From chilies and lemon juice. |
| Iron | ~10% DV | Chicken and spices contribute iron. |
Dietary Information Table
| Diet Type | Status | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Keto-Friendly | ✅ Yes | Low-carb if sauce has no added sugar. |
| Gluten-Free | ✅ Yes | Ensure all condiments/spices are gluten-free. |
| Dairy-Free | ✅ Yes | No dairy used in marinade or sauce. |
| Nut-Free | ✅ Yes | Safe for those with nut allergies. |
| Paleo | ✅ Yes | If natural oils are used and no sugar added. |
| Soy-Free | ✅ Yes | No soy products included. |
Please note that these values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes used. For precise nutritional information, consider using a nutrition calculator with exact ingredient measurements.
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