What Are Alitas de Pollo?
Alitas de Pollo are flavorful chicken wings that are incredibly popular in Spain as a tapa, bar snack, or casual dinner dish. Unlike the American version drenched in buffalo sauce, Spanish-style wings are marinated with bold Mediterranean spices, garlic, and olive oil, then baked, fried, or grilled to juicy perfection.
Served hot or cold, and often paired with aioli, lemon wedges, or sauces like mojo picón, Alitas de Pollo are a go-to dish at home gatherings and tapas bars.
🧄 Traditional Spanish Flavors
Spanish chicken wings stand out for their unique seasoning. Common marinade ingredients include:
- Olive oil
- Paprika (especially smoked, pimentón de la Vera)
- Garlic
- Lemon juice
- Oregano or thyme
- Chili flakes or cayenne for heat
- White wine or vinegar for tang
Marinating the wings for a few hours—or even overnight—enhances the flavor and tenderness.
🧑🍳 Spanish Alitas de Pollo Recipe (Oven-Roasted)
🛒 Ingredients:
- 1 kg chicken wings
- 4 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp sweet paprika
- 4 garlic cloves (crushed)
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp chili flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
🔪 Instructions:
- Prepare the marinade: Mix olive oil, paprika, garlic, lemon juice, oregano, chili flakes, salt, and pepper in a large bowl.
- Add chicken wings and coat well. Cover and refrigerate for 2–4 hours (overnight for best flavor).
- Preheat oven to 200°C (390°F). Line a baking tray with parchment paper.
- Arrange wings in a single layer and bake for 35–45 minutes, flipping halfway through, until crispy and golden.
- Serve hot with lemon wedges, crusty bread, or a creamy aioli.
🔥 Other Cooking Methods
1. Fried Alitas de Pollo
- Coat lightly in flour after marinating
- Deep fry in sunflower oil until golden and crisp
- Serve with mojo rojo or spicy tomato dip
2. Grilled/Barbecue Style
- Perfect for outdoor cooking
- Grill over medium heat until slightly charred and juicy
- Baste with extra marinade while cooking
📍 Regional Variations Across Spain
- Andalusia: Fried wings with spicy garlic mojo
- Canary Islands: Served with red or green mojo sauces
- Basque Country: Wings grilled with a splash of white wine
- Catalonia: Marinated with rosemary, olive oil, and white wine vinegar
🥗 What to Serve with Alitas de Pollo
- Patatas bravas
- Alioli or spicy mayonnaise
- Spanish rice or paella leftovers
- Mixed salad with olive oil vinaigrette
- Cold beer, sangria, or tinto de verano
These pairings make it a complete tapas experience for any party or family meal.
🧠 FAQs About Alitas de Pollo
Q: Can I use frozen wings?
A: Yes, just make sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before marinating.
Q: Can I prepare them in an air fryer?
A: Absolutely! Air fry at 200°C (390°F) for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway.
Q: Can I make them in advance?
A: Yes, you can marinate and refrigerate them overnight. They also reheat well in the oven.
📌 Final Thoughts
Alitas de Pollo are the ultimate Spanish comfort food—juicy, crispy, and bursting with Mediterranean flavor. Whether baked, grilled, or fried, these wings bring the spirit of a Spanish tapas bar right to your kitchen.
They’re easy to prepare, budget-friendly, and crowd-pleasing—perfect for casual dinners, parties, or weekend treats.
Explore more traditional Spanish recipes on our blog—Chipirones Queso Manchego Aceitunas each dish tells a delicious story from every corner of Spain.
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