The Spicy Olive’s Spicy Pesto Chicken Wings

For the Pesto ( The Spicy Olive sells a delicious Pesto that would make this recipe simple)

1 cup of fresh basil

3 tablespoons of pine nuts

1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese, plus more for the topping

2 cloves of garlic

Juice of 1/2 lemon

1/3 – 1/2 cup The Spicy Olive’s Picual or other Medium EVOO

Kosher Salt

For the Wings

2 lbs of chicken wings

Kosher Salt and freshly ground pepper

Make peppered oil; combine the Chipotle Olive Oil, red pepper flakes, garlic and lemon zest in a small saucepan. Cook over low heat to infuse the oil – 5-8 minutes. Remove from the heat and let cool 20 minutes., then strain the oil and set aside.

Make the pesto; combine the basil, pine nuts, parmesan, garlic and lemon juice in a food processor and pulse to make a paste. Slowly drizzle in the olive oil until desired consistency is achieved. Season with salt and pepper.

Make the wings; preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Spread the wings on a rimmed baking sheet. Season with salt and pepper and drizzle with about 1/4 cup of the peppered oil – toss. Refrigerate and marinate for 2hrs. Cook until browned and crispy, about 45 min. Transfer the wings to a platter, drizzle with pesto and gently toss. Sprinkle the parmesan cheese  and drizzle more peppered oil.