Maple Pepper Glazed Chicken Wings

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Introduction

Maple Pepper Glazed Chicken Wings are the ultimate crowd-pleaser for your Super Bowl game day or any gathering. These wings are coated in a sticky, sweet, and slightly spicy maple glaze that’s irresistible. With crispy skin and bold flavors, they’re baked (or air-fried) to perfection, making them a healthier yet indulgent option. Whether served as a main event or as part of a snack platter, these wings are guaranteed to win over your guests.

I remember the first time I made these for a game day party. The aroma of maple and spices filled the kitchen, and as soon as the wings hit the table, they were gone in minutes! What’s great about these wings is how versatile they are—you can adjust the heat level to suit your taste by adding more black pepper or even a pinch of cayenne. For an extra kick, a sprinkle of red chili flakes takes the flavor to the next level.

These wings pair perfectly with creamy ranch or blue cheese dip, and you can even serve them with celery and carrot sticks for a classic touch. They’re easy to prepare, too. With just a few ingredients like maple syrup, black pepper, and spices, you can whip up a glaze that caramelizes beautifully as the wings cook. Whether you’re hosting a party or craving something bold and flavorful, Maple Pepper Glazed Chicken Wings are sure to be a hit!

Perfect for:

  • Game day parties
  • Casual gatherings
  • Family-friendly meals
  • Appetizer spreads
  • Maple and spice lovers

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Here’s why Maple Pepper Glazed Chicken Wings are a must-try:

  • Sweet and Spicy: The combination of pure maple syrup and freshly ground pepper creates a balance of sweetness and heat.
  • Crispy Perfection: Baked or air-fried for a healthier alternative to frying, while still delivering that coveted crispiness.
  • Easy to Make: Simple steps with minimal prep time, so you can enjoy the game while the wings cook.
  • Kid-Friendly: The sweetness of the glaze appeals to all ages, with the option to adjust the spice level.
  • Versatile Cooking Options: Choose between baking or air-frying for the method that works best for you.

Preparation and Cooking Time

  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Preparation Time: 10 minutes
  • Cooking Time: 40 minutes
  • Servings: 6 servings
  • Calories per serving: Approximately 280 calories
  • Key Nutrients: Protein: 22g, Carbs: 18g, Fat: 14g

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to make Maple Pepper Glazed Chicken Wings:

For the Wings:

  • 2 lbs chicken wings, drumettes, and flats
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper

For the Maple Pepper Glaze:

  • ½ cup pure maple syrup
  • 1 teaspoon soy sauce (or coconut aminos for gluten-free)
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper (adjust to taste)
  • 1 teaspoon chili flakes (optional for extra heat)
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

Ingredient Highlights

  • Chicken Wings: The star of the dish, providing a juicy, tender base for the flavorful glaze.
  • Pure Maple Syrup: Adds natural sweetness and stickiness to the glaze.
  • Black Pepper: Brings a bold, spicy kick to balance the sweetness.
  • Dijon Mustard: Enhances the glaze with tangy depth.
  • Smoked Paprika: Adds a subtle smoky flavor to the wings.
  • Chili Flakes: Optional for those who enjoy a touch of heat.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Here’s how to make Maple Pepper Glazed Chicken Wings:

Prepare the Wings:

  1. Preheat the Oven or Air Fryer: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) or your air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
  2. Season the Wings: In a large bowl, toss the chicken wings with olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper until evenly coated.
  3. Arrange the Wings: Place the wings in a single layer on a wire rack set over a baking sheet (for oven) or in the air fryer basket.

Cook the Wings:

  1. Bake or Air-Fry the Wings:
    • Oven: Bake for 35-40 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the wings are golden and crispy.
    • Air Fryer: Cook for 20-25 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until crispy and cooked through.

Prepare the Maple Pepper Glaze:

  1. Combine the Glaze Ingredients: In a small saucepan, whisk together maple syrup, soy sauce, Dijon mustard, black pepper, chili flakes (if using), and lemon juice.
  2. Simmer the Glaze: Heat over medium heat, stirring frequently, until the glaze thickens slightly, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from heat.

Glaze the Wings:

  1. Coat the Wings: Once the wings are cooked, transfer them to a large bowl. Pour the warm glaze over the wings and toss to coat evenly.
  2. Optional Broiling: For extra caramelization, return the glazed wings to the oven under the broiler for 2-3 minutes, watching closely to prevent burning.

Serve and Enjoy:

  1. Garnish and Serve: Arrange the glazed wings on a platter. Garnish with chopped parsley or green onions for a pop of color. Serve immediately.

How to Serve

  • Game Day Spread: Pair with celery sticks, carrot sticks, and ranch or blue cheese dip for a classic combination.
  • As an Appetizer: Serve on a platter with toothpicks for easy grabbing.
  • For a Main Dish: Pair with a side of coleslaw or roasted vegetables for a full meal.
  • With Dipping Sauce: Offer honey mustard, ranch, or spicy aioli for dipping.

Additional Tips

  • Pat the wings dry with paper towels before seasoning to ensure crispiness.
  • Adjust the black pepper and chili flakes to suit your spice preference.
  • Use parchment paper or a non-stick baking mat for easy cleanup.
  • Double the glaze if you prefer extra saucy wings.

Recipe Variations

  1. Honey Pepper Glazed Wings: Substitute honey for maple syrup for a different sweet flavor.
  2. Garlic Maple Wings: Add minced garlic to the glaze for an extra savory kick.
  3. Spicy Maple Wings: Increase chili flakes or add hot sauce for a fiery version.
  4. Maple Lime Wings: Swap lemon juice with lime juice for a tangy twist.
  5. Herbed Maple Wings: Add fresh rosemary or thyme to the glaze for an herbal aroma.

Freezing and Storage

  • Freezing: Freeze cooked and glazed wings in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven or air fryer for best results.
  • Storage: Store leftovers in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Special Equipment

  • Air fryer or oven
  • Wire rack and baking sheet
  • Small saucepan for glaze
  • Mixing bowls

FAQ Section

  1. Can I use drumsticks instead of wings? Yes, but adjust the cooking time accordingly.
  2. Can I make these ahead of time? Yes, cook and glaze the wings, then reheat before serving.
  3. Are these wings gluten-free? Use coconut aminos or tamari instead of soy sauce for a gluten-free version.
  4. Can I omit the chili flakes? Absolutely, for a milder flavor.
  5. Can I use frozen wings? Yes, but thaw and pat them dry before seasoning.

Conclusion

Maple Pepper Glazed Chicken Wings are the ultimate crowd-pleaser, combining the perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and savory flavors in every bite. These wings are sticky, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying, making them the MVP of any game-day spread or casual gathering.

With minimal effort and maximum flavor, they’re as easy to prepare as they are to devour. Whether you’re hosting a Super Bowl party or just craving a finger-licking treat, these wings are guaranteed to impress. Pair them with your favorite dipping sauces and watch them disappear!

I’d love to see how your Maple Pepper Glazed Chicken Wings turn out! Snap a photo, share it on social media, and don’t forget to tag me—I can’t wait to see your delicious creations. Enjoy the game and happy cooking!

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