Sticky Maple Pepper Glazed Chicken Wings

Introduction

Sticky Maple Pepper Glazed Chicken Wings are a perfect combination of savory, sweet, and a bit of heat. The crispy, golden wings are generously coated in a thick, sticky glaze made from rich maple syrup, zesty black pepper, and a touch of heat. The glaze creates a beautiful caramelized finish, while the wings remain juicy and tender on the inside. This dish is perfect for game day, family gatherings, or any occasion that calls for flavorful finger food. Whether you’re serving them as an appetizer or as the main course, Sticky Maple Pepper Glazed Chicken Wings are sure to be a hit.

I remember the first time I made them for a game night with friends. The combination of the sweet maple syrup and spicy black pepper created a flavor profile that had everyone coming back for more. What’s great about these wings is how easy it is to adjust the heat level to your liking—add more pepper for an extra kick or balance it out with a bit more maple syrup for a sweeter finish.

These wings are a crowd-pleaser, and with just a few ingredients, they come together quickly. The glaze is so rich and sticky, it clings to the wings perfectly, ensuring every bite is packed with flavor. Whether you’re looking to impress at your next gathering or just craving a delicious, finger-licking meal, Sticky Maple Pepper Glazed Chicken Wings are guaranteed to satisfy!

Perfect for:

• Game days
• Family dinners
• Casual gatherings
• Chicken lovers
• Sweet and savory flavor fans

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Here’s why Sticky Maple Pepper Glazed Chicken Wings will become your go-to wing recipe:

• Sweet and Savory: The balance of rich maple syrup and cracked black pepper creates a mouthwatering glaze that is both sweet and savory with a touch of spice.
• Crispy and Juicy: The wings are baked or fried until crispy on the outside, while remaining juicy and tender inside.
• Easy to Make: With minimal ingredients and easy-to-follow steps, this recipe is perfect for any home cook.
• Great for Sharing: These wings are perfect for sharing with family and friends at any casual or festive gathering.
• No Pork or Alcohol: This recipe contains no pork or alcohol, making it suitable for various dietary preferences.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Preparation Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 1 hour
• Servings: 4 servings
• Calories per serving: Approximately 400-450 calories
• Key Nutrients: Protein: 25g, Carbs: 30g, Fat: 25g

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to make your Sticky Maple Pepper Glazed Chicken Wings:

For the Chicken Wings:

• 12-14 chicken wings (drumettes or flats)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika

For the Maple Pepper Glaze:

• ½ cup maple syrup (pure, not imitation)
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
• 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard (optional, for a tangy kick)
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (or lemon juice)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

Ingredient Highlights

• Maple Syrup: The natural sweetness of maple syrup creates the perfect base for the glaze, adding both flavor and stickiness.
• Black Pepper: Freshly ground black pepper adds a bold, zesty heat that balances the sweetness of the syrup.
• Soy Sauce: Adds umami depth to the glaze, enhancing the flavor profile of the dish.
• Garlic Powder and Paprika: These spices help to season the chicken wings, giving them extra flavor before they are coated in the glaze.

Step-by-Step Instructions

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

Prepare the Chicken Wings:

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). If you’re frying the wings, heat oil in a deep fryer or large pan to 350°F (175°C).
2. Season the Wings: Pat the chicken wings dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. Place the wings in a large bowl and toss with olive oil, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Make sure the wings are evenly coated in the seasoning.
3. Cook the Wings:

• Baking: Arrange the seasoned wings in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or aluminum foil. Bake for 40-45 minutes, flipping the wings halfway through, until they are golden and crispy.
• Frying: If frying, fry the wings in batches for 8-10 minutes or until crispy and golden brown. Drain on paper towels to remove excess oil.

Prepare the Maple Pepper Glaze:

4. Cook the Glaze: In a small saucepan, combine the maple syrup, soy sauce, black pepper, Dijon mustard (if using), and apple cider vinegar. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat, stirring frequently. Let it cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the glaze thickens and becomes syrupy. Stir in the olive oil for extra richness.
5. Coat the Wings: Once the wings are cooked and crispy, transfer them to a large bowl. Pour the maple pepper glaze over the wings, tossing them to coat evenly.

Serve:

6. Serve Immediately: Once the wings are coated in the glaze, serve them immediately. Garnish with extra black pepper or a sprinkle of fresh herbs if desired.

How to Serve

Sticky Maple Pepper Glazed Chicken Wings are versatile and can be served in many ways:

• With a Side of Veggies: Serve with a side of raw veggies like celery, carrots, and cucumber with ranch or blue cheese dipping sauce.
• With a Fresh Salad: Pair with a simple green salad to balance the richness of the wings.
• On a Party Platter: Arrange the glazed wings on a platter with dipping sauces for a fun, crowd-pleasing appetizer.
• With Sweet Potato Fries: A perfect pairing for a full meal, sweet potato fries complement the sweet-savory wings beautifully.
• With Rice or Couscous: Serve the wings with a side of rice, quinoa, or couscous for a more substantial meal.

Additional Tips

Here are some tips to ensure your Sticky Maple Pepper Glazed Chicken Wings turn out perfectly:

• Pat the Wings Dry: Before seasoning and cooking, make sure to dry the wings thoroughly to ensure they get crispy when baking or frying.
• Adjust the Glaze to Your Taste: If you like more heat, add an extra pinch of black pepper or even some red pepper flakes to the glaze.
• Double the Glaze: If you prefer your wings extra sticky, double the glaze recipe to ensure there’s plenty to coat the wings and for dipping.
• Make It Spicy: For a spicy kick, mix in a tablespoon of hot sauce, such as Sriracha, into the glaze mixture.

Recipe Variations

Here are 5 variations you can try for Sticky Maple Pepper Glazed Chicken Wings:

1. Honey Pepper Glazed Wings: Replace maple syrup with honey for a milder sweetness.
2. Lemon Maple Glazed Wings: Add the zest and juice of one lemon to the glaze for a citrusy twist.
3. Garlic Maple Pepper Wings: Stir in a tablespoon of minced garlic into the glaze for a rich, savory flavor.
4. Balsamic Maple Wings: Use balsamic vinegar instead of apple cider vinegar for a deeper, slightly tangy glaze.
5. Cajun Maple Wings: Add a tablespoon of Cajun seasoning to the seasoning mix for a spicier, smoky flavor.

Freezing and Storage

• Freezing: You can freeze cooked chicken wings before glazing for up to 3 months. After freezing, thaw in the fridge overnight, then coat with the glaze and bake or fry.
• Storage: Store leftover glazed wings in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven to restore crispiness.

Special Equipment

Here are some special equipment items to make preparing your Sticky Maple Pepper Glazed Chicken Wings easier:

• Baking Sheet or Fryer: A baking sheet lined with parchment paper for baking or a fryer for deep frying.
• Saucepan: For making the sticky glaze.
• Tongs: To toss the wings in the glaze without making a mess.
• Meat Thermometer (Optional): To ensure the wings are cooked to the proper internal temperature (165°F or 74°C).

FAQ Section

1. Can I use frozen chicken wings?
   Yes, frozen wings can be used. Be sure to fully thaw them before seasoning and cooking.
2. Can I use boneless wings?
   Absolutely! Just adjust the cooking time since boneless wings cook faster.
3. Can I make the glaze ahead of time?
   Yes, the glaze can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to a week. Reheat before using.
4. Can I make these wings in the air fryer?
   Yes, cook the wings at 375°F (190°C) for about 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, before tossing in the glaze.
5. Can I use a different sweetener?
   Yes, maple syrup can be substituted with honey, agave, or a sugar-free alternative, though it may slightly change the flavor.

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Conclusion

Sticky Maple Pepper Glazed Chicken Wings are the perfect balance of crispy, savory, sweet, and a little kick of heat. These wings are sure to be the star of any gathering, whether you’re serving them at a party, a casual dinner, or indulging in a tasty snack. The sticky, caramelized glaze with a hint of black pepper elevates the flavor to mouthwatering perfection, making each bite hard to resist.

Whether you’re sharing them with friends or savoring them solo, these wings deliver a fun and flavorful eating experience. Their perfect blend of sweet maple and bold peppery heat makes them an instant favorite for any occasion.

I’d love to see how your Sticky 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 every crispy, sticky bite!