Candy Chicken Wings Recipe

Introduction

Candy Chicken Wings are a perfect blend of sweet, spicy, and smoky flavors that create an irresistibly sticky and crispy treat. These wings are marinated in a tangy pineapple and brown sugar mixture with a kick of jalapeño, then baked to golden perfection. Ideal for game day or casual gatherings, they offer a delicious twist on classic chicken wings.

Ingredients

• 1.5 lbs chicken wings
• 1/2 cup pineapple juice
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 2 jalapeños, finely chopped
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (for greasing)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Rinse the chicken wings under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels. Place them in a large mixing bowl.
2. Step 2: In a separate bowl, combine the pineapple juice, brown sugar, chopped jalapeños, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, soy sauce, and black pepper. Whisk until the brown sugar is dissolved and the mixture is well combined.
3. Step 3: Pour the marinade over the chicken wings and toss to coat evenly. Cover with plastic wrap and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours for deeper flavor.
4. Step 4: Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and place a wire rack on top. Lightly grease the rack with olive oil to prevent sticking.
5. Step 5: Remove the wings from the marinade, letting any excess drip off. Arrange the wings in a single layer on the wire rack. Reserve the remaining marinade.
6. Step 6: Bake the wings for 25 to 30 minutes, until golden brown and crispy. Halfway through baking, brush the wings with some reserved marinade for extra flavor.
7. Step 7: For an extra crispy finish, switch the oven to broil during the last 3 to 5 minutes of cooking—watch carefully to prevent burning.
8. Step 8: Remove the wings from the oven and let them rest for a few minutes. Serve warm, optionally garnished with additional chopped jalapeños for a fresh spicy touch.

Tips & Variations

• For a milder version, remove the seeds from the jalapeños before chopping to reduce heat without losing flavor.
• Try using honey instead of brown sugar for a different kind of sweetness and stickiness.
• Serve with a cooling dip like ranch or blue cheese to balance the spiciness.
• These wings can also be grilled instead of baked for a smoky charred flavor.

Storage

Store leftover wings in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes or until warmed through. Avoid microwaving to keep the wings crispy.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare the marinade ahead of time?

Yes, you can mix the marinade ingredients and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before marinating the wings.

What can I use if I don’t have pineapple juice?

Orange juice or apple juice can be good substitutes, but pineapple juice provides a unique tangy sweetness that complements the flavors best.

Candy Chicken Wings Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 106 reviews

Candy Chicken Wings are a deliciously sweet and spicy treat featuring crispy baked chicken wings coated in a flavorful marinade of pineapple juice, brown sugar, jalapeños, and aromatic spices. These wings are baked to golden perfection and finished with a broil for extra crispiness, making them an irresistible appetizer or snack.

• Author: Nethan
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
• Total Time: 40-45 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken Wings

• 1.5 lbs chicken wings

Marinade

• 1/2 cup pineapple juice
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 2 jalapeños, finely chopped
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Other

• 1 tablespoon olive oil (for greasing)

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Rinse the chicken wings under cold water and thoroughly pat them dry with paper towels. Place the wings in a large mixing bowl, preparing them for the marinade.
2. Prepare Marinade: In a separate bowl, combine pineapple juice, brown sugar, chopped jalapeños, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, soy sauce, and black pepper. Whisk the mixture well until the brown sugar dissolves completely and the ingredients are fully blended.
3. Marinate Wings: Pour the marinade over the chicken wings in the bowl. Toss the wings thoroughly to ensure they are evenly coated. Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours for deeper flavor infusion.
4. Prepare Baking Rack: Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil for easy cleanup and set a wire rack on top. Lightly grease the wire rack with olive oil to prevent sticking.
5. Arrange Wings: Remove the wings from the marinade, letting excess marinade drip off. Arrange the wings in a single layer on the wire rack to allow air circulation for even cooking. Reserve the leftover marinade for basting later.
6. Bake Wings: Place the baking sheet with the wings into the preheated oven. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the wings turn golden brown and become crispy. Halfway through baking, brush the wings with some of the reserved marinade to enhance flavor and moisture.
7. Broil for Crispiness: For an extra crispy finish, switch the oven to broil for the last 3-5 minutes of cooking. Keep a close watch to prevent burning.
8. Serve: Once cooked, remove the wings from the oven and let them rest for a few minutes. Serve warm, optionally garnished with additional chopped jalapeños for added heat and color.

Notes

• Marinate the wings longer, up to 2 hours, for a deeper flavor penetration.
• Use a wire rack on the baking sheet to allow air circulation and achieve crispier wings.
• Keep an eye on the wings during broiling to prevent burning as they can crisp up quickly.
• Customize heat level by adjusting the amount of jalapeños or omitting the seeds for less spice.
• Serving with a cooling dip like ranch or blue cheese dressing complements the spicy sweetness well.

Keywords: chicken wings, baked chicken wings, candy chicken wings, sweet and spicy wings, pineapple chicken wings, jalapeno chicken wings, appetizer, finger food