Orange Maple Glazed Chicken Wings

The first time I made Orange Maple Glazed Chicken Wings, it was for a casual get-together with friends. I wanted to impress them with something that was both fun and delicious. As they arrived, the sweet and savory aroma of the wings filled my kitchen, instantly drawing them in. I remember the excitement on their faces when they got to try these sticky, glazed delights. Each bite was a burst of flavor, perfectly balancing the citrusy notes of orange with the rich sweetness of maple syrup. It was a hit, and I knew I had struck culinary gold! Since then, Orange Maple Glazed Chicken Wings have become a staple in my home, perfect for any occasion, whether it’s game day, a family dinner, or just a spontaneous feast.

What to Buy for Orange Maple Glazed Chicken Wings

When it comes to making the best Orange Maple Glazed Chicken Wings, quality ingredients make all the difference. Freshness and flavor are key, especially with the orange juice and maple syrup. Each ingredient plays a role in crafting the perfect glaze that will have your taste buds dancing.

• 12 whole chicken wings: The star ingredient that needs to be fresh for the best taste. Tender and juicy, these wings provide the perfect canvas for the glaze.
• Vegetable oil: A light oil that helps crisp the wings as they bake, making them irresistibly crunchy.
• ½ cup maple syrup: For that sweet, signature glaze that pairs beautifully with the citrus notes of the orange.
• ½ cup fresh orange juice: Bright and tangy, this juice adds a refreshing zest that cuts through the sweetness.
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter: Adds richness to the glaze and helps it adhere beautifully to the wings.
• ¼ teaspoon salt: Essential for enhancing the flavors of the other ingredients.
• ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes: Adds a touch of heat, balancing the sweetness of the glaze perfectly.
• 3 whole cloves: These add a fragrant depth to the glaze that takes the flavor profile to the next level.
• 1 green onion (optional): For garnish, adding a pop of color and slight crunch.

Making Orange Maple Glazed Chicken Wings

Let’s get started on making these delicious Orange Maple Glazed Chicken Wings. You’ll be amazed at how simple it is to create such a flavorful dish! Just follow these steps for perfectly baked wings that everyone will love.

1. Preheat your oven to 400 degrees F. This is crucial for ensuring that the wings cook evenly and get that perfect crispy texture.
2. Pat the chicken wings dry using paper towels. This step is vital! Removing excess moisture helps the wings crisp up nicely in the oven.
3. Brush the wings generously with vegetable oil and season with salt and crushed red pepper flakes. This simple seasoning lays the foundation for flavor.
4. Line a rimmed baking sheet with aluminum foil for easy cleanup. Place a wire rack on top of the foil. This setup allows air to circulate around the wings, ensuring they bake evenly.
5. Arrange the seasoned wings on the rack in a single layer. This is important; if they’re too close together, they’ll steam instead of crisp.
6. Bake the wings in the preheated oven for 40 minutes. This initial bake time is crucial for achieving that tender inside.
7. Meanwhile, in a saucepan, combine maple syrup, orange juice, butter, salt, red pepper flakes, and whole cloves. Stir well and bring the mixture to a simmer.
8. Allow the glaze to simmer for about 15 to 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. Watch for it to thicken slightly; this will enhance the flavor and texture.
9. After 40 minutes, take the wings out of the oven. Brush them generously with the thickened glaze. This is where the magic happens!
10. Return the wings to the oven and bake for an additional 10 minutes. This final bake allows the glaze to caramelize beautifully on the wings.
11. Once done, check that the internal temperature of the wings reaches 165 degrees F. This ensures they are safely cooked through.
12. Remove the wings from the oven, spoon more glaze on top, and sprinkle with sliced green onion if you like. Serve and watch them disappear!

Recipe Tips about Orange Maple Glazed Chicken Wings

Before you dive into making Orange Maple Glazed Chicken Wings, here are some helpful tips to ensure your wings come out perfect every time. These insights will elevate your cooking experience and results!

• Storage: Store leftover wings in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. They can be reheated in the oven for the best texture.
• Freezing: Yes, you can freeze these wings! Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to three months.
• Pairing: These wings pair wonderfully with a cold coleslaw or a light salad to balance out the richness of the glaze.
• Flavor Enhancements: Consider marinating the wings in the glaze for a few hours or overnight for even deeper flavor.
• Serve with Dips: Offer a side of ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping, adding an extra layer of flavor!
• Garnishing: Fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley can be used as a garnish to brighten up the dish.

What to Serve With Orange Maple Glazed Chicken Wings

When it comes to serving Orange Maple Glazed Chicken Wings, there are plenty of delicious options to complement this dish. Here are some fantastic ideas:

• Coleslaw: A tangy, crunchy coleslaw is a perfect side dish to balance the sweetness of the wings.
• Potato Wedges: Crispy potato wedges seasoned with herbs can provide a hearty side that pairs beautifully with wings.
• Vegetable Platter: Offer a fresh veggie platter with hummus for dipping, adding a healthy contrast to the rich glaze.
• Rice: A side of steamed rice can soak up the extra glaze and provide a filling component to the meal.
• Seasonal Salads: Consider a refreshing salad with vinaigrette dressing to cut through the richness of the wings.
• Game Day Snacks: These wings are perfect for game day, served with nachos or chips for the ultimate snack spread.

FAQ

Conclusion

The Orange Maple Glazed Chicken Wings are a delightful treat that brings together the sweetness of maple with the zest of orange, creating an unforgettable flavor experience. I highly encourage you to try this recipe; it’s sure to impress your family and friends. With its simplicity and fantastic taste, it’s bound to become a favorite in your home as it has in mine. Enjoy every bite!

Orange Maple Glazed Chicken Wings

The ultimate comfort food, these Orange Maple Glazed Chicken Wings are sticky, sweet, and bursting with flavor. Featuring a perfect balance of orange zest and maple sweetness, they make for a delightful easy weeknight dinner or crowd-pleasing appetizer. Try them tonight and watch them disappear!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 50 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr

Course Dinner

Cuisine American

Servings 3 servings

Calories 350 kcal

Equipment

• Knife and cutting board
• Measuring Cups and Spoons
• Citrus press
• Paper towels
• Pastry Brush
• Rimmed Baking Sheet
• Aluminum Foil
• Wire Rack
• Saucepan
• Whisk
• Digital meat thermometer (recommended)
• Spoon

Ingredients

  

• 12 whole chicken wings
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• ½ cup maple syrup
• ½ cup fresh orange juice
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
• 3 whole cloves
• 1 green onion optional for garnish

Instructions

 

• Preheat your oven to 400 degrees F. This is crucial for ensuring that the wings cook evenly and get that perfect crispy texture.
• Pat the chicken wings dry using paper towels. This step is vital! Removing excess moisture helps the wings crisp up nicely in the oven.
• Brush the wings generously with vegetable oil and season with salt and crushed red pepper flakes. This simple seasoning lays the foundation for flavor.
• Line a rimmed baking sheet with aluminum foil for easy cleanup. Place a wire rack on top of the foil. This setup allows air to circulate around the wings, ensuring they bake evenly.
• Arrange the seasoned wings on the rack in a single layer. This is important; if they’re too close together, they’ll steam instead of crisp.
• Bake the wings in the preheated oven for 40 minutes. This initial bake time is crucial for achieving that tender inside.
• Meanwhile, in a saucepan, combine maple syrup, orange juice, butter, salt, red pepper flakes, and whole cloves. Stir well and bring the mixture to a simmer.
• Allow the glaze to simmer for about 15 to 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. Watch for it to thicken slightly; this will enhance the flavor and texture.
• After 40 minutes, take the wings out of the oven. Brush them generously with the thickened glaze. This is where the magic happens!
• Return the wings to the oven and bake for an additional 10 minutes. This final bake allows the glaze to caramelize beautifully on the wings.
• Once done, check that the internal temperature of the wings reaches 165 degrees F. This ensures they are safely cooked through.
• Remove the wings from the oven, spoon more glaze on top, and sprinkle with sliced green onion if you like. Serve and watch them disappear!

Notes

• Tip for Crispiness: Make sure to dry the wings thoroughly before seasoning. This is key to achieving that perfect crunch!
• Check the Temperature: Always use a digital meat thermometer to check the internal temperature, ensuring your wings are safely cooked.
• Glaze Thickness: If your glaze isn’t thickening, let it simmer a bit longer. Aim for a sweet, sticky consistency.
• Seasoning Options: Feel free to adjust the amount of crushed red pepper flakes based on your heat preference. A little can go a long way!

Keyword Easy Chicken Wings, Glazed Chicken Wings, Maple Syrup Recipes, Orange Maple Wings