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!
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!