Get ready to elevate your appetizer game with these Pineapple Cowboy Candy Chicken Wings! This recipe delivers a tantalizing balance of sweet pineapple and spicy “cowboy candy” (candied jalapeños), creating a flavor explosion that will have everyone reaching for more. Perfect for game days, parties, or simply a delicious weeknight treat, these wings are incredibly easy to make and guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser.
Key Ingredients for Pineapple Cowboy Candy Chicken Wings
- 2.5 – 3 lbs chicken wings, separated into flats and drumettes
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 cup pineapple preserves or jam
- 1/4 cup chopped cowboy candy (candied jalapeños, with a little brine)
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sriracha or other hot sauce (optional, for extra heat)
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
- Sesame seeds (for garnish)
How to Make Pineapple Cowboy Candy Chicken Wings
These Pineapple Cowboy Candy Chicken Wings are a breeze to whip up, making them perfect for any occasion! They boast an irresistible sweet and spicy glaze that coats crispy baked chicken wings, delivering a satisfying crunch and an explosion of flavor. With a preparation time of just 15 minutes and baking time of 40-45 minutes, you’ll have a restaurant-quality appetizer ready in under an hour.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat and Prep the Wings: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil for easy cleanup. Pat the chicken wings thoroughly dry with paper towels. This is a crucial step for achieving crispy wings!
- Season the Wings: In a large bowl, toss the dried chicken wings with olive oil, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Ensure each wing is evenly coated.
- Arrange for Baking: Place the seasoned chicken wings in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Avoid overcrowding the pan, as this will steam the wings instead of helping them crisp up. If necessary, use two baking sheets.
- Bake the Wings (Initial Roast): Bake the wings for 20-25 minutes, or until they are starting to turn golden brown and are about halfway cooked.
- Prepare the Pineapple Cowboy Candy Glaze: While the wings are roasting, prepare the glaze. In a medium saucepan, combine the pineapple preserves or jam, chopped cowboy candy (including a tablespoon or two of the brine for extra zing), soy sauce, rice vinegar, and sriracha (if using).
- Simmer the Glaze: Heat the glaze mixture over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until it comes to a gentle simmer and the preserves have melted and the cowboy candy is softened. Let it simmer for about 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the glaze to thicken slightly.
- Flip and Glaze: After the initial 20-25 minutes of baking, carefully flip the chicken wings. Brush or spoon a generous amount of the pineapple cowboy candy glaze over each wing.
- Continue Baking and Glazing: Return the baking sheet to the oven and continue baking for another 20-25 minutes, or until the wings are fully cooked, golden brown, and the glaze is sticky and caramelized. For an extra sticky finish, you can brush on another layer of glaze during the last 5-10 minutes of baking.
- Rest and Serve: Once cooked to perfection, remove the wings from the oven and let them rest for a few minutes on the baking sheet. This allows the glaze to set slightly.
- Garnish and Enjoy: Transfer the Pineapple Cowboy Candy Chicken Wings to a serving platter. Garnish generously with fresh chopped cilantro and sesame seeds. Serve hot and watch them disappear!
Why You’ll Love This Pineapple Cowboy Candy Chicken Wings
These Pineapple Cowboy Candy Chicken Wings are an absolute triumph of flavor and simplicity, offering a taste sensation that’s truly unforgettable. The star of the show is undoubtedly the incredible glaze – a perfect harmony of sweet, tangy pineapple and the delightful kick of candied jalapeños, creating a complex yet perfectly balanced profile that’s both addictive and uniquely satisfying. Unlike many store-bought sauces that can be one-dimensional, this homemade glaze elevates the humble chicken wing into something extraordinary, offering a delightful contrast to the crispy cooked chicken.
Moreover, whipping up these flavorful wings at home is a brilliant way to save money compared to dining out or purchasing pre-made appetizers, without sacrificing an ounce of taste or presentation. The vibrant combination of sweet pineapple and the spicy-sweet crunch of cowboy candy, especially when paired with the fresh, herbaceous cilantro and nutty sesame seeds, makes these wings a true standout. They share a similar craveable sweet and spicy element with popular Korean BBQ wings but bring their own distinct Western flair. So, gather your ingredients and get ready to impress your taste buds and your guests – you won’t regret making these Pineapple Cowboy Candy Chicken Wings!
Storing and Reheating Tips
To keep your delicious Pineapple Cowboy Candy Chicken Wings tasting their best, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat and bring back that delicious crispiness, the best method is to use your oven or air fryer. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and spread the wings in a single layer on a baking sheet, reheating for about 8-10 minutes, or until warmed through and slightly crispy. In an air fryer, simply reheat at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. For longer storage, you can freeze the cooled wings in a single layer on a baking sheet until frozen, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 2-3 months. Reheat directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the oven or air fryer time.
Final Thoughts
These Pineapple Cowboy Candy Chicken Wings are a true delight for the senses, offering a unique and delicious flavor combination that’s incredibly easy to achieve at home. So, why not give them a try and add a touch of sweet and spicy magic to your next gathering or meal?
try also :
- Lentil and Sweet Potato Salad
- Cranberry Brie Bites
- Crispy Sweet Potato Bites
- Matcha Cake Recipe
- find more in Pinterest
Pineapple Cowboy Candy Chicken Wings
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil for easy cleanup. Pat the chicken wings thoroughly dry with paper towels. This is a crucial step for achieving crispy wings!
- In a large bowl, toss the dried chicken wings with olive oil, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Ensure each wing is evenly coated.2.5 – 3 lbs chicken wings, separated into flats and drumettes, 1 tablespoon olive oil, 1 teaspoon salt, 1 teaspoon black pepper, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Place the seasoned chicken wings in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Avoid overcrowding the pan, as this will steam the wings instead of helping them crisp up. If necessary, use two baking sheets.
- Bake the wings for 20-25 minutes, or until they are starting to turn golden brown and are about halfway cooked.
- While the wings are roasting, prepare the glaze. In a medium saucepan, combine the pineapple preserves or jam, chopped cowboy candy (including a tablespoon or two of the brine for extra zing), soy sauce, rice vinegar, and sriracha (if using).1/2 cup pineapple preserves or jam, 1/4 cup chopped cowboy candy (candied jalapeños, with a little brine), 2 tablespoons soy sauce, 1 tablespoon rice vinegar, 1 teaspoon sriracha or other hot sauce
- Heat the glaze mixture over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until it comes to a gentle simmer and the preserves have melted and the cowboy candy is softened. Let it simmer for about 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the glaze to thicken slightly.
- After the initial 20-25 minutes of baking, carefully flip the chicken wings. Brush or spoon a generous amount of the pineapple cowboy candy glaze over each wing.
- Return the baking sheet to the oven and continue baking for another 20-25 minutes, or until the wings are fully cooked, golden brown, and the glaze is sticky and caramelized. For an extra sticky finish, you can brush on another layer of glaze during the last 5-10 minutes of baking.
- Once cooked to perfection, remove the wings from the oven and let them rest for a few minutes on the baking sheet. This allows the glaze to set slightly.
- Transfer the Pineapple Cowboy Candy Chicken Wings to a serving platter. Garnish generously with fresh chopped cilantro and sesame seeds. Serve hot and watch them disappear!Fresh cilantro, chopped, Sesame seeds