Pineapple Apricot Glazed Chicken Wings are the perfect combination of sweet, tangy, and savory flavors. Coated in a sticky glaze made with pineapple and apricot preserves, these wings are baked to caramelized perfection. Ideal for game days, parties, or a flavorful weeknight treat, they’re guaranteed to be a hit with family and friends.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Bold and Tangy Flavor: The fruity glaze brings a unique and mouthwatering taste to your wings.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for gatherings or a fun dinner idea.
- Healthier Option: Baked instead of fried, these wings are still crispy and indulgent.
- Versatile: Easy to customize with extra spices or heat for a personalized twist.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Chicken wings (separated into flats and drumettes)
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Garlic powder
- Olive oil
For the Glaze:
- Pineapple juice
- Apricot preserves
- Soy sauce
- Rice vinegar
- Garlic (minced)
- Ginger (grated)
- Red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
Directions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and place a wire rack on top.
- Season the Wings: Pat the chicken wings dry with paper towels. Toss them in a large bowl with olive oil, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder.
- Bake the Wings: Arrange the wings on the wire rack in a single layer. Bake for 40-45 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crispy.
- Make the Glaze: While the wings bake, combine pineapple juice, apricot preserves, soy sauce, rice vinegar, garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes (if using) in a saucepan over medium heat. Simmer for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the glaze thickens slightly.
- Glaze the Wings: Remove the wings from the oven and toss them in the glaze until evenly coated. Return them to the rack and bake for an additional 5-7 minutes to caramelize the glaze.
- Serve: Transfer the wings to a serving platter and garnish with chopped green onions or sesame seeds if desired.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4-6
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
Variations
- Spicy Version: Add Sriracha, cayenne pepper, or extra red pepper flakes to the glaze for a kick of heat.
- Tropical Twist: Mix in a splash of coconut milk or rum for a tropical flair.
- Grilled Wings: Grill the wings instead of baking for a smoky flavor.
- Honey Substitute: Replace apricot preserves with honey for a slightly different sweetness.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftover wings in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes to retain crispness.
- Freezing: Freeze cooked wings in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
FAQs
1. Can I use fresh pineapple instead of juice?
Yes, blend fresh pineapple into a puree and strain it for a similar flavor.
2. Can I fry the wings instead of baking?
Absolutely! Fry the wings until golden and crispy, then toss them in the glaze.
3. How do I make the wings crispier?
Pat the wings dry thoroughly and bake them on a wire rack to allow air circulation for extra crispiness.
4. Can I make the glaze ahead of time?
Yes, prepare the glaze up to 3 days in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Reheat before using.
5. Can I use boneless chicken?
Yes, boneless chicken thighs or tenders work well with this glaze. Adjust cooking times as needed.
6. What sides pair well with these wings?
Serve with coleslaw, potato wedges, fried rice, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
7. Can I make this glaze sugar-free?
Use a sugar-free apricot preserve and pineapple juice with no added sugar for a healthier option.
8. How do I prevent the glaze from burning?
Watch the wings closely during the final bake to ensure the glaze doesn’t over-caramelize.
9. Can I add more garlic or ginger?
Yes, adjust the amount of garlic and ginger to suit your taste preferences.
10. Can I use other preserves?
Yes, peach, orange, or mango preserves make great substitutes for apricot.
Conclusion
Pineapple Apricot Glazed Chicken Wings are a delightful fusion of sweet, tangy, and savory flavors that will elevate any meal or gathering. Easy to make and endlessly versatile, these wings are sure to impress your family and friends. Whether you bake, grill, or fry them, they’re guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. Give them a try and savor every sticky, flavorful bite!
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Pineapple Apricot Glazed Chicken Wings
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Fusion
Description
These Pineapple Apricot Glazed Chicken Wings are sweet, tangy, and finger-licking good! The sticky glaze made with pineapple and apricot preserves creates a mouthwatering coating, while the wings are baked to perfection. Perfect for game day, parties, or as a flavorful appetizer.
Ingredients
For the Chicken Wings:
- 2 lbs (900g) chicken wings, split into flats and drumettes
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
For the Glaze:
- 1/2 cup (120g) apricot preserves
- 1/4 cup (60ml) pineapple juice
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1 tsp fresh ginger, grated
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for a spicy kick)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with foil and place a wire rack on top.
- Prepare the Chicken Wings:
- Pat the wings dry with paper towels and place them in a large mixing bowl.
- Toss the wings with olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper until evenly coated.
- Arrange the wings in a single layer on the wire rack.
- Bake the Wings:
- Bake the wings in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they are crispy and cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F or 74°C).
- Make the Glaze:
- While the wings are baking, combine apricot preserves, pineapple juice, soy sauce, honey, ginger, garlic, and red pepper flakes (if using) in a small saucepan.
- Heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the mixture comes to a gentle boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 5-7 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Coat the Wings:
- Remove the baked wings from the oven and transfer them to a large bowl. Pour the glaze over the wings and toss until evenly coated.
- Broil (Optional):
- For a stickier finish, return the glazed wings to the wire rack and broil on high for 2-3 minutes, watching carefully to avoid burning.
- Serve:
- Garnish with chopped parsley, green onions, or sesame seeds if desired. Serve warm with napkins on hand!
Notes
- For extra crispy wings, pat them dry thoroughly and bake on a wire rack to allow air circulation.
- If you prefer a thinner glaze, add a splash more pineapple juice. For a thicker glaze, simmer longer to reduce.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven.