Pineapple Cowboy Candy Chicken Wings are a sweet and spicy treat that’s perfect for any gathering! Packed with flavor and just the right amount of heat, these wings can turn an ordinary weeknight dinner into a special occasion. Whether you’re hosting a game day party or having a cozy family meal at home, these wings will undoubtedly steal the show. They’re easy to make and full of vibrant flavors, thanks to the tangy pineapple juice and zesty jalapeños.
Why You’ll Love This Dish
These Pineapple Cowboy Candy Chicken Wings bring a delightful twist to your usual wing recipe. They are quick to prepare, making them a fantastic choice for busy nights or impromptu gatherings. Plus, the combination of sweet pineapple juice and spicy jalapeños creates an unforgettable flavor profile that everyone will rave about.
"I made these for our family barbecue, and they disappeared in minutes! The mix of sweet and spicy is absolutely amazing!" — A happy reader
You can whip these up for birthdays, game nights, or just because. With their budget-friendly ingredients and easy preparation process, you’re bound to find yourself making them time and again.
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What You’ll Need
To get started, here’s a quick ingredient list for these flavorful wings:
- 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)
Feel free to switch things up! For a milder version, you can reduce the jalapeños or skip them altogether. And don’t have pineapple juice? You can substitute it with orange juice for a citrusy twist.
Directions to Follow
Let’s roll up those sleeves and dive into the cooking process!
- 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.
- 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 all ingredients are mixed well.
- Pour the marinade over the chicken wings in the mixing bowl. Toss the wings to ensure they are evenly coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let them marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes or up to 2 hours for delivering even more flavor.
- Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and place a wire rack on top. Lightly grease the rack with olive oil.
- Remove the wings from the marinade, allowing any excess liquid to drip off. Place them in a single layer on the wire rack. Reserve the marinade for later use.
- Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake the wings for 25-30 minutes or until they are golden brown and crispy. Brush the wings with some of the reserved marinade halfway through cooking.
- If desired, switch the oven to broil for the last 3-5 minutes of cooking for extra crispiness.
- Once done, remove the wings from the oven and let them rest for a few minutes. Serve warm, garnished with additional chopped jalapeños if you like a bit more kick!
Best Ways to Enjoy It
When it comes to serving these Pineapple Cowboy Candy Chicken Wings, the options are endless! Pair them with sides like creamy coleslaw, crispy potato wedges, or a fresh cucumber salad to balance out the spice. Don’t forget to set out some ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping. And for a fun twist, you can serve them on a bed of rice to soak up the delicious juices.
Keeping Leftovers Fresh
Got leftovers? Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply pop them back into the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes to get them crispy again. If you want to take it a step further, freeze the leftover wings in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Just be sure to let them thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Helpful Cooking Tips
- For even crispier wings, make sure to give them space on the wire rack. Crowding can lead to steaming instead of crisping!
- If you enjoy a good kick, consider adding more jalapeños or even a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the marinade.
- Want to make this a healthier option? You can bake the wings without the skin for a lighter version.
Recipe Variations
Get creative with these wings! You can try different flavors by substituting the pineapple juice with mango or peach juice for a fruity twist. Consider adding a tablespoon of honey for extra sweetness or using a different spice blend if you want to mix things up a bit.
Your Questions Answered
How long does it take to prepare?
Prep time is about 10 minutes, and marinating for 30 minutes to 2 hours gives you juicy, flavorful wings. Cooking time is around 30 minutes, so you can have a delicious meal in under an hour!
Can I use frozen chicken wings?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw them before marinating and cooking.
Are these wings gluten-free?
If you substitute the soy sauce with gluten-free tamari, these wings can be a gluten-free delight!
Enjoy whipping up these Pineapple Cowboy Candy Chicken Wings, and watch them become a family favorite in no time!
Print
Pineapple Cowboy Candy Chicken Wings
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Gluten-Free (if using gluten-free soy sauce)
Description
Sweet and spicy chicken wings with a vibrant flavor from pineapple juice and jalapeños, perfect for gatherings.
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
- 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.
- 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 all ingredients are mixed well.
- Pour the marinade over the chicken wings in the mixing bowl. Toss the wings to ensure they are evenly coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let them marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes or up to 2 hours.
- Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and place a wire rack on top. Lightly grease the rack with olive oil.
- Remove the wings from the marinade, allowing any excess liquid to drip off. Place them in a single layer on the wire rack. Reserve the marinade for later use.
- Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake the wings for 25-30 minutes or until they are golden brown and crispy, brushing with reserved marinade halfway through.
- If desired, switch the oven to broil for the last 3-5 minutes of cooking for extra crispiness.
- Once done, remove the wings from the oven and let them rest for a few minutes. Serve warm, garnished with additional chopped jalapeños if desired.
Notes
For extra crispiness, avoid crowding the wings on the rack. Substitute pineapple juice with mango or peach juice for different flavors.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American