These Baked Peanut Butter and Jelly Chicken Wings are a fun twist on a classic dish! The wings are crispy on the outside and coated in a sweet and nutty peanut butter sauce with a hint of fruity jelly.
Honestly, who knew chicken wings could be so playful? They’re great for game day or a party, and trust me, everyone will be talking about them. I love serving these with some crunchy veggies on the side!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Wings: The main star here! You can use fresh wings or frozen ones. If using frozen, thaw them completely for even cooking. If you prefer, drumsticks or even boneless chicken tenders can work as substitutes.
Peanut Butter: Creamy peanut butter gives a smooth sauce, while chunky adds texture. If you need a nut-free option, try sunbutter (sunflower seed butter) or soy nut butter which also have a great taste.
Fruit Jelly: Grape jelly is traditional, but feel free to use any flavor. Strawberry and raspberry jellies offer a different sweetness. If you want to cut sugar, look for fruit preserves with no added sugar.
Soy Sauce: If you’re looking for gluten-free options, tamari is a great alternative. You could also try coconut aminos for a slightly different taste.
Sriracha: This adds heat, but you can skip it if you prefer milder flavors. For a spicy kick, try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes instead.
How Do I Get My Chicken Wings Extra Crispy?
To achieve that perfect crispy texture, follow these steps:
- Make sure to pat the wings dry thoroughly; this helps them crisp up better.
- Putting them on a wire rack allows air to circulate around them, making them crispier as they bake.
- Bake at a high temperature of 400°F (200°C). This gives them a nice golden brown color while cooking them through.
- Turning them halfway through ensures even cooking and prevents sogginess.
These simple but effective steps will make your wings deliciously crunchy and ready to be coated in that tasty peanut butter and jelly sauce!
Baked Peanut Butter and Jelly Chicken Wings Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Wings:
- 2 pounds chicken wings, tips removed and separated into flats and drumettes
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
For The Peanut Butter and Jelly Sauce:
- 1/2 cup peanut butter (creamy or chunky based on preference)
- 1/3 cup fruit jelly or jam (grape, strawberry, or your favorite flavor)
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar or lime juice
- 1 teaspoon sriracha or chili sauce (optional for heat)
For The Garnish:
- 1/4 cup chopped roasted peanuts
- Fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prep and 40-45 minutes to cook, so you’ll be enjoying these tasty wings in about an hour! Prepping the wings and making the sauce is quick and easy, plus the baking time gives you the perfect crispy texture.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This high temperature will help give your chicken wings that extra crispy crunch! Line a baking sheet with foil for easy cleanup and place a wire rack on top. This allows air to circulate around the wings as they bake.
2. Prepare the Wings:
To get the best results, make sure your chicken wings are dry. Pat them down with paper towels. In a large mixing bowl, toss the wings with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. This will season them perfectly and add delicious flavor!
3. Bake the Wings:
Arrange your wings in a single layer on the wire rack. Bake them in the preheated oven for about 35-40 minutes, turning them halfway through. The wings should be golden brown and cooked through, so keep an eye on them to ensure they’re perfectly crispy!
4. Make the Peanut Butter and Jelly Sauce:
While the wings are baking, it’s time to make the sauce! In a small saucepan, combine the peanut butter, jelly, soy sauce, honey, apple cider vinegar (or lime juice), and sriracha if you want some heat. Over low heat, stir continuously until the mixture is smooth and warmed through. This sauce brings the fun flavor combination together!
5. Coat the Wings:
Once the wings are done, carefully transfer them to a large bowl. Pour the warm peanut butter and jelly sauce over them and toss gently to ensure all the wings are coated evenly with that delicious goodness.
6. Prepare to Serve:
Plate your wings and sprinkle chopped roasted peanuts and fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley on top for that lovely crunch and fresh flavor. They add a wonderful touch to your dish!
7. Enjoy!
These Baked Peanut Butter and Jelly Chicken Wings are ready to be served! Enjoy them right away, and consider adding lime wedges and some crunchy fresh vegetables on the side for a complete and fun meal!
Dig in and enjoy the delightful twist of peanut butter and jelly on chicken wings—a treat everyone will love!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken Wings?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken wings! Just make sure to thaw them completely before use. You can thaw them in the refrigerator overnight or place them in a sealed plastic bag and submerge them in cold water for a faster option.
What If I Don’t Have Peanut Butter?
If you don’t have peanut butter on hand, you can substitute it with sunbutter (sunflower seed butter) or almond butter. These alternatives will give you a similar consistency and taste, but be mindful of any allergies your guests may have!
Can I Make the Sauce Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the peanut butter and jelly sauce a day in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Just reheat it gently on the stove or in the microwave before pouring it over the wings.
How Do I Store Leftover Wings?
Leftover wings can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until heated through and crispy again.