Caramelized Sweet Spiced Chicken Wings
Indulge in these delectable Caramelized Sweet Spiced Chicken Wings that are perfect for gatherings or game days! Coated in a delightful blend of brown sugar and aromatic spices, these wings strike the perfect balance of sweetness and savory flavors. Whether you choose to bake them in the oven or grill them to perfection, these wings will surely impress your friends and family. Get ready to savor the crispiness and the mouthwatering caramelization that brings out the unique flavors of the spices. Pair them with your favorite dipping sauce and enjoy a crowd-pleasing treat that’s sure to become a staple at your table!
4
Servings
600
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
chicken wings
24 (washed and dried)
brown sugar
1/2 cup (packed)
smoked paprika
1/2 tablespoon (or regular paprika)
chili powder
1/2 tablespoon (none)
garlic powder
1 teaspoon (none)
onion powder
1 teaspoon (none)
salt
1/2 teaspoon (adjust to taste)
cayenne pepper
1/2 teaspoon (optional)
Accent seasoning
1/16 teaspoon (none)
Instructions
1
Start by ensuring the chicken wings are thoroughly dried to achieve maximum crispiness.
2
In a large Ziploc bag, combine brown sugar, smoked paprika, chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, cayenne (if using), and Accent seasoning. Shake the bag well until all dry ingredients are evenly mixed.
3
Add half of the chicken wings to the bag, seal it tightly, and shake vigorously to thoroughly coat the wings with the rub. Set these coated wings aside.
4
Repeat the process with the remaining uncooked wings using the remaining spice mix.
5
For the Oven Method: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with foil or parchment paper for easier cleanup. Place a wire rack on top of the baking sheet and arrange the seasoned wings on the rack. Bake for 30-45 minutes, turning the wings halfway through, until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and are nicely browned and crispy.
6
For the Charcoal Grill Method: Prepare your grill by filling a chimney starter with charcoal and lighting it. Once the coals are gray and ashed over (about 10-15 minutes), carefully push them to one side of the grill, creating a hot side and a cool side. Place the wings on the hot side and cook until they start to caramelize with dark grill marks. Flip them to caramelize the other side, then move the wings to the cool side, cover, and cook for an additional 30-35 minutes to ensure they are fully cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
7
For the Gas Grill Method: Preheat one side of the grill to high heat while leaving the other side set to medium-low. Grill the wings on the hot side until caramelized, flipping as needed. Once they are beautifully browned, move them to the cool side of the grill, cover, and cook for 30-35 minutes, making sure they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
8
IMPORTANT: Keep a close watch on the wings while cooking as the sugar can burn easily; adjust grilling times as necessary.
Nutrition Information
39g
Fat
37.5g
Carbs
30g
Protein
250mg
Sodium
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Caramelized Sweet Spiced Chicken Wings?
They are chicken wings coated in a blend of brown sugar and aromatic spices, then cooked until they achieve a perfect balance of sweetness and savory flavors with a crispy, caramelized exterior.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe is designed to serve 4 people.
How many chicken wings do I need for this recipe?
You will need 24 chicken wings, which should be washed and dried thoroughly before preparation.
What is the primary sweetener used in the rub?
The primary sweetener is 1/2 cup of packed brown sugar.
What spices are included in the dry rub mixture?
The rub includes smoked paprika, chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, cayenne pepper, and Accent seasoning.
Is the cayenne pepper a required ingredient?
No, the cayenne pepper is optional and can be adjusted or omitted based on your heat preference.
Why is it important to dry the chicken wings before seasoning?
Drying the wings thoroughly is essential to achieve maximum crispiness during the cooking process.
What is the best way to coat the wings evenly?
The best method is to use a large Ziploc bag, mixing the dry ingredients first, then adding the wings and shaking vigorously to coat them.
What temperature should the oven be set to for baking?
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) for the oven-baked method.
How long should the wings bake in the oven?
Bake the wings for 30-45 minutes, turning them halfway through the cooking time.
Should I use a wire rack when baking in the oven?
Yes, placing a wire rack on a foil-lined baking sheet allows for better air circulation and crispier wings.
How do I prepare a charcoal grill for these wings?
Use a chimney starter for the coals, then create a two-zone fire by pushing the hot coals to one side to have both a hot and a cool side.
What is the total cooking time for the charcoal grill method?
After searing on the hot side, move them to the cool side for an additional 30-35 minutes.
How do I set up a gas grill for this recipe?
Set one side of the grill to high heat for caramelization and the other side to medium-low for indirect cooking.
What is the safe internal temperature for cooked chicken wings?
The wings are fully cooked when they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Why must I watch the wings closely while they cook?
Because the rub contains a high amount of brown sugar, it can burn very easily if left unattended or over high heat for too long.
Can I substitute smoked paprika?
Yes, you can use regular paprika if you do not have smoked paprika on hand.
What is the purpose of Accent seasoning in this recipe?
Accent seasoning is used as a flavor enhancer to bring out the savory notes of the spices.
How many calories are in one serving of these wings?
Each serving contains approximately 600 calories.
What is the fat content per serving?
There are 39 grams of fat per serving.
How many grams of carbohydrates are in a serving?
There are 37.5 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
How much protein is in each serving?
Each serving provides 30 grams of protein.
What is the sodium content per serving?
There is 250mg of sodium per serving.
Are these wings suitable for a party?
Yes, they are highly recommended as party food, appetizers, or snacks for game days.
Should I coat all wings at once in the Ziploc bag?
The recipe suggests coating them in two batches (half at a time) to ensure an even distribution of the rub.
How do I get dark grill marks on the wings?
Place the wings on the hot side of the grill initially until they start to caramelize and develop marks.
Is this recipe spicy?
It has a mild kick from the chili powder and optional cayenne, but it is balanced by the sweetness of the brown sugar.
Can I use parchment paper instead of foil?
Yes, you can line your baking sheet with either foil or parchment paper for easier cleanup.
What should I serve with these wings?
They pair perfectly with your favorite dipping sauces, such as ranch or blue cheese.
Can I adjust the salt level?
Yes, the 1/2 teaspoon of salt can be adjusted to your personal taste preference.