Sticky Maple Pepper Glazed Chicken Wings

Introduction

There’s something about sticky chicken wings that just hits the spot, right? The crispy skin, the tender meat, and that perfect glaze that makes every bite feel like a little bit of heaven. These Sticky Maple Pepper Glazed Chicken Wings are everything you crave in a chicken wing, but with a little twist—a sweet and savory maple glaze paired with the subtle warmth of black pepper. If you’re looking for a fun, family-friendly recipe that brings some serious flavor to the table, these wings are just the thing!

I’ve been making these wings for a few years now, and every time I do, I’m reminded of how simple ingredients can come together to create something absolutely delicious. The combination of maple syrup and pepper may sound unusual at first, but trust me, it works. The maple syrup provides a rich sweetness that perfectly complements the kick from the black pepper. It’s that sweet and spicy combo that makes each bite better than the last. Whether you’re hosting a game day party, serving them as a tasty appetizer for dinner, or just treating yourself to a special meal, these wings are always a hit.

And let me tell you, there’s no need to stress about making them—these wings are easy to make and will have your taste buds doing a happy dance. With minimal prep time and a few simple ingredients, you’ll have wings that rival any restaurant or bar in no time. Plus, they’re incredibly versatile, so you can tweak the recipe to fit your flavor preferences, making them your own signature dish!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Easy to make: With just a few basic ingredients and a little patience, you’ll have crispy, tender wings coated in the most irresistible maple pepper glaze. No complicated techniques here—just good food made with love!
2. Family-friendly: This recipe is a huge hit with kids and adults alike. The sweetness from the maple syrup and the mild heat from the black pepper make these wings enjoyable for all ages.
3. Full of flavor: The combination of sweet and spicy is a total flavor bomb. The glaze is sticky, gooey, and packed with that perfect balance of sweetness from the maple and the zesty heat from the pepper.
4. Perfect for any occasion: Whether it’s game day, a family dinner, or a casual Friday night, these wings fit right in. They’re great for sharing, but honestly, they’re so delicious you might not want to share them!

When you take a bite of these wings, you’ll first get that crispy exterior, and then the sweetness of the maple syrup hits you, followed by just a little kick from the pepper. It’s the perfect balance of flavors, and it’s all wrapped up in that delicious glaze. Plus, the wings are baked (not fried), so they’re a bit lighter and much easier to make than deep-fried alternatives, but still crispy and flavorful.

Preparation Time and Servings

• Total Time: 45-50 minutes (Prep Time: 10 minutes, Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes)
• Servings: This recipe serves about 4 people, depending on how many wings you’re serving up!
• Nutrition Facts:
  • Calories per serving: 320
  • Protein: 22g
  • Carbs: 15g
  • Fat: 18g

Ingredients

chicken wings:

• 2 lbs chicken wings (You can use fresh or thawed frozen wings)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (For tossing the wings before baking)
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper (For seasoning the wings before baking)

maple pepper glaze:

• 1/2 cup maple syrup (Use pure maple syrup for the best flavor. It’s rich and sweet, and adds that deep, caramelized taste you can’t beat.)
• 1/4 cup soy sauce (For a savory depth of flavor. Use low-sodium soy sauce to control the saltiness.)
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard (Gives the glaze a slight tang and balances the sweetness of the maple.)
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper (This is the star of the glaze. You’ll need fresh cracked black pepper for the best flavor—don’t skimp on this!)
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (For an extra layer of savory goodness.)
• 1/2 tablespoon cornstarch (To thicken the glaze and give it that sticky consistency.)
• 1 tablespoon water (To dissolve the cornstarch.)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven and Prep the Wings:
   • Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil or parchment paper for easy cleanup.
   • Pat the chicken wings dry with paper towels. This will help them get crispy in the oven. Drizzle the wings with olive oil and toss to coat evenly.
   • Season the wings with salt and black pepper, making sure they’re evenly coated. This simple seasoning step adds a nice base flavor to the wings.
2. Bake the Wings:
   • Arrange the wings in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. You want them to have enough space between each wing so they can crisp up nicely.
   • Bake the wings in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, flipping them halfway through for an even crisp. The wings should be golden brown and crispy on the outside, with the meat fully cooked through (internal temperature should be 165°F).
3. Make the Maple Pepper Glaze:
   • While the wings are baking, it’s time to make the glaze! In a medium saucepan, combine the maple syrup, soy sauce, Dijon mustard, black pepper, and garlic powder. Stir everything together and bring it to a simmer over medium heat.
   • Once it starts simmering, lower the heat and let it cook for about 3-4 minutes. This will allow the flavors to meld together and thicken a bit.
   • In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with water until it forms a smooth slurry. Add this mixture to the simmering glaze, stirring constantly.
   • Let the glaze simmer for another 2-3 minutes, or until it thickens to a syrupy consistency. Remove it from the heat and set aside.
4. Toss the Wings in the Glaze:
   • When the wings are done baking, remove them from the oven. Transfer the wings to a large bowl and pour the sticky maple pepper glaze over them.
   • Toss the wings in the glaze, making sure each one is generously coated with that irresistible sticky sauce.
5. Optional: Extra Crispy Wings:
   • For a little extra crunch, you can pop the glazed wings back into the oven for an additional 3-5 minutes under the broiler. This will caramelize the glaze and give the wings an even crispier finish.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
   • Once the wings are all glazed up, serve them hot and enjoy! The combination of the crispy skin and sweet, peppery glaze will make these wings a favorite at your table.

How to Serve

• Serve with sides: These wings are fantastic on their own, but they also pair well with a few sides. Serve them with a simple side salad or some crispy roasted potatoes to balance out the richness of the wings.
• Pair with a beverage: A cold beer, sparkling water, or even a light white wine like Sauvignon Blanc will complement the sweet and savory flavors of the wings. For a non-alcoholic option, try a nice iced tea or lemonade.
• As an appetizer: These wings are perfect for a party or gathering. Serve them with extra glaze on the side for dipping.

Additional Tips

1. Pat your wings dry: To get crispy wings, make sure to dry them well with paper towels. This removes excess moisture and helps the skin get extra crispy in the oven.
2. Adjust the sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet glaze, you can reduce the amount of maple syrup. Add more soy sauce for a savory twist!
3. Don’t skip the glaze thickening: The cornstarch helps the glaze thicken so it sticks better to the wings. If you don’t want to use cornstarch, you can reduce the glaze on the stove until it reaches a syrupy consistency.
4. Broil for extra crispy wings: After tossing the wings in the glaze, pop them under the broiler for a few minutes to give them a bit of extra caramelization and crunch.
5. Experiment with spices: If you love spice, feel free to add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili flakes to the glaze for a little kick!

Recipe Variations

1. Crispy Fried Wings: If you prefer fried wings, heat up oil in a large pan and fry the wings until golden brown. Once fried, toss them in the glaze for a crispy, indulgent treat.
2. Spicy Maple Pepper Wings: Add a teaspoon of hot sauce or chili flakes to the glaze if you like your wings with a little more heat. This adds a nice kick that balances perfectly with the sweetness.
3. Honey instead of Maple Syrup: If you don’t have maple syrup on hand, you can swap it out for honey. The honey will still give you that sweet, sticky glaze, but with a slightly different flavor profile.
4. Vegan Version: If you’re looking for a plant-based version, try using cauliflower florets as a substitute for the chicken wings. Coat them in the same glaze and bake until crispy.

Freezing and Storage

• Storage: Store leftover wings in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. They’re still delicious when reheated!
• Freezing: If you want to freeze the wings, let them cool completely, then freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months.
• Reheating: To reheat, place the wings in the oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. If they’re a little dry, drizzle some extra maple syrup over them before reheating.

Special Equipment

• Baking Sheet: A large baking sheet is key to getting the wings crispy without overcrowding them.
• Wire Rack: For extra crispy wings, you can use a wire rack placed on top of the baking sheet. This allows air to circulate around the wings, helping them cook evenly.
• Small Saucepan: A medium saucepan is perfect for making the glaze. It lets you simmer the ingredients together without spilling.

FAQ Section

1. Can I use frozen wings? Yes! Just be sure to thaw them thoroughly before cooking. You can bake them from frozen, but the cooking time will be longer.
2. Can I make this recipe ahead of time? Absolutely! You can prep the wings and even make the glaze ahead of time. Just store everything in the fridge and bake the wings when you’re ready to serve them.
3. What if I don’t have black pepper? While black pepper is a key flavor in this recipe, you could substitute white pepper, or even crushed red pepper flakes for a different heat.
4. Can I use another type of syrup? Maple syrup is what makes this recipe special, but if you don’t have it, you could try using agave syrup, honey, or even brown sugar, though the flavor will differ.

Sticky Maple Pepper Glazed Chicken Wings

---

• Author: Dianna
• Total Time: 50 minutes

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

For the chicken wings:

• 2 lbs chicken wings (You can use fresh or thawed frozen wings)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (For tossing the wings before baking)
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper (For seasoning the wings before baking)

For the maple pepper glaze:

• 1/2 cup maple syrup (Use pure maple syrup for the best flavor. It’s rich and sweet, and adds that deep, caramelized taste you can’t beat.)
• 1/4 cup soy sauce (For a savory depth of flavor. Use low-sodium soy sauce to control the saltiness.)
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard (Gives the glaze a slight tang and balances the sweetness of the maple.)
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper (This is the star of the glaze. You’ll need fresh cracked black pepper for the best flavor—don’t skimp on this!)
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (For an extra layer of savory goodness.)
• 1/2 tablespoon cornstarch (To thicken the glaze and give it that sticky consistency.)
• 1 tablespoon water (To dissolve the cornstarch.)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven and Prep the Wings:
   • Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil or parchment paper for easy cleanup.
   • Pat the chicken wings dry with paper towels. This will help them get crispy in the oven. Drizzle the wings with olive oil and toss to coat evenly.
   • Season the wings with salt and black pepper, making sure they’re evenly coated. This simple seasoning step adds a nice base flavor to the wings.
2. Bake the Wings:
   • Arrange the wings in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. You want them to have enough space between each wing so they can crisp up nicely.
   • Bake the wings in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, flipping them halfway through for an even crisp. The wings should be golden brown and crispy on the outside, with the meat fully cooked through (internal temperature should be 165°F).
3. Make the Maple Pepper Glaze:
   • While the wings are baking, it’s time to make the glaze! In a medium saucepan, combine the maple syrup, soy sauce, Dijon mustard, black pepper, and garlic powder. Stir everything together and bring it to a simmer over medium heat.
   • Once it starts simmering, lower the heat and let it cook for about 3-4 minutes. This will allow the flavors to meld together and thicken a bit.
   • In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with water until it forms a smooth slurry. Add this mixture to the simmering glaze, stirring constantly.
   • Let the glaze simmer for another 2-3 minutes, or until it thickens to a syrupy consistency. Remove it from the heat and set aside.
4. Toss the Wings in the Glaze:
   • When the wings are done baking, remove them from the oven. Transfer the wings to a large bowl and pour the sticky maple pepper glaze over them.
   • Toss the wings in the glaze, making sure each one is generously coated with that irresistible sticky sauce.
5. Optional: Extra Crispy Wings:
   • For a little extra crunch, you can pop the glazed wings back into the oven for an additional 3-5 minutes under the broiler. This will caramelize the glaze and give the wings an even crispier finish.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
   • Once the wings are all glazed up, serve them hot and enjoy! The combination of the crispy skin and sweet, peppery glaze will make these wings a favorite at your table.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 320
• Fat: 18g
• Carbohydrates: 15g
• Protein: 22g

Conclusion

I hope you give these Sticky Maple Pepper Glazed Chicken Wings a try—they’re easy, flavorful, and just perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re serving them up for a weeknight dinner or for your next get-together, they’re sure to become a favorite. I’d love to hear how they turn out! Don’t forget to snap a photo and tag me on social media so I can see your delicious creations. Enjoy, and happy cooking!