Short Description
Get ready to spice up your next meal with these irresistible Pumpkin Spiced Chicken Wings! The combination of savory chicken and a rich, spiced pumpkin glaze will have your taste buds dancing. With a hint of fall spices, a touch of sweetness, and just the right amount of heat, these wings are perfect for game day, a cozy dinner, or any casual get-together.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These Pumpkin Spiced Chicken Wings are a unique twist on your traditional wing recipe. The pumpkin glaze brings in that cozy fall flavor, while the spices create an incredible depth of taste that pairs perfectly with the crispy chicken. Whether you’re serving them at a fall party or just craving something new, these wings are sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Plus, they’re baked, not fried, making them a little healthier without sacrificing flavor!
Ingredients
Here’s a quick preview of what you’ll need:
- Chicken wings (whole or pre-cut into flats and drumettes)
- Pumpkin puree
- Olive oil
- Brown sugar
- Cinnamon
- Nutmeg
- Chili powder
- Garlic powder
- Salt and pepper
- Apple cider vinegar (for a touch of tang)
Full ingredient details (with measurements) are listed below!
Directions
Step 1: Prep the Chicken Wings
Start by patting your chicken wings dry with paper towels—this helps them get nice and crispy in the oven. If you’re using whole wings, cut them into flats and drumettes. Toss the wings with a bit of olive oil, salt, and pepper to season them evenly.
Step 2: Make the Pumpkin Spice Glaze
In a medium saucepan, combine pumpkin puree, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, chili powder, garlic powder, and apple cider vinegar. Stir everything together over medium heat until the mixture is smooth and well combined. Allow it to simmer for about 5 minutes, so the spices meld together and the glaze thickens slightly. Taste the glaze and adjust seasoning if needed—add more chili powder for heat or a little extra sugar for sweetness.
Step 3: Bake the Wings
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil for easy cleanup. Spread your seasoned wings out in a single layer on the baking sheet. Bake for 30-35 minutes, flipping them halfway through to ensure they cook evenly and get crispy on both sides.
Step 4: Coat the Wings in the Glaze
Once the wings are cooked and crispy, remove them from the oven. While the wings are still hot, toss them in the pumpkin spice glaze until they’re fully coated. Be sure to save a little bit of the glaze for drizzling on top before serving.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Arrange your pumpkin spiced wings on a platter and drizzle any remaining glaze over the top. Garnish with fresh herbs, like parsley or cilantro, for a little pop of color. Serve immediately and watch them disappear!
Expert Tips and Tricks
- For extra crispy wings: Make sure to pat the wings dry and bake them on a rack, if possible, so the hot air can circulate around them. This will give you that perfect crispy skin.
- Adjust the spice: If you love heat, try adding some cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the glaze. You can also toss the wings in a little extra chili powder for more depth.
- Marinate for more flavor: For extra flavor, you can marinate the wings in a bit of olive oil, garlic, and a pinch of chili powder for about 30 minutes before baking. This adds more depth to the overall flavor profile.
Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions
- Add a smoky touch: Incorporate a little smoked paprika into the glaze for a smoky twist. This pairs beautifully with the pumpkin and spice.
- Use drumsticks instead of wings: If you’re a drumstick fan, you can easily swap the wings for drumsticks. Just adjust the cooking time (they may need an extra 5-10 minutes in the oven).
- Gluten-free: This recipe is naturally gluten-free, but be sure to check your seasoning packets to confirm if they’re gluten-free if you’re using pre-mixed spices.
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
These Pumpkin Spiced Chicken Wings are perfect for casual dining or as part of a fall-themed menu. Serve them with:
- A creamy dipping sauce like ranch or blue cheese to cool off the heat from the spices.
- Sweet potato fries for a delicious fall-inspired pairing.
- A light green salad with a tangy vinaigrette to balance out the richness of the wings.
- Beer or hard cider to complement the pumpkin spices in the wings. If you prefer non-alcoholic options, try sparkling apple cider or a spiced iced tea.
Storage and Reheating Tips
- Storage: Store leftover wings in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: To reheat, place the wings on a baking sheet and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. This helps retain their crispy texture.
- Freezing: You can freeze the baked wings before glazing for up to 3 months. To reheat, bake them from frozen and then coat them in the glaze when they’re hot.
4 FAQs
1. Can I make these wings in an air fryer?
Yes! Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Cook the wings for about 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they’re crispy. Then, toss them in the pumpkin glaze and serve.
2. Can I use a different type of pumpkin?
If you don’t have canned pumpkin puree, you can use fresh cooked pumpkin or even butternut squash puree as a substitute. Both will work wonderfully in this recipe.
3. Are these wings spicy?
They have a mild to medium heat, depending on how much chili powder and other spices you add. If you want them spicier, feel free to increase the chili powder or add a bit of cayenne pepper.
4. Can I make these wings ahead of time?
You can bake the wings ahead of time and store them in the fridge for up to a day. When you’re ready to serve, just reheat and coat with the glaze before serving.
Conclusion
These Pumpkin Spiced Chicken Wings are the perfect blend of savory, sweet, and spicy, bringing all the cozy fall flavors straight to your table. Whether you’re hosting a fall gathering or just craving something different for dinner, these wings are a deliciously fun choice. They’re easy to make, full of flavor, and guaranteed to be a hit. So, the next time you’re in the mood for something a little out of the ordinary, give these Pumpkin Spiced Chicken Wings a try—you won’t regret it!
Print
Pumpkin Spiced Chicken Wings
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer, Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Get ready to spice up your next meal with these irresistible Pumpkin Spiced Chicken Wings! The combination of savory chicken and a rich, spiced pumpkin glaze will have your taste buds dancing. With a hint of fall spices, a touch of sweetness, and just the right amount of heat, these wings are perfect for game day, a cozy dinner, or any casual get-together.
Ingredients
- Chicken wings (whole or pre-cut into flats and drumettes)
- 1/2 cup pumpkin puree
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
Instructions
- Prep the Chicken Wings: Pat your chicken wings dry with paper towels. If using whole wings, cut them into flats and drumettes. Toss the wings with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- Make the Pumpkin Spice Glaze: In a medium saucepan, combine pumpkin puree, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, chili powder, garlic powder, and apple cider vinegar. Stir over medium heat until smooth and combined, then let simmer for 5 minutes.
- Bake the Wings: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil. Spread the wings in a single layer and bake for 30-35 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Coat the Wings in Glaze: Once the wings are crispy, remove from the oven. Toss the wings in the pumpkin spice glaze until fully coated.
- Serve and Enjoy: Arrange wings on a platter and drizzle any remaining glaze over them. Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro and serve immediately.
Notes
- For extra crispy wings, pat them dry before baking and consider using a rack to allow air circulation.
- Adjust the spice level by adding more chili powder, cayenne pepper, or hot sauce to the glaze.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 75mg