This post is sponsored by McCormick® but the content and opinions expressed here are my own.
Perfect for the entire holiday season, these Sweet & Spicy Cranberry Chicken Wings can be served up for dinner, as a party snack or a holiday table appetizer.
I am one of those people that does not like to rush the holidays. Let’s just take it one holiday at a time. Often you’ll find my air pods in my ears while shopping as to avoid the early holiday music. I balk at the trees I see in October. Basically, I’m Scrooge until December.
But…
This happened…
I walked into Stop & Shop this week and saw this cute holiday display featuring spices. Immediately, I started to get ALL the holiday feels. How can you not be inspired to create holiday themed recipes after seeing this display, am I right?!
Seriously, I wanted turkey with gravy! Spiced Butternut Squash! Gingerbread cookies! And all the cranberry dishes! I had to settle myself down a bit.
I decided to make just one holiday inspired recipe to hold me over.
Holiday inspired chicken wings are what immediately came to mind. Wings are great because they work for all occasions. I plan to serve these Sweet & Spicy Cranberry Chicken Wings for dinner tonight with a salad and a side of mac and cheese. I’m also going to prepare them for the big family holiday party I am hosting in a few weeks. I’ll also be bringing these cranberry wings along to all the parties we attend in between.
Since cranberry is a staple flavor all through the winter, I decided using cranberry in this recipe would ensure it can be made all season long! Because I like a little heat with my sweet, I kicked in a little spice.
How To Make Sweet & Spicy Cranberry Chicken Wings
First, start off by seasoning the wings with Garlic Powder, salt and a few turns of a peppercorn grinder and pop them in the oven.
While the chicken wings are cooking in the oven, prepare the glaze.
The “spicy” part of the glaze comes from the Ground Cayenne Red Pepper; it’s made from whole, ripe peppers. In order to control the heat level, I would recommend starting off with 1/4 teaspoon. Taste and add more if desired. I ended up at a 1/2 tsp. The spice isn’t overpowering like a hot buffalo sauce. It’s more like a pleasant little pop of flavor that sneaks in and makes you go “oh, that’s nice”.
Next, take the chicken wings out of the oven and brush glaze all over them before returning them to the oven to finish cooking.
After the wings spend a few more minutes in the oven, they are ready to be served.
These holiday inspired cranberry chicken wings have just enough spice to balance out the sweet and tart of the cranberries. Serve these wings for all of your holiday entertaining.
- 1.5-2 lbs chicken wingettes (separated chicken wing parts)
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp McCormick® Garlic Powder
- 1/4 tsp freshly ground peppercorn medley McCormick® Black Pepper
- cooking spray
- 7 oz whole berry cranberry sauce
- 1/2 C chili sauce
- 1/2 tsp McCormick® Ground Cayenne Red Pepper
- 1 T light brown sugar
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Preheat oven to 375 F. Prepare a baking dish with cooking spray.
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Season chicken with garlic powder, salt and pepper and place in prepared baking dish. Bake in oven 35 minutes.
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While chicken is baking, prepare glaze.
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Remove chicken from oven. Increase the oven temperature to 425 F.
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Brush glaze all over chicken.
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Return chicken back to oven. Continue to cook for an additional 7-10 minutes or until internal temperature reads 165 F with an instant read thermometer.
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Serve and enjoy!
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Add all ingredients to a small to medium saucepan over medium heat. Cook 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally until warm and all ingredients are combined. Taste and adjust heat level by adding more cayenne if needed. Set aside.
All holiday recipes seem to be best when made with little helpers. You might not even realize it but they’re making memories by cooking with you. Happy Holidays!
my boys love chicken wings! The spicier the better over here
These look great, I need to try them
This sauce is amazing!!!!! I want to put it on everything…THANK YOU and stay safe