These Baked Peanut Butter and Jelly Chicken Wings are a fun twist on a classic favorite! Crispy on the outside, saucy on the inside, they’re coated in a sweet and nutty glaze.
Who knew chicken and PB&J could be friends? It’s like a lunchbox party in your mouth! I love serving these wings with extra jelly on the side for dipping—it’s just delicious!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Wings: I recommend using a mix of flats and drumettes for variety. If you prefer, boneless chicken thighs can be a great substitute for juicy, tender bites.
Peanut Butter: Smooth peanut butter gives a creamy sauce, while crunchy adds texture. If you’re allergic to peanuts, you can use sunflower seed butter or almond butter as a substitute.
Jelly: Grape jelly is traditional, but any fruity jelly or jam works well. Try raspberry or strawberry for a flavorful twist!
Soy Sauce: For a gluten-free version, use tamari or coconut aminos. They both deliver a similar savory flavor without the gluten.
Honey: Maple syrup can be a great alternative for a different sweetness that’s also vegan.
How Do You Get Crispy Baked Chicken Wings?
Getting crispy wings in the oven is all about moisture control. Before baking, make sure to pat the wings dry with paper towels. This step helps them crisp up better as they cook.
- Arrange wings in a single layer without overcrowding. This ensures they bake evenly.
- Broil for a minute or two at the end if you want extra crispiness; just keep an eye on them to avoid burning!
- Using oil spray helps the wings crisp without being overly greasy.
Baked Peanut Butter and Jelly Chicken Wings
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Chicken Wings:
- 2 lbs chicken wings, separated into flats and drumettes
For The Sauce:
- 1/2 cup peanut butter (smooth or crunchy depending on preference)
- 1/3 cup grape jelly or your favorite fruity jelly
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar or rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional for a slight smoky flavor)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For Garnish:
- Crushed peanuts, for garnish
- Oil spray or 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (for baking)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes of prep time and 40-50 minutes for baking. In total, you’ll spend about an hour to enjoy these deliciously sticky wings!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat oven and prepare wings:
First, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil or parchment paper and lightly oil or spray it to prevent sticking. This makes clean-up a breeze!
2. Make the peanut butter and jelly sauce:
In a medium bowl, combine the peanut butter, grape jelly, soy sauce, honey, minced garlic, apple cider vinegar, and smoked paprika (if you’re using it). Whisk everything together until it’s nice and smooth. This is the magic sauce!
3. Season wings:
Take your chicken wings and pat them dry with paper towels. This helps them get crispy later. Lightly season them with salt and pepper, giving them a bit of flavor.
4. Coat wings in sauce:
Place the wings in a large mixing bowl or a zip-top bag. Pour about half of the peanut butter and jelly sauce over the wings and toss them well to coat evenly. Make sure each wing gets a lovely sauce coating!
5. Arrange and bake:
Lay the coated wings on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer. Make sure they have some space in between. Pop them in the oven and bake for about 25 minutes.
6. Add more sauce and finish baking:
After 25 minutes, take the wings out of the oven. Brush them with the remaining peanut butter and jelly sauce. Then, return them to the oven and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes. This will make the skin nice and crispy while the wings cook through. Turn them halfway for even cooking.
7. Garnish and serve:
Once they’re done, remove the wings from the oven and transfer them to a serving plate. To make them extra special, sprinkle some crushed peanuts on top for an added crunch.
8. Optional:
If you love jelly, serve a little extra on the side for dipping! It adds an extra layer of deliciousness to every bite.
Enjoy these sticky, flavorful wings that perfectly blend the nostalgic taste of peanut butter and jelly with savory baked chicken!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken Wings for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken wings, but be sure to thaw them completely before cooking. To thaw quickly, place them in a sealed plastic bag and submerge in cold water for about 30 minutes.
How Can I Make These Wings Spicier?
If you like a bit of heat, add some sriracha or red pepper flakes to the peanut butter and jelly sauce when mixing it. You could also use spicy jelly like jalapeño jelly for an extra kick!
Can I Bake These Wings Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare and bake the wings ahead of time, then store them in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, bake them in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 10-15 minutes until they are heated through and crispy again.
What Should I Serve With Baked Peanut Butter and Jelly Chicken Wings?
These wings pair wonderfully with simple sides like coleslaw, french fries, or a fresh salad. They also make a fun appetizer at parties, just serve with extra jelly on the side for dipping!
