Get ready to experience a flavor explosion like no other, y’all! These Apple Cider Bacon Glazed Wings are about to turn your kitchen into a culinary paradise. Prepare your taste buds for a mind-blowing journey of sweet, savory, and smoky perfection. This is the ultimate recipe for bacon lovers who crave a little something extra. Warning: This dish causes serious food jealousy!
Why You’ll Love This Apple Cider Bacon Glazed Wings
These wings are the perfect marriage of sweet and salty, with a hint of autumnal warmth from the apple cider. The bacon glaze creates a sticky, caramelized coating that will have you licking your fingers in delight. The combination of crispy skin and juicy, tender meat is simply out of this world. Get ready to be the talk of the town with these sensational wings that will leave your guests begging for more!
Ingredients
You’ll need just a few simple ingredients to create this epic flavor masterpiece. Grab some chicken wings, crispy bacon, apple cider, brown sugar, and a few pantry staples. The best part? You can easily customize the recipe to suit your taste buds.
- 3 lbs – Chicken wings
- 1 lb – Crispy cooked bacon, chopped
- 1 cup – Apple cider
- 1/2 cup – Brown sugar
- 2 tbsp – Soy sauce
Ingredient Substitutions
- Apple Cider: Try using your favorite fruit juice, like orange or pineapple, for a different flavor twist (the sweetness will still work beautifully with the bacon).
- Brown Sugar: Swap in maple syrup or honey for a dietary-friendly alternative (and an extra pop of flavor).
How to Make Apple Cider Bacon Glazed Wings
We’re about to turn your kitchen into flavor paradise, y’all! Let’s get started on these insanely good wings.
Step 1: Prep Work
Preheat your oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with foil or parchment paper. Pat the chicken wings dry and toss them with a blend of garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Arrange the wings in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.
Step 2: Main Cooking Process
While the wings are baking, it’s time to work your magic on the bacon glaze. In a saucepan, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat until it’s crispy and the fat has rendered. Drain the bacon, reserving 2 tablespoons of the bacon fat in the pan. Add the apple cider, brown sugar, soy sauce, and a pinch of cayenne pepper to the pan. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook, stirring occasionally, until it thickens into a sticky, irresistible sauce, about 10-15 minutes.
Step 3: Final Steps/Assembly
Once the wings are crispy and golden brown, about 30-40 minutes, remove them from the oven. Toss the wings in the bacon glaze, making sure every inch is coated in that incredible flavor. Prepare to be blown away by the explosive taste, y’all!
Recipe Variations & Tips
- Extra Crispy Wings: For even crispier wings, pat them dry thoroughly before tossing with the spices and bake them on a wire rack set over a baking sheet.
- Spicy Twist: Add a dash of cayenne pepper or your favorite hot sauce to the bacon glaze for a fiery kick.
- Smoked Bacon: Use smoked bacon for an extra layer of savory, smoky goodness.
- Maple Bacon: Swap the brown sugar for maple syrup for a delicious autumnal flavor profile.
Serving & Storage
Serve with: Ranch or blue cheese dressing, celery sticks, and plenty of napkins (you’re going to need them!).
Storage: Any leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days, but good luck making them last that long!
Reheat: Reheat the wings in a 400°F oven for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through and crispy.
Make-Ahead: You can prepare the wings and the bacon glaze in advance, then simply toss them together and bake when you’re ready to serve.
Nutrition Information
These wings pack a delicious punch, but they also deliver a solid nutritional profile. Each serving is packed with protein from the chicken and bacon, and the apple cider provides a touch of antioxidants and natural sweetness. Just be mindful of the added sugars from the glaze and enjoy these wings as part of a balanced diet.
- Serving Size: 3-4 wings
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Protein: 30 g
- Carbs: 20 g
- Fat: 25 g
- Sodium: 700 mg
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I make the wings extra crispy?
For the crispiest wings, be sure to pat them dry thoroughly before tossing with the spices. You can also bake them on a wire rack set over a baking sheet to allow the air to circulate and promote even crisping.
Can I use a different type of fruit juice instead of apple cider?
Absolutely! Feel free to swap the apple cider for orange, pineapple, or any other fruit juice you prefer. The sweetness will still pair beautifully with the bacon glaze.
How long do these wings need to bake?
The wings need to bake for 30-40 minutes at 400°F, until they’re crispy and golden brown.
Can I prepare the wings and glaze in advance?
Yes, you can! The wings and bacon glaze can both be made ahead of time. Store the wings in the fridge until you’re ready to bake, and the glaze can be reheated before tossing with the wings.
What should I serve with these wings?
These wings are the star of the show, but they pair perfectly with classic sides like ranch or blue cheese dressing, celery sticks, and plenty of napkins for the ultimate finger-lickin’ good experience.
Try These Next
- Whiskey Maple Glazed Bacon And Apple Brie Bites
- Maple Whiskey Glazed Chicken Wings With Spicy Honey Drizzle
- Maple Whiskey Glazed Bacon Cheesecake Bites
Apple Cider Bacon Glazed Wings
- Total Time: 60 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
These Apple Cider Bacon Glazed Wings are a perfect blend of sweet and savory, making them an ideal appetizer or main dish for any gathering.
Ingredients
2 lbs chicken wings
1 cup apple cider
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup soy sauce
1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
1 tbsp Dijon mustard
1 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/2 tsp salt
8 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
1.
2. 1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
3. 2. In a saucepan, combine apple cider, brown sugar, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, black pepper, and salt. Bring to a boil over medium heat.
4. 3. Reduce heat and simmer for about 15 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
5. 4. While the sauce is simmering, place the chicken wings in a large bowl and toss with half of the bacon pieces.
6. 5. Arrange the wings on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
7. 6. Brush the wings with the apple cider glaze.
8. 7. Bake for 40-45 minutes, turning halfway through, until the wings are crispy and cooked through.
9. 8. Once cooked, remove from the oven and toss with remaining bacon pieces and extra glaze if desired.
10. 9. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
11.
Notes
For extra crispiness, broil the wings for the last 2-3 minutes of cooking.
You can adjust the sweetness by adding more or less brown sugar according to your taste.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: 🥓 BACON EMPIRE
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 wings
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 950mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg