Oh boy, do I have a delicious treat for you today! If you’re anything like me, you love a dish that packs a punch both in flavor and fun. I mean, what’s better than the combination of sticky, sweet, and spicy chicken? Every time I make these Sticky Jalapeno Chicken wings or drumsticks, I’m instantly transported to my backyard barbecues, gathering friends and family around the grill, laughing and sharing stories. The aromas wafting through the air make everyone’s mouth water and anticipation builds as we dig in.
What I love most is how versatile this recipe is! Whether it’s game day, a cozy dinner at home, or say, just a random Tuesday when you’re craving something a little naughty, these sticky wings are the way to go. And trust me, they are a surefire crowd-pleaser!
What’s in Sticky Jalapeno Chicken?
Chicken Wings or Drumsticks: The star of the show! I love using wings for that classic finger-licking goodness, but drumsticks work just as well if you prefer a meatier bite.
Soy Sauce: This salty, umami-rich sauce is crucial for balancing the sweetness of the honey and brown sugar. I usually opt for low-sodium soy sauce to keep things a little lighter.
Honey: Ah! Nature’s sweet nectar. It adds a delightful stickiness to the glaze and balances the tartness of the rice vinegar.
Brown Sugar: More sweetness! It enhances the caramelization during baking, helping that skin to go crispy. I love using dark brown sugar for an even richer flavor.
Rice Vinegar: This brings a little tangy brightness, cutting through the richness of the chicken and the sticky sauce.
Sriracha: My go-to for adding that spicy kick! Adjust according to your heat preference – I usually start with two tablespoons, but be warned, it can be addictively spicy!
Minced Garlic and Ginger: These two are flavor powerhouse! They provide that aromatic depth that makes your mouth water with anticipation.
Fresh Jalapeños: They not only lend heat but also a fresh, crisp texture. If you’re not into the burn, just slice a few for garnish towards the end instead!
Olive Oil: Just a bit of oil helps in the cooking process, ensuring that the chicken browns nicely.
Black Pepper: A simple seasoning that adds just enough bite to round out the flavor profile.
Chopped Fresh Parsley: A pop of color and freshness to garnish your delicious dish.
Is Sticky Jalapeno Chicken Good for You?
Well, like most things, it’s all about balance! These sticky wings have protein from the chicken and if you keep the sriracha and jalapeños to a manageable level, you’ll also benefit from the vitamins found in those fiery little peppers. Plus, the marinade is made with ingredients you can feel good about. However, it’s important to keep in mind that it’s definitely on the sweet side due to the honey and brown sugar.
So, maybe save your Sticky Jalapeno Chicken for a special occasion or every few weeks, rather than making it a weekly go-to. And if you’re looking for healthier options, consider baking instead of frying, which we’re already doing here!
Ingredients List
– 2 lbs chicken wings or drumsticks
– 1/2 cup soy sauce
– 1/4 cup honey
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
– 2 tablespoons sriracha (adjust for spice preference)
– 2 tablespoons minced garlic
– 1 tablespoon minced ginger
– 1-2 fresh jalapeños, sliced (adjust for spice preference)
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 teaspoon black pepper
– Chopped fresh parsley for garnish
This recipe typically serves about 4 people, depending on how hungry everyone is!
How to Make Sticky Jalapeno Chicken?
1. **Prepare the Marinade**: In a large mixing bowl, combine the soy sauce, honey, brown sugar, rice vinegar, sriracha, minced garlic, minced ginger, and black pepper. Whisk until thoroughly mixed. I usually use a whisk to easily combine the sticky ingredients.
2. **Marinate the Chicken**: Add the chicken wings or drumsticks to the marinade, ensuring they are well coated. Cover that bowl and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or up to overnight if you want flavor heaven.
3. **Preheat the Oven**: Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). I always forget this step, so don’t be like me!
4. **Bake the Chicken**: Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil (trust me, this makes cleanup a breeze) and place a wire rack on top. Arrange the marinated chicken on the rack and reserve the marinade. Bake for 30-35 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through and the skin is crispy.
5. **Prepare the Sauce**: While the chicken is baking, pour that reserved marinade into a saucepan. Bring it to a boil over medium-high heat, then lower it to a simmer. Let it cook for 10-15 minutes or until thickened slightly.
6. **Glaze the Chicken**: Once the chicken is done, brush the thickened sauce all over those golden pieces. Return them to the oven and bake for another 5-10 minutes to allow the glaze to caramelize beautifully.
7. **Add Jalapeños**: In the last few minutes of baking, sprinkle the sliced jalapeños over the chicken so they soften up just a bit and still add that vibrant freshness.
8. **Serve**: Remove from the oven, garnish with chopped parsley, and dig in while everything is still hot!
Sizzling Suggestions for Serving
These sticky wings are perfect for a casual dinner, but if you want to take it up a notch, serve them alongside some coconut rice or a fresh, tangy salad to cut through the richness. You can also serve them with additional sriracha or a creamy dip for those who love heat!
So, there you have it! I can’t wait for you guys to give this Sticky Jalapeno Chicken a try. Trust me, your taste buds will thank you! Don’t forget to let me know how it goes or if you made any fun tweaks along the way. Happy cooking!
