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spicy apricot wings

Spicy Apricot Wings

Print Recipe
Upgrade your wing game! These Spicy Apricot Wings are crispy, sweet, and fiery—ready in under an hour! Perfect for grilling or baking.
Course Main Course
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Marinating 1 hour
Servings 4

Ingredients

For the Wings:

  • 2 lbs chicken wings split into flats and drumettes
  • 1 tablespoon baking powder for crispiness—trust me, it works!
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder

For the Spicy Apricot Glaze:

  • ⅓ cup apricot preserves
  • 2 tablespoon hot sauce Sriracha or El Yucateco for extra heat!
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce or coconut aminos for a gluten-free version
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard adds a tangy depth
  • 1 tablespoon butter melted (for silkiness & shine)
  • 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger optional but highly recommended!
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • ½ teaspoon paprika
  • ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes optional, for extra heat
  • 1 tablespoon lime juice for balance & brightness!

For Garnishing:

  • Chopped green onions
  • Sesame seeds
  • Extra lime wedges

Instructions

Prep the Wings for Maximum Crispiness

  • Pat the wings dry with paper towels—moisture is the enemy of crispy wings!
  • In a large bowl, toss the wings with baking powder, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder.
  • Let them sit uncovered in the fridge for 30 minutes to an hour—this helps dry out the skin for extra crunch.

Make the Spicy Apricot Glaze

  • In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine:
  • Apricot preserves, hot sauce, soy sauce, Dijon mustard, butter, ginger, garlic, paprika, and red pepper flakes.
  • Stir and cook for 3-4 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
  • Remove from heat and stir in lime juice.

Cook the Wings (Two Ways!)

  • Oven-Baked Method (Easy & Crispy!)
  • Preheat oven to 400°F (204°C).
  • Line a baking sheet with foil and place a wire rack on top. Arrange wings skin-side up.
  • Bake for 40-45 minutes, flipping halfway through.
  • Brush wings with the spicy apricot glaze in the last 10 minutes of baking.
  • Grilled Method (Smoky & Charred Perfection!)
  • Preheat grill to medium heat (375-400°F).
  • Place wings over indirect heat and grill for 20-25 minutes, flipping every 5-7 minutes.
  • Move to direct heat in the last 5 minutes to caramelize the glaze. Brush the wings generously with the sauce as they finish cooking.

Glaze & Garnish

  • Once cooked, toss wings in more apricot glaze for that final sticky, glossy coating.
  • Sprinkle with green onions, sesame seeds, and extra red pepper flakes if you want.
  • Serve with lime wedges on the side for a fresh citrusy contrast.