Cranberry Sauce Wings

If cranberry sauce makes you conjure up thoughts of chicken wings, you’re not alone. I think you’ll love these cranberry sauce wings.

These cranberry sauce wings were a special treat that I used to make during the holidays. They were developed primarily as a means to use up the leftover cranberry sauce that seemed to be abundant after holiday meals. Then one day, I asked myself, why? Why am I only making these wings during the holidays? They’re too damn tasty to only have once or twice a year. After all, cranberry sauce isn’t seasonal. It’s available year-round. Why not these wings?

The tart, yet sweet flavor of cranberry sauce is perfect for chicken wings. All that’s needed is some heat. While you can use the jellied style cranberry sauce, I like the whole cranberry kind. The little chunks of cranberries give the wings a bit of punch.

So, the next time you have leftover cranberry sauce, you’ll know what to do with it. Then again, after trying these cranberry sauce wings you may find yourself creating leftovers on purpose.

Cranberry Sauce Wings

Prep time

10 mins

Cook time

45 mins

Total time

55 mins

Perfect for the holidays, but actually great any time of the year.

Author: Gary Glen

Recipe type: Appetizer

Serves: About 14 wing sections

Go Get This Stuff

2 pounds chicken wings, cut into sections if desired
salt and pepper to taste
1-14 oz can cranberry sauce (about 1-1/2 cups)
1/2 cup ketchup
1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
1/4 cup orange juice
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon onion powder
1/4 teaspoon chipotle chili pepper
green onions, chopped for garnish (optional)

Then Do This

Place the oven's rack in the center and preheat to 400°F (204°C).
Lightly season wings with salt and pepper
Prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper or aluminum foil, lightly greased with cooking spray. Place wings on the prepared baking sheet, keeping each wing from touching one another. Do not crowd.
Bake wings for 20 minutes. Remove and flip wings over. Return to the oven and continue to cook for another 20 minutes. Wings are done when cooked through and golden brown or an instant-read meat thermometer registers 165°F (74°C).
While the wings are cooking, combine all sauce ingredients in a medium saucepan. Heat over medium heat while stirring. Continue to cook until sauce reaches an even consistency and is well blended.
Remove wings from oven and brush with sauce. Return to oven for 5 minutes.
After 5 minutes, remove and brush again with sauce.
Garnish with chopped green onion, if desired and serve.

Notes

Want the wings hot and spicy? Dust wings with cayenne pepper prior to cooking. Also add some to the sauce.

These cranberry wings have you on your way. Add a couple of these for a full-fledged wing ding!

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