There’s something undeniably tantalizing about the first bite of a juicy chicken wing, especially when it’s coated in the sweet and tangy goodness of cranberry sauce. I first tried these Cranberry Chicken Wings during a cozy gathering with friends, and the flavors had us all coming back for seconds (and thirds). The delightful combination of ginger, soy sauce, and a hint of heat from red pepper flakes creates a unique and memorable taste that’s anything but ordinary.
These wings are the perfect antidote to the monotonous fast food routine. With just a handful of simple ingredients, you can whip up a crowd-pleasing dish that will impress family and friends alike. Plus, the ease of marinating ahead of time means you can kick back and relax or catch up on your favorite shows while the oven does the work.
Ready to elevate your game night or holiday feast? Let me guide you through this quick and flavorful recipe that brings together the spirit of homemade comfort and the excitement of bold flavors!
Why Are Cranberry Chicken Wings a Must-Try?
Irresistible tastiness: The sweet and tangy cranberry sauce paired with savory ginger and soy sauce creates an explosion of flavors that will have everyone asking for more.
Quick prep time: With just 5 minutes of active prep, you can set these wings on their way to becoming a family favorite.
Marinating magic: Letting the wings soak in the marinade ensures a depth of flavor that fast food simply can’t match.
Perfect for gatherings: These wings are the ultimate crowd-pleaser, making them ideal for game nights or holiday feasts.
Easy to make: With straightforward steps and minimal fuss, you’ll be enjoying these delicious wings in no time — perfect for any skill level!
Say goodbye to boring meals and hello to a fun and flavorful feast!
Cranberry Chicken Wings Ingredients
Get ready to impress your guests with these flavorful wings!
For the Marinade
• 14 ounces canned jellied cranberry sauce – This sweet and tangy base is what makes our Cranberry Chicken Wings shine!
• 2 tablespoons Ginger Paste or grated fresh ginger – Adds a warm, spicy undertone that balances the sweetness.
• ¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce – Provides a savory depth without overpowering the other flavors.
• 3 tablespoons dark brown sugar – Enhances the caramelization on the wings, giving them a beautiful, sticky glaze.
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard – Brings a subtle sharpness that rounds out the richness of the sauce.
• ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes – Just the right amount to give your wings a delightful kick.
• 3 tablespoons cider vinegar – A touch of acidity to brighten the flavors.
• ½ teaspoon kosher salt – Essential for enhancing the overall taste.
• ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper – Adds a hint of warmth and complexity.
• Zest and juice from 1 large orange – Imparts a refreshing citrus note that complements the cranberry beautifully.
• Juice from 1 medium lime (divided) – This extra citrus punch helps balance the sweetness with a tangy finish.
Prepare to savor each bite of these spectacular wings!
How to Make Cranberry Chicken Wings
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Prepare the wings: Place the chicken wings in a zipper-style plastic bag. This will make marinating a breeze while keeping your hands clean!
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Mix the marinade: In a large bowl, whisk together all the marinade ingredients, but be sure to reserve half of the lime juice for later. Pour half of this delicious sauce over the wings, seal the bag, and let them chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour, flipping the bag every 30 minutes if you can.
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Set the sauce aside: Pour the remaining marinade into a medium saucepan, cover it, and set aside. This will become your incredible glaze later!
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Preheat the oven: After the wings have marinated, crank up the oven to 400°F. Position the oven racks in the middle-lower and middle-upper spots while you prep your baking sheets. Line two large, rimmed baking sheets with foil and spray them with nonstick cooking spray.
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Arrange the wings: Using tongs, carefully transfer half of the marinated wings to each baking sheet, making sure they’re spaced at least 1-inch apart. Discard any leftover marinade in the plastic bag.
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Bake the wings: Pop the wings in the oven and bake for 20 minutes. Remember to rotate the baking sheets—move the top one to the bottom and vice versa—after the first 20 minutes. Bake for another 20 minutes until they are beautifully golden.
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Thicken the sauce: While the wings bake, bring the reserved marinade/sauce to a boil in the saucepan over medium-high heat. Stir often, then reduce the heat to low and simmer until it thickens. Remove it from heat when it reaches your desired consistency.
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Baste the wings: Once the chicken is perfectly cooked through, turn off the oven and remove the wings. Brush them with the extra sauce, keeping the serving sauce separate. Return the basted wings to the oven for another 5-10 minutes, allowing that flavor to soak in!
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Drizzle and serve: Serve the wings drizzled with the remaining half of the lime juice alongside the reduced cranberry sauce for an extra burst of flavor.
Optional: Garnish with fresh herbs for added color and flavor.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Make Ahead Options
These Cranberry Chicken Wings are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts who want to save time during busy weeknights! You can marinate the wings up to 24 hours in advance, letting those flavors deepen for a truly robust taste. Simply follow steps 1 and 2 of the recipe, then refrigerate the marinated wings in a sealed bag. Additionally, you can prepare the sauce and refrigerate it for up to 3 days. When it’s time to serve, simply bake the wings as directed and warm the reserved sauce for basting. This make-ahead approach ensures your wings are just as delicious, allowing you to enjoy more time with family and friends!
What to Serve with Cranberry Chicken Wings?
Elevate your meal experience by pairing these wings with sides that perfectly complement their sweet and tangy flavors.
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Creamy Coleslaw: A crunchy and refreshing slaw adds a delightful contrast to the rich, sticky wings, making each bite a balanced experience.
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Garlic Breadsticks: Their warm, buttery goodness provides a comforting side, perfect for soaking up any leftover sauce on your plate.
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Crispy Brussels Sprouts: Roasted with a hint of balsamic, these sprouts add a nutty flavor and textural crunch that harmonizes beautifully with the wings.
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Spicy Sweet Potato Fries: Their sweet and spicy profile pairs wonderfully with the cranberry glaze, creating an addictive sweet-savory combo.
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Fresh Garden Salad: Light and zesty, a mixed greens salad topped with citrus vinaigrette offers a refreshing contrast, cleansing the palate between wings.
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Peach Iced Tea: A chilled tea with fruity notes serves as a beautiful drink pairing, balancing the savory elements of the wings with its sweetness.
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Chocolate Chip Cookies: End the meal on a sweet note! Soft, warm cookies are a perfect finish to round out the flavors from dinner.
With these sides, your Cranberry Chicken Wings will shine at any gathering and create an unforgettable feast!
Expert Tips for Cranberry Chicken Wings
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Marinate Longer: If time allows, marinate the wings for up to 4 hours. The longer they marinate, the more flavor they’ll absorb!
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Avoid Soggy Skin: Ensure there’s space between the wings on the baking sheets; this helps them crisp up instead of steaming.
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Thicken Carefully: Stir the sauce often while it simmers. Keeping an eye on it will help prevent burning and ensure the perfect thickness for basting.
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Basting Trick: Brush the wings with the sauce during the last minutes of baking to create a sticky glaze—this step elevates the flavor!
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Zesty Finish: Don’t skip the fresh lime juice drizzle before serving, as it brightens the dish and contrasts beautifully with the sweet cranberry sauce.
These tips will ensure your Cranberry Chicken Wings come out perfectly every time—enjoy the cooking adventure!
How to Store and Freeze Cranberry Chicken Wings
Fridge: Store leftover wings in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Layer with parchment paper between the wings to keep them crispy.
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze wings in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 4 months.
Reheating: Thaw wings overnight in the fridge. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 15-20 minutes to regain their crispy texture and warmth.
Marinade storage: You can prepare extra marinade to use as a sauce, storing it in the fridge for up to a week before serving with the reheated wings.
Cranberry Chicken Wings Variations
Feel free to get creative and make these wings your own with these exciting twists!
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Spicy Garlic: Add minced garlic to the marinade for a delightful depth and aromatic flair. The heat level rises, enhancing the wings’ flavor.
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Citrus Burst: Substitute lime juice with lemon juice for a different citrus tang. It brightens the dish and offers a refreshing contrast to the sweetness.
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Honey Glaze: Replace dark brown sugar with honey in the marinade for a deeper, caramelized sweetness that pairs perfectly with the tart cranberries.
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Herb Infusion: Toss in fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme for an earthy aroma and flavor. It elevates the dish, bringing a garden-fresh taste to your wings.
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Smoke & Spice: Use smoked paprika in place of crushed red pepper to add a smoky flavor alongside the spice, creating a new dimension of taste.
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Maple Twist: Swap out brown sugar for maple syrup for a sweet, rich twist that enhances the glaze beautifully. This gives an unexpected yet delightful sweetness!
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Sesame Soy: Incorporate toasted sesame oil into the marinade for a nutty complexity. Top with sesame seeds after baking for added crunch and flavor.
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Cranberry Jalapeño: Add finely chopped jalapeños to the marinade for a spicy kick that balances with the sweet cranberry sauce, perfect for heat lovers!
Cranberry Chicken Wings Recipe FAQs
How do I know when my chicken wings are ripe and fresh?
Absolutely! Look for wings that are plump and have a pinkish hue. Avoid any that appear grey or have dark spots all over, which indicate spoilage. Fresh wings should feel cold and have minimal odor.
What’s the best way to store leftover Cranberry Chicken Wings?
You can store leftover wings in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the fridge. To keep them crispy, layer parchment paper between the wings. Make sure they cool completely before sealing.
Can I freeze my leftover wings?
Very! To freeze your wings, arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet and place them in the freezer for about an hour. Once they are frozen, you can transfer them to a freezer bag for up to 4 months. This prevents them from sticking together, making it easy to grab just what you need!
What should I do if my wings aren’t crispy?
If your wings turn out soggy, it might be due to overcrowding on the baking sheet. Ensure there’s at least 1-inch of space between each wing. You can also try baking them longer or at a higher temperature for the last few minutes to help them crisp up. A broiler can help too—just keep a close eye on them!
Are these wings safe for pets or those with allergies?
While Cranberry Chicken Wings offer delightful flavors for humans, they contain ingredients such as soy sauce and garlic that can be harmful to dogs. If you have allergies, be cautious with the marinade’s components, particularly if gluten or specific additives are a concern. It’s always best to consult with a healthcare provider regarding dietary restrictions.
How do I reheat frozen wings effectively?
To enjoy your frozen wings, thaw them overnight in the fridge. Then, reheat them in the oven at 350°F for 15-20 minutes until heated through and crispy. This method ensures they regain their delicious texture while being warmed thoroughly without drying out!
Irresistible Cranberry Chicken Wings for Your Next Feast
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Prepare the wings: Place the chicken wings in a zipper-style plastic bag.
- Mix the marinade: In a large bowl, whisk together all the marinade ingredients, reserving half of the lime juice. Pour half over the wings, seal the bag, and let chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour.
- Set the sauce aside: Pour the remaining marinade into a medium saucepan and set aside.
- Preheat the oven: Crank the oven to 400°F and prep your baking sheets.
- Arrange the wings: Transfer half of the marinated wings to each baking sheet, spaced at least 1-inch apart.
- Bake the wings: Bake for 20 minutes, rotating baking sheets after the first 20 minutes. Bake for another 20 minutes.
- Thicken the sauce: Bring the reserved marinade/sauce to a boil, then simmer until thickened.
- Baste the wings: Once cooked through, brush the wings with the extra sauce and return to the oven for an additional 5-10 minutes.
- Drizzle and serve: Serve the wings drizzled with remaining lime juice and reduced cranberry sauce.