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These Strawberry Balsamic Baked Wings are baked, not fried and so easy. They're also outrageously delicious so be sure to make plenty!
Before I tell you about these Strawberry Balsamic Baked Wings, would you allow me to crow just a teeny bit?
I'm kind of proud of myself. If you're a long time follower of The Café, you might recall that I'm kind of a sports moron. To be honest, I've really never paid much attention to organized sports. Might be because my head's forever stuck in the kitchen or it might just be that the "athletic" lobe of my brain is missing. I'm not sure which, but nevertheless, it's an arena of life I tend to not pay much attention to.
I guess some of you (football fans) might frown on me, but before your opinion drops too low, I have some news that may redeem this old girl a bit. Are you ready? I've actually been thinking about the Super Bowl for weeks. Yes, weeks! Although in years gone by, I've often been out of touch regarding the big game, this year I actually looked up the date. Way back at the beginning of January. Have I gained any brownie points yet? Not many? Well, it gets better, way better!
I checked out the Super Bowl date because I wanted to create something wonderful for you - whether you're a sports fan or not. Why? Because even if you're like me, and not particularly super excited about sports, there's something wonderful about gathering together with family and/or friends for a festive occasion. And festive occasions always call for food, right? Great food!
Which brings me to the delicious point of this conversation; Strawberry Balsamic baked Wings. I've been working on the recipe for a few weeks in anticipation of the Super Bowl and... ta da! They're ready for you, in perfect time for the big game.
I thought wings had to be fried to be really good and the thought of fried wings didn't appeal to me. But I decided to experiment and see if I could come up with a really fun and delicious recipe for baked wings. There were lots of recipes online and I tried a couple but didn't have spectacular results, so I came up with my own version.
The flavor profile for these Baked Wings is an old friend. It comes from one of our earlier recipes, the first one that seemed to go viral, our Strawberry Balsamic Pizza with Chicken and Applewood Bacon.
It was in the early days when I thought the only people who read the blog were my family and a few friends. Then one day, this recipe went crazy, and it wasn't long before I was getting emails from people around the globe who were trying it and loving it. When they wrote, they always said something like, "It sounded like a strange combination of flavors at first... but we loved it!" It's still one of our favorite pizzas of all time.
These Strawberry Balsamic Baked Wings also call for strawberry jam combined with a splash of balsamic vinegar with the additional flavors of soy sauce and fresh ginger. It took a few trials but finally, my taste testers declared the glaze perfect! I had to play around a bit with the baking technique as I wanted a deep, flavorful, mahogany-hued glaze. In the end, I brined the wings for an hour, then baked them in a hot oven and applied the glaze several times near the end. I think you'll find the recipe simple and not too time-consuming. They're sweet, salty, spicy, sticky and succulent, all rolled in one!
Café Tips for making these Strawberry Balsamic Baked Wings
- In addition to being a super tasty little finger food, these baked wings are also great as a dinner entree. I've been serving them with jasmine rice and a salad or green veggie for a wonderful meal.
- Brining keeps the wings juicy and tender and adds seasoning all the way through. If you're in a big rush, however, just skip the brining process. The wings will still be very good.
- These baked wings are sticky, so don't skip the parchment paper. I love these pre-cut sheets of parchment paper. They aren't expensive and a box will last forever. They come in a nice flat container for easy storage.
- Look for the reddest, prettiest jam you can find. Don't use a jam that's main ingredient is strawberry juice. You want the real deal! I like to use homemade strawberry freezer jam or Bonne Maman.
Oh, by the way, you can pretend you don't know me but... who is it that's playing in the Super Bowl??
Just teasing, this is the one year I do know. I'm a Carolina girl, after all!
- For the brine:
- 1 ½ quart cool water
- 4 tablespoons kosher salt
- 2 tablespoon granulated sugar
- For the chicken:
- 3 pounds uncooked chicken wings
- freshly ground black pepper
- For the glaze:
- 1 ¼ cup strawberry jam*
- ¼ cup balsamic vinegar
- 3 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
- 3 medium garlic cloves finely minced
- 1 tablespoon finely minced fresh ginger or ginger paste
- 2 teaspoons Sriacha sauce**
- For garnishing:
- sesame seeds for garnish
- finely chopped fresh cilantro or parsley
-
To prepare the brine, combine the water, kosher salt and sugar in a large bowl. Stir for 30 seconds to 1 minute till salt and sugar are completely dissolved. Add chicken wings, cover and refrigerate for 1-2 hours.
-
While wings are brining, prepare the sauce. Combine all sauce ingredients in a medium size pan. Bring to a boil and then reduce to a very low, but constant simmer. Simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, then set aside to cool.
-
Line one sheet pan with several thicknesses of paper towels and another with parchment paper. Preheat oven to 425.
-
Drain chicken well, then spread out on the paper towel-lined sheet pan. Pat dry with more paper towels. Allow to sit on paper towels for another 10 minutes, then discard paper towels and transfer wings to the parchment paper lined pan. (You want the wings as dry as possible.)
-
Spread wing pieces out on the parchment lined sheet pan so that pieces are not touching. Sprinkle liberally with freshly ground black pepper. Bake for 15 minutes then flip with a tongs to opposite side and bake another 15 minutes.
-
Remove wings from the oven and increase oven temperature to 475˚F.
-
Transfer 5 tablespoons of the sauce to a large bowl. Transfer wings to bowl and toss to coat. Discard parchment paper and any accumulated grease.
-
Line a sheet pan with foil (for easy clean up) and set a wire cooling rack in the pan (or on top of pan). Spray wire rack liberally with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
-
Bake for 5 minutes, then remove from oven and brush ribs liberally with sauce. Return to oven for another 5 minutes then repeat brushing with sauce. If wings are not deeply mahogany-hued, repeat brushing with glaze and 5 minutes in the oven one more time.
-
Sprinkle with sesame seeds. Allow to cool for about 5 minutes, then sprinkle with finely chopped cilantro or parsley. Serve and enjoy!
** Sriracha is a delicious Asian hot sauce that is readily available in most larger grocery stores.
Raven says
Hi I'm thinking about making these but is it possible to use a slow cook?
Chris Scheuer says
Hi Raven! They wouldn't end up being as crisp, so I don't think I'd try it.
Wendy says
I am right there with you in the oblivious to professional sports department, but everyone in my family is CRAZY about sports. ALL YEAR! At least for the Super Bowl there is good food. 🙂 This glaze looks so delicious and the flavors sound wonderful. I am not a huge wings fan (the bones?), so I plan on using your well researched and carefully tested glaze on boneless breasts instead... also on some baked tofu for my veggie daughter. 🙂
Sandra says
I always love the food more than the games so don't feel alone. We've been on a wing kick around here lately and I'm adding this to the roster!
Debra Eliotseats says
Great way to utilize jam. I love the pairing of balsamic and strawberries. Great SB50 food, Chris.
TheKitchenLioness says
Dear Chris, what a wonderful recipe - I love the ingrediensts in the glaze, the brining sounds like a very smart step and the final dish looks extarordinarily delicious - I would love to make them for the kids and serve them with some lovely rice and some Asian-style slaw on the side! Super Bowl or not...
Thank you for posting another fabulous recipe!
Andrea
Mary Hirsch says
This week has been about Wings, here, there and everywhere. But, I must tell you, after looking at more Wings' recipes than I ever wanted to, yours win. No contest. Touchdown. Extra point. And, bonus point. You're right, even with the brining feature, it's still a simple recipe. Costco, here I come. I have become less and less a football fan for all kinds of reasons, most especially since seeing Will Smith in "Concussion." Science trumps the NFL and football is not good for the brain. Keep your brain in the kitchen, Chris, where you are doing wonderful things.
Beverley says
Chris I'm so glad you took your time to get it right, they look delicious and succulent. I'm a sports moron too but I do enjoy the food served on game days 🙂 Love your photographs as always xoxo
Abbe @ This is How I Cook says
I have to admit that I am not a wing person-nor am I a football person. I do however know a great glaze when I see one and I can't wait to try this on the "bigger" pieces of chicken!
Sandra Kohn says
A medical condition prevents me from using anything hot or spicy. Can these me made without the Sriracha or can you suggest an alternative?
Chris Scheuer says
Hi Sandra,
These would still be wonderful without the Srirachac. It adds another layer of flavor but you don’t have to have it. Hope you enjoy them!
Jennifer @ Seasons and Suppers says
These wings look so delicious and I am so intrigued by the flavours. I have to try these very soon 🙂
Sarah Pieters says
Lol. I am the same way. But I also have learned more than I want to know through osmosis!. I am trying these for Sunday!
Shashi at RunninSrilankan says
I am ALL about Superbowl food - Chris, sshhh, but I don't even know who's playing ...so sad eh?! 🙂
But I do know I will LOVE these strawberry jam - balsamic vinegar - soy sauce - ginger wings! Finger licking good indeed!
cheri says
Hi Chris, these look finger lickin good, yum. Sounds like a very tasty combination. I only watch the super bowl for the commercials, sometimes they are the best..
Susan says
I am very proud of you 🙂 What fabulous looking wings! I haven't made chicken wings in ions and can't wait to try this recipe. Lip smackin', finger lickin' delicious!
melinda says
I found your blog earlier this week when trying to find recipe for Zoe's dressing. So glad I did. This recipe looks wonderful I'm trying to eat more Greek / Mediterranean foods. This recipe seems like it may be a good choice although concerned about the jam. Regardless - this is on menu for Sunday (GO PANTHERS).
On another note - I'm looking for a recipe that is similar to Zoe's Kitchen.
Love...love...love this blog!
Chris Scheuer says
Yes Melinda, there is a little jam, but sometimes it's fine to splurge a little - it really adds a wonderful layer to the flavor of the wings! I'm not sure which Zoe's Kitchen recipe you're talking about - are you talking about the salad itself?
Christiane ~ Taking On Magazines says
Boy, you better know who's playing in the Super Bowl this year. Much as I like the Panthers, I have to admit that I'll be rooting for the Broncos on Sunday. I'm a huge Peyton Manning fan and would love to see him with another ring before he retires.
Anyhoo, the wings look spectacular. I love the combination of strawberry and ginger so this definitely peaked my interest. I might just have to add a batch to our Super Bowl menu.
Tricia @ Saving room for dessert says
Sticky deliciousness!!! These sound wonderful Chris - what a fun, mouthwatering recipe! Have a great game 🙂 Go Broncos!
vetta says
Ordered the jam, will be here Saturday! Now to go to Costco, can't wait to make these. My husband loves wings. Thank you for all your recipes., You are the best cook on the blogs!!
Vicki Bensinger says
Chris these sound fantastic and looks so tasty and moist. I use to watch football when I was younger but not so much anymore. My son is out in SF right now - I rely on him to keep me up to date. These will be ideal for game day!
Chris Scheuer says
Thanks Vicki! Coming from Wisconsin (Green Bay Packers) you''d think I'd have more football in my bones - oh well!
sue|theviewfromgreatisland says
My athletic lobe is missing, too, but my strawberry glazed wing lobe is working just fine!!
Chris Scheuer says
Ha ha, Sue! I knew we were kindred spirits! We even have the same missing part of our brains!
Liz says
You are so cute, Chris. You and I would be in the kitchen gabbing during the game 🙂 I've learned too much about sports through osmosis---even Katie is football crazy. Your wings look amazing---perfectly cooked and not greasy! Yup, I'd make this my dinner, too.
Chris Scheuer says
Thanks Liz! It's funny that neither Scott or I pay much attention to football, or basketball, for that matter!
Amy@Frugale.org says
I love the color, ti spells goodness!
Chris Scheuer says
Thanks Amy!
Barb Bowen says
Looks tasty. Do you think I could do it with thighs?? Hope so...Barb
Chris Scheuer says
It probably should work Barb. For crispiness, I'd probably leave the skin on. And, of course, the baking time would probably be a little longer.
linda r (phila burbs) says
just so you know - I have no idea who is playing in the superbowl. wouldn't mean anything to me if I did know. however I did print out this recipe. it looks delicious and can't wait to try it. blessings.
Chris Scheuer says
Hope you enjoyed them Linda! For Panther fans, the Super Bowl was a bust anyway! There's always next year!
Angie@Angie's Recipes says
wow I want those wings!!! They look incredibly mouthwatering.
Chris Scheuer says
They are so tasty Angie, and we rarely eat wings or drumsticks! - not any more!