If you’re on the hunt for a show-stopping appetizer that perfectly balances smoky, sweet, and savory flavors, look no further than these Maple Glazed Chicken Wings. This recipe takes humble chicken wings and transforms them with a luscious caramelized coating, a hint of spice, and an irresistible aroma that will have everyone gathering around the table in anticipation. Whether you’re planning a game-day feast, a casual get-together, or simply craving something comforting and crave-worthy, Maple Glazed Chicken Wings are sure to hit the spot and ignite smiles all around.

Maple Glazed Chicken Wings Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in these Maple Glazed Chicken Wings plays a special part in creating bold, unforgettable flavors and that signature sticky finish. Don’t be surprised if you already have most of these simple, essential elements in your kitchen.

Chicken Wings: About 2 pounds is the sweet spot for feeding a crowd, producing juicy meat with crisped-up skin ready to soak up the glaze.
Pure Maple Syrup: Use a generous 12 ounces; it’s the heart of the glaze and brings an unbeatable depth of sweetness and amber richness.
Granulated Garlic: Two tablespoons add a warm, savory backbone that keeps the sweetness in check and layers the flavor.
Coarse Ground Black Pepper: A full tablespoon ensures every bite has a subtle kick; freshly ground is always best!
Smoked Paprika: Just one tablespoon adds hints of smoke and rich color, playing perfectly with the grill’s own smokiness.
Kosher Salt: Two teaspoons highlights all the other flavors, rounding out both sweet and savory notes.
Ground Rosemary: With one teaspoon, you weave in an aromatic, woodsy note that distinguishes these wings from any ordinary batch.

How to Make Maple Glazed Chicken Wings

Step 1: Prepare the Maple Glaze

Start by making the delicious foundation of this recipe: the glaze. In a medium saucepan, combine pure maple syrup, granulated garlic, black pepper, smoked paprika, kosher salt, and ground rosemary. Whisk everything together thoroughly, and you’ll quickly see and smell those seasonings mingling into syrupy perfection.

Step 2: Cook the Glaze

Set the saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a careful boil. Let it bubble for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. You’re looking for a slightly thickened glaze, ready to cling to the chicken. Remove from the heat and let the magic rest until you’re ready to slather it all over your wings.

Step 3: Prepare the Grill

Light your grill and set it up for indirect heat at about 350°F. Toss in some pecan or hickory wood for that incredible smoky aroma. This is key: the gentle smoke and steady heat are what give these Maple Glazed Chicken Wings their finger-licking finish.

Step 4: Prep the Wings

If your wings are frozen, thaw them completely and pat them extra dry with paper towels. This step is important for ensuring the skin gets as crispy as possible while grilling, which makes the glaze stick beautifully later on.

Step 5: First Grill

Arrange the chicken wings over indirect heat on the grill, close the lid, and let them cook for about 20 minutes. This gives them plenty of time to pick up smoke and start cooking through without burning. Peek in once or twice to admire the color!

Step 6: Glaze the Wings

Pour about 1 cup of the maple glaze into a large bowl. Remove the wings from the grill and drop them right into the sauce, tossing vigorously until every wing is beautifully coated. This step is pure joy as the aroma makes you want to sneak a taste.

Step 7: Final Grill and Caramelization

Return the glazed wings to the grill, close the lid, and let them cook for another 10 minutes or so. The glaze will caramelize and bubble, giving the Maple Glazed Chicken Wings that signature sticky, savory finish. Make sure they reach an internal temperature of 165°F before you pull them off.

Step 8: Serve and Enjoy

Once the wings are done, get them off the grill and pile them high on a platter. They’re absolutely fantastic hot, but also perfectly tasty at room temperature—ideal for casual parties or snacky evenings.

How to Serve Maple Glazed Chicken Wings

Garnishes

Top your Maple Glazed Chicken Wings with a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley or a few shards of crunchy sea salt for a burst of color and flavor. For extra heat, a dash of red pepper flakes or thinly sliced scallions will make them pop. These touches add contrast and a lovely finishing flourish.

Side Dishes

Balance out the sticky-sweet wings with tangy slaw, crisp celery sticks, or even a platter of pickled veggies. Creamy ranch or blue cheese dip is always welcome. A simple green salad or roasted potato wedges turns this appetizer into a satisfying meal everyone will love.

Creative Ways to Present

Fill a large tray or wooden board with your Maple Glazed Chicken Wings in the center and arrange bowls of dipping sauce, cut veggies, and fresh herbs around the edges. For parties, consider skewering each wing with a toothpick and displaying them upright for easy group snacking.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have extras, store the cooled Maple Glazed Chicken Wings in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. They’ll hold onto their flavor and can be easily reheated when those cravings strike again.

Freezing

Maple Glazed Chicken Wings freeze surprisingly well! Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. This method keeps each wing from sticking and locks in the glaze’s sweet and savory goodness for up to 3 months.

Reheating

To reheat, arrange wings on a baking tray and warm them in a 350°F oven for 10–12 minutes until hot and sticky again. If frozen, let them thaw in the fridge overnight first for best texture. A quick finish under the broiler can help rebuild that crave-worthy caramelization.

FAQs

Can I make Maple Glazed Chicken Wings in the oven instead of the grill?

Absolutely! Arrange the wings on a wire rack over a baking sheet and roast at 400°F until crisp. Brush with glaze, then broil for a few minutes to get that caramelized finish. You’ll still achieve delicious results without the grill.

What’s the best way to get crispy skin before glazing?

Patting the wings extremely dry before cooking is key. Cooking them over indirect high heat on the grill (or on a rack in the oven) also helps render fat and create a crisp surface—perfect for the sticky glaze to cling to.

Can I use other cuts of chicken?

While wings are classic, you can use drumsticks or even boneless thighs for this recipe. Just remember to adjust cooking times and check for doneness by temperature. The maple glaze will taste incredible on any cut!

Is it possible to make Maple Glazed Chicken Wings ahead of time?

You can prep the glaze up to a week in advance and store it in the fridge. Grill the wings just before serving, or grill them through the first cook, glaze, and finish with a final cook right before your guests arrive.

What’s the best substitute for maple syrup?

For authenticity, pure maple syrup is unmatched, but in a pinch, a combination of honey and a splash of molasses will replicate the flavor and stickiness. Just remember, nothing beats the deep, complex taste of real maple.

Final Thoughts

You absolutely need to try these Maple Glazed Chicken Wings—whether you’re a grilling enthusiast or a weeknight meal warrior, they’re guaranteed to make your table the place everyone wants to be. Fire up your grill (or oven), get that maple syrup ready, and treat yourself to wings that are sticky, smoky, and downright unforgettable!

Maple Glazed Chicken Wings Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 25 reviews

Author: Jack
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

These Maple Glazed Chicken Wings are a delicious twist on classic grilled wings. The sweet and savory maple glaze adds a rich flavor that perfectly complements the smoky chicken. Perfect for a backyard BBQ or game day snack!

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken Wings:

2 pounds chicken wings

Maple Glaze:

12 oz pure maple syrup
2 tablespoons granulated garlic
1 tablespoon coarse ground black pepper
1 tablespoon smoked paprika
2 teaspoons kosher salt
1 teaspoon ground rosemary

Instructions

Make the Maple Glaze: Combine maple syrup with garlic, pepper, smoked paprika, salt, and rosemary in a saucepan. Bring to a boil and cook for 5 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.
Prepare the Grill: Heat a grill to 350°F using pecan or hickory wood for smoke.
Cook the Wings: Thaw and pat dry the chicken wings. Cook over indirect heat on the grill with the lid closed for 20 minutes.
Coat with Glaze: Pour 1 cup of maple glaze into a bowl. Remove wings from grill, coat with glaze, and return to grill.
Finish Cooking: Continue to cook wings for 10 minutes or until internal temperature reaches 165°F.
Serve: Remove from grill and serve hot or at room temperature.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Appetizer
Method: Grilling
Cuisine: American