Craving chicken wings that are both sweet and spicy? These cranberry sweet hot wings are the ultimate choice for your next gathering, whether it’s a tailgate party, potluck, or casual game night. With a perfect balance of tangy cranberry, zesty Dijon mustard, and just the right amount of heat, these wings are bound to be a hit. They’re juicy, tender, and guaranteed to leave everyone reaching for more. Plus, they’re easy to make, and once you try them, you’ll wonder why you haven’t made them sooner!
The beauty of these wings is in the sauce: the jellied cranberry and honey create a flavorful base, while a touch of hot sauce adds a satisfying kick. For an extra spicy twist, feel free to throw in some chopped jalapeños. Let’s dive into how to make these delicious wings!
Ingredients for Cranberry Sweet Hot Wings
- 3-4 lb chicken wings (1.4-1.8 kg)
- 1 can jellied cranberry sauce (14 oz) (400 grams)
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard (15 grams)
- 1/2 cup orange juice (not fresh squeezed) (120 milliliters)
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce (30 milliliters)
- 2 tablespoons honey (42 grams)
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder (6 grams)
- 1 clove garlic, grated or chopped (1 clove)
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar (12 grams)
- 1 teaspoon dried onion (3 grams)
- 4-10 tablespoons mild to medium hot sauce (60-150 milliliters) (I recommend Texas Pete’s Buffalo sauce. If using
- Frank’s hot sauce, taste after each tablespoon, as it can be stronger.)
- Chopped jalapeno pepper, optional (1-2 peppers)
Step-by-Step Instructions for Cranberry Sweet Hot Wings
- Set Up the Slow Cooker and Preheat Broiler: Set your slow cooker to high heat. Preheat the broiler in the oven to high.
- Prepare the Chicken Wings: Trim the tips off the chicken wings and discard them. Cut each wing into two pieces at the joint. Set aside.
- Prepare the Sauce in the Slow Cooker: Add the jellied cranberry sauce to the slow cooker and mash it up until it’s very smooth. Add the remaining ingredients, except for the chicken wings. Stir everything to combine.
- Broil the Chicken Wings: Line a baking sheet with foil. Arrange the chicken wings on the sheet and broil for 15-20 minutes, turning every 5-10 minutes until browned nicely. This step helps remove some of the grease as well.
- Transfer Wings to Slow Cooker: Once the wings are browned, transfer them to the slow cooker and toss them in the sauce. Cover and cook on high for 1-2 hours or on low for 2 hours. Stir once during cooking, but be careful not to stir too much, as the wings might fall apart.
- Finish the Wings Under the Broiler: After cooking, remove the wings from the slow cooker and place them back on the baking sheet. Pour some of the sauce from the slow cooker over the wings, then place them under the broiler to brown and set the sauce. Discard any remaining sauce or save it for dipping. Keep the wings warm in the slow cooker (uncovered) until serving.
These cranberry sweet hot wings are sure to become your new favorite go-to recipe for any gathering. The unique combination of cranberry, honey, and hot sauce creates a flavor profile that’s both sweet and savory with just the right amount of heat. Whether you serve them as an appetizer or as part of a larger meal, these wings will be a crowd-pleaser every time. Don’t forget the napkins—things are about to get deliciously messy!
