Fiery Jalapeno Chicken Wings

Name: Fiery Jalapeno Chicken Wings
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 2 lbs chicken wings; 3 jalapenos, minced; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon onion powder; 1 teaspoon smoked paprika; Salt and pepper to taste; 1/2 cup hot sauce; 1 tablespoon honey

Highlighted under: Easy Home Recipes

I absolutely love these Fiery Jalapeno Chicken Wings because they combine heat and flavor in the most delightful way. The moment I tried making them at home, I knew I had stumbled upon a winning recipe. The flavor from the jalapenos makes them incredibly tasty, while the cooking method ensures they come out perfectly crispy. Whether for game day or a casual gathering, these wings have become a staple in my kitchen and are always a hit with family and friends. Let’s dive into the spicy goodness!

Created by

Emily

Last updated on 2026-01-16T13:56:28.359Z

When I first made these wings, I was surprised by how simple they were to prepare yet how complex the flavors turned out to be. The jalapenos add a nice kick, but what really makes them special is the balance of spices I added to the marinade. I recommend using fresh jalapenos for an extra burst of flavor!

Additionally, cooking them in the oven rather than frying provides a healthier option without sacrificing crispiness. Make sure to turn them halfway through cooking for an even golden color. Trust me, these wings will have everyone asking for your secret!

        Why You'll Love These Wings
        Boldly spicy flavor with a hint of smokiness
Crispy skin that perfectly balances the juicy meat
Great for sharing at parties or family dinners

      

The Perfect Balance of Heat

The unique combination of jalapenos and a robust hot sauce provides these wings with a boldly spicy flavor profile. It's important to consider the heat level you desire; using fresh jalapenos will bring a vibrant kick, while roasting them first can add a mellow, smoky depth. If your palate prefers milder flavors, feel free to remove the seeds and membranes from the jalapenos, as this is where most of the heat resides.

Hot sauce serves as the base of the glaze, and I recommend choosing one that complements the smokiness of the paprika without overpowering the chicken. The honey plays a crucial role, as it not only sweetens the sauce but also helps to caramelize the wings during baking, leading to crispy edges and a glossy finish. Adjusting the honey to hot sauce ratio allows for a customizable heat level.

Achieving the Ultimate Crispiness

To ensure your chicken wings achieve that crave-worthy crispy skin, it’s essential to space them out on the baking sheet. This allows hot air to circulate freely around each wing. I often place them skin-side up and avoid crowding, which can lead to steaming rather than roasting. In fact, for the crispiest result, lining the baking sheet with parchment paper also helps to absorb excess grease and promotes even browning.

Flipping the wings halfway through baking not only ensures even cooking but also helps attain that desirable golden color. Keep an eye on them in the last few minutes; they should be a deep golden brown before you take them out. For an even crispier texture, you can briefly broil them at the end, watching closely to avoid burning.

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients to prepare these delicious wings.

Ingredients

2 lbs chicken wings
3 jalapenos, minced
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
Salt and pepper to taste
1/2 cup hot sauce
1 tablespoon honey

Now that you have all your ingredients, let’s move on to the cooking steps!

Instructions

Follow these steps to create your Fiery Jalapeno Chicken Wings.

Prepare the Wings

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). In a mixing bowl, toss the chicken wings with olive oil, minced jalapenos, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper until well-coated.

Bake the Wings

Spread the seasoned wings on a baking sheet in a single layer. Bake for 35-40 minutes, flipping them halfway through to ensure even cooking and crispiness.

Make the Sauce

While the wings are baking, combine hot sauce and honey in a small saucepan. Heat over low until warmed through, stirring to combine.

Coat the Wings

Once the wings are done, remove them from the oven and toss them in the sauce until well-coated. You can add more sauce to taste, depending on how spicy you like them.

Serve

Serve the wings hot, garnished with extra jalapeno slices if desired. Enjoy your fiery treat!

Now that your wings are ready, gather your friends and enjoy!

Pro Tips

For an extra crunchy texture, broil the wings for the last 5 minutes of cooking. This will give them an irresistible crispy layer that everyone will love!

Storage and Reheating Tips

If you find yourself with leftover wings, storing them properly is key to maintaining their deliciousness. Allow the wings to cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container. They can be refrigerated for up to 3-4 days. Reheating in the oven rather than the microwave is ideal to retain their crispiness—just spread them out on a baking sheet and heat at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.

For those looking to meal prep, these wings can be frozen after baking. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet until frozen, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. When ready to enjoy, bake directly from the freezer, adding an extra 10 minutes to the cooking time. This method ensures they remain tender inside while developing that nice crispy exterior.

Serving Suggestions and Variations

These fiery jalapeno chicken wings are perfect for game day, but they can also shine as part of a larger spread. Consider serving them alongside cooling dips such as ranch or blue cheese to balance the heat. To elevate the experience, I like to garnish with additional minced jalapenos or fresh cilantro, adding an extra pop of flavor and color to your presentation.

For a different twist, try marinating the wings in the hot sauce mixture for several hours, or even overnight, for a more intense flavor infusion. You can also experiment with different hot sauces, such as a tangy Sriracha or a smokier chipotle version, to vary the flavor profile to your liking. Veggie sticks or a refreshing slaw can also complement these spicy wings, offering a satisfying crunch.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen chicken wings?

Yes, just make sure to defrost them thoroughly before seasoning and cooking.

→ What if I don't like it too spicy?

You can reduce the amount of jalapenos and hot sauce to suit your taste.

→ Can these wings be made ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can bake them ahead of time and then toss them in the sauce just before serving.

→ What should I serve with the wings?

They pair well with celery sticks, carrots, and a creamy dipping sauce like ranch or blue cheese.