🍍🔥 Sweet Heat Chicken Wings
There’s nothing quite like a plate of crispy, saucy chicken wings. These start with a soak in Tommy Pickles Sweet Heat Pickle brine, then get baked until golden and crispy before being tossed in a buttery sweet-and-spicy glaze. The pineapple brings the sweetness, the jalapeño brings the kick, and the pickle brine adds that tangy flavor that makes every bite better.
🛒 Ingredients
For the Wings
- 2 lbs chicken wings
- 1 cup Tommy Pickles Sweet Heat Pickle brine
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tbsp baking powder
For the Sweet Heat Glaze
- 4 tbsp butter, melted
- 2 tbsp finely chopped Tommy Pickles Sweet Heat Pickles
- 2 tbsp Tommy Pickles Sweet Heat Pickle brine
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tbsp finely chopped fresh jalapeño (optional)
For Serving
- Tommy Pickles Sweet Heat Pickles sliced
- Fresh jalapeño slices (optional)
- Fresh cilantro (optional)
- Ranch or blue cheese dressing
🧑 Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Brine the Wings (2+ hours)
- Place the chicken wings in a large bowl or resealable bag.
- Pour Tommy Pickles Sweet Heat pickle brine over the wings, making sure they are well coated.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or overnight for even more flavor.
Step 2: Prep for Baking (10 Minutes)
- Preheat the oven to 425°F.
- Drain the wings and pat them dry with very dry paper towels. This helps get that crispy skin.
- Toss the wings with olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, black pepper, salt, and baking powder.
Step 3: Bake it Up (40-45 Minutes)
- Arrange the wings in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet or wire rack.
- Bake for 40-45 minutes, flipping them halfway through. Cook until the wings are golden brown and crispy.
Step 4: Make the Glaze (5 Minutes)
- Combine the melted butter, chopped Sweet Heat pickles, Sweet Heat pickle brine, honey, garlic powder, and smoked paprika.
- Add finely chopped fresh jalapeño, if you want to turn up the heat.
- Stir until everything is well combined.
Step 5: Toss & Serve (5 Minutes)
- Once the wings are crispy, transfer them to a large bowl.
- Pour the Sweet Heat glaze over the wings and toss until evenly coated.
- Top with sliced Sweet Heat Pickles and fresh jalapeño or cilantro (if desired).
- Serve hot, with ranch or blue cheese for dipping.
🔥 The Secret's in the Sweet Heat
Wings love a little contrast. Sweet Heat Pickles bring the sweet, the spice, and the tang, while crispy chicken brings the crunch. Everybody wins.
⏱ Time Breakdown
- Brine: 2+ hours
- Prep: 15 minutes
- Cook: 40-45 minutes
- Total: 3 hours
🥒 Make It With Tommy Pickles
Bring on the wings. Bring on the Sweet Heat.