Kicked Up Hawaiian Chicken Wings Recipe

Introduction

Kicked Up Hawaiian Chicken Wings are a vibrant, flavorful twist on traditional chicken wing recipes, inspired by the tropical tastes of the Hawaiian islands. This dish combines the sweetness of pineapple and brown sugar with a spicy kick from crushed red pepper flakes and Emeril’s Essence seasoning, creating a perfect harmony of sweet, spicy, and savory flavors. The wings are marinated to enhance their juiciness and flavor depth, baked until crispy, and topped with a tangy, thickened Sweet and Sour Sauce that complements the natural richness of the chicken. Ideal for casual gatherings, weeknight dinners, or weekend brunches, these wings promise a memorable eating experience that transports your palate straight to the tropics. As part of the Love With Recipes platform, this recipe is crafted to deliver maximum flavor, detailed instructions, and useful tips to ensure your culinary success, no matter your skill level.

Time

• Preparation Time: 12 hours
• Cooking Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
• Total Time: 13 hours 30 minutes

Needed Equipment

• Large Dutch oven or stockpot
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Baking sheet with wire rack
• Oven preheated to 425°F (220°C)
• Saucepan for sauce preparation
• Kitchen tongs or slotted spoon
• Cutting board and sharp knife
• Grater or microplane (for ginger)
• Small saucepan for thickening sauce
• Optional: Food processor or blender for sauce blending
• Refrigerator for marinating

Tags

Chicken, Hawaiian, Spicy, Sweet, Baked, Appetizer, Party Food, Comfort Food, Family Dinner, Tropical Flavors, Gluten-Free (if gluten-free soy sauce used)

Serving Size

Serves approximately 4-6 people, with an estimated 4-6 wings per serving depending on appetite and accompanying side dishes.

Difficulty Level

Moderate. This recipe involves marinating, baking, and preparing a flavorful sauce, but all steps are straightforward with detailed guidance provided.

Allergen Information

• Contains soy (soy sauce)
• Contains gluten (if soy sauce includes gluten)
• Contains garlic and onion
• Contains pineapple (for those with fruit allergies or sensitivities)
• Potential cross-contamination risks depending on kitchen practices

Dietary Preference

Can be adapted for gluten-free diets by using gluten-free soy sauce. Vegetarian or vegan options are not applicable without substituting chicken wings with plant-based alternatives.

Course

Appetizer, Main Course, Snack

Cuisine

Hawaiian, Tropical, Asian Fusion, American

Ingredients

Instructions

1. Preparing the Chicken: Marination & Brining Process

The initial step in creating these flavorful Hawaiian chicken wings involves a thorough brining process designed to infuse the chicken with seasoning and ensure moisture retention during baking. Start by selecting a large Dutch oven or a sizable stockpot that can comfortably hold the chicken wings submerged in liquid. Fill the pot with cold water, ensuring there is enough volume to fully cover the wings without overfilling. Use high-quality, coarse kosher salt—its larger granules dissolve slowly and impart a clean, pure salinity, which is essential for flavor enhancement.

Add approximately 1/8 cup of kosher salt to the water, followed by a generous teaspoon or two of Emeril’s Essence seasoning. Emeril’s Essence is a versatile spice blend that includes paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, black pepper, thyme, oregano, and other aromatic herbs. If you don’t have Emeril’s Essence on hand, you can recreate it at home using the following ingredients:

• 2 1/2 tablespoons paprika
• 2 teaspoons garlic powder
• 2 teaspoons onion powder
• 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust for spice tolerance)
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon salt

Stir the mixture thoroughly with a whisk until all ingredients are evenly distributed. This creates a seasoned brine that will penetrate the chicken wings, infusing them with flavor and moisture.

Next, add the chicken wings into the brine, ensuring they are fully submerged. For best results, gently press them down or use a weight to keep them immersed. Cover the Dutch oven or seal the container with plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator. Let the wings marinate for at least 12 hours—overnight is ideal for maximum flavor absorption.

During this marination period, the salt and spice mixture penetrates the meat, tenderizing the skin and creating a flavorful base. This process is crucial for achieving tender, juicy wings with a well-developed taste profile.

2. Prepping for Baking: Draining & Optional Rinsing

After the marinating period, carefully remove the wings from the brine. Use tongs or a slotted spoon to lift them out, allowing excess brine to drip off. Rinse the wings briefly under cold water if you prefer a milder flavor or wish to remove excess salt—this step is optional and depends on your taste preference.

Place the wings on a wire rack set inside a baking sheet. This setup allows hot air to circulate around the wings, ensuring even baking and crispy skin. Pat the wings dry with paper towels to remove surface moisture, which is essential for achieving a golden, crispy exterior.

3. Baking the Wings: Achieving Crunch & Flavor

Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). This high temperature ensures the skin crisps up nicely while the interior remains tender and juicy. Arrange the wings on the prepared wire rack, spaced evenly to prevent sticking or steaming.

Bake the wings for approximately 45 minutes, flipping them halfway through to promote uniform browning. Keep an eye on the wings during the final minutes; they should be golden brown and crispy on the outside. The high heat facilitates Maillard reactions, creating a flavorful crust that enhances the overall eating experience.

4. Preparing the Sweet and Sour Sauce

While the wings are baking, focus on preparing the luscious Sweet and Sour Sauce. Drain the pineapple chunks, reserving the juice to use as part of the sauce base. Thinly slice the green pepper and onion into small strips or chunks, depending on your preferred presentation.

In a small saucepan, combine the pineapple juice, pineapple chunks, sliced green pepper, sliced onion, soy sauce, cornstarch, white vinegar, brown sugar, minced garlic, grated ginger, and crushed red pepper flakes (if using). Use a whisk to blend the ingredients thoroughly, ensuring the cornstarch is fully dissolved to prevent lumps.

Cook the mixture over medium heat, stirring constantly. As the sauce heats, it will begin to thicken, creating a glossy, tangy glaze that complements the spicy wings beautifully. This process takes approximately 5-7 minutes; once thickened, remove from heat and set aside.

5. Finishing Touches: Glazing & Additional Baking

Once the wings are baked to perfection, carefully remove them from the oven. Transfer the wings to a large mixing bowl or keep them on the baking sheet if you prefer. Spoon the hot Sweet and Sour Sauce generously over the wings, ensuring each piece is coated evenly.

Return the coated wings to the oven, lowering the temperature to 300°F (150°C). Bake for an additional 20 minutes. This step allows the flavors to meld, and the sauce to set into a beautiful glaze that clings to the crispy skin. The gentle baking enhances the depth of flavor and ensures the sauce is heated through and slightly caramelized.

6. Serving & Garnishing

Remove the wings from the oven and let them rest for about 5 minutes before serving. This brief rest period allows the sauce to settle and the juices to redistribute within the meat. Garnish with freshly chopped green onions or sesame seeds for added visual appeal and flavor contrast.

Serve the Kicked Up Hawaiian Chicken Wings hot, accompanied by your favorite side dishes, or as part of a larger feast. These wings are particularly vibrant and appealing when paired with tropical salads, steamed rice, or roasted vegetables.

Preparation Tips

• Marination Timing: Marinate for a full 12 hours or overnight for maximum flavor infusion. Shorter marination times will result in milder taste penetration.
• Adjusting Spiciness: Control the heat by varying the amount of crushed red pepper flakes. For a milder dish, omit or reduce the flakes; for extra heat, increase the quantity.
• Crust Perfection: For extra crispy wings, consider broiling them for the last 2-3 minutes, watching closely to prevent burning.
• Sauce Consistency: If the sauce is too thick, thin it with a splash of water or pineapple juice. If too thin, cook it longer until it reaches the desired consistency.

Nutritional Information

Tips and Tricks

• For an even more flavorful marinade, add a splash of pineapple juice or pineapple syrup to the brine for enhanced tropical notes.
• Use a convection oven if available to maximize crispiness and even cooking.
• Experiment with different spice blends—try adding smoked paprika or five-spice powder for unique flavor profiles.
• If you prefer a smoky flavor, consider grilling the wings instead of baking, maintaining the same marination process.
• For a healthier version, bake the wings at 400°F (200°C) for a longer period, and skip the additional glaze baking step.

Add-ons & Variations

• Extra Spicy: Incorporate more crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce into the sauce.
• Sweet & Tangy: Add a splash of orange juice or zest for extra citrusy brightness.
• Herbal Notes: Garnish with chopped cilantro or basil for fresh herbal accents.
• Tropical Twist: Serve with slices of fresh mango or mango salsa for added sweetness.

Side Dishes

• Steamed jasmine or basmati rice
• Grilled pineapple slices
• Asian-style coleslaw
• Garlic roasted vegetables
• Hawaiian macaroni salad

Improvements & Customizations

• Try marinating the wings in a mixture of pineapple juice, soy sauce, and ginger for an even more pronounced tropical flavor.
• Add a splash of rum or coconut milk to the sauce for a richer, more indulgent taste.
• Use different chili powders or fresh chilies to customize the spice level.
• For an extra crispy finish, toss the baked wings in a light cornstarch or baking powder coating before the initial bake.

Save and Store

Leftover wings can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 10 minutes or until warmed through. For best results, reapply a little fresh sauce or glaze before reheating to restore moisture and flavor.

To freeze, place cooled wings in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag, removing as much air as possible. They can be stored for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating as described.

FAQ

Can I make these wings gluten-free?

Yes. Substitute regular soy sauce with a gluten-free variety, such as tamari or coconut aminos. Ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free.

Can I bake these wings instead of frying or grilling?

Absolutely. Baking at 425°F (220°C) yields crispy results similar to frying. For extra crispness, broil for the last 2-3 minutes, but watch closely to prevent burning.

Is there a vegetarian or vegan alternative?

Yes. Replace chicken wings with plant-based wings or cauliflower florets. Use vegan-friendly sauces and seasonings for a plant-based version.

Can I prepare the sauce ahead of time?

Yes. The Sweet and Sour Sauce can be made up to 2 days in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator and reheat gently before serving.

What is the best way to achieve crispy wings?

Dry the wings thoroughly before baking, space them evenly on the rack, and bake at high heat. For added crispiness, broil briefly at the end.

Conclusion

Kicked Up Hawaiian Chicken Wings exemplify the perfect marriage of tropical sweetness, fiery spice, and crispy texture. Marinated for deep flavor, baked to perfection, and topped with a tangy, thickened Sweet and Sour Sauce, this dish promises to delight your taste buds and impress guests at any gathering. Whether served as an appetizer or main course, these wings bring a festive, island-inspired vibe to your table. Crafted with care and attention to detail, this recipe from Love With Recipes ensures a memorable culinary experience that combines bold flavors with accessible techniques. Remember, the key to success lies in proper marination, high-temperature baking, and generous sauce application—so follow the instructions closely for the best results.

References

• Emeril Lagasse’s Essence Seasoning Blend – Emeril.com
• Nutrition Data: USDA Food Database