If you’re craving the perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and savory, you will absolutely love this Cider-Glazed Chicken Wings with Apple Salad Recipe. These wings are coated in a luscious apple cider glaze that caramelizes beautifully in the oven, offering sticky, flavorful bites with a hint of warmth from Dijon mustard and garlic. Paired with a refreshing, crisp apple salad that delivers brightness and crunch, this dish elevates a simple chicken wing into an unforgettable meal that’s perfect for gatherings or a comforting dinner at home.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe calls for a handful of straightforward ingredients, each playing a vital role in crafting the delicious harmony of flavors and textures. From juicy wings to the fresh apple salad elements, every component is essential to the overall delight of this dish.
- 2 ½ lbs chicken wings: Opt for wings split at the joint for even cooking and perfect bite-sized pieces.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Simple seasoning that enhances the natural flavor of the chicken and salad.
- 1 tbsp olive oil: Helps crisp the wings during roasting while adding subtle richness.
- 1 cup apple cider: Provides the sweet and fruity backbone for the glaze’s irresistible stickiness.
- 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar: Balances sweetness with bright acidity in the glaze.
- 2 tbsp brown sugar: Adds deep caramel notes, making the glaze beautifully glossy and rich.
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard: Brings a gentle tang and complexity to the glaze without overpowering.
- 1 clove garlic, minced: Infuses savory depth that harmonizes with the sweet and tangy elements.
- 2 apples, thinly sliced: Choose crisp varieties like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith for salad freshness and crunch.
- 1 small fennel bulb or 1 celery stalk, thinly sliced: Adds aromatic crunch and a subtle licorice note or mild earthiness.
- ¼ red onion, thinly sliced: Offers vibrant color and a touch of sharpness to cut through the sweetness.
- 1 tbsp lemon juice: Brightens and lifts the apple salad flavors instantly.
- 1 tbsp olive oil: Lightly coats the salad ingredients to marry flavors smoothly.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for seasoning the apple salad to perfection.
- Optional: chopped parsley or arugula for greens: Adds freshness and a peppery bite, plus a pop of color.
How to Make Cider-Glazed Chicken Wings with Apple Salad Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Roast the Wings
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). While the oven warms, season your split chicken wings generously with salt and pepper, then toss them in olive oil. This simple step not only flavors the wings but also ensures they crisp up nicely in the oven. Arrange the wings on a baking sheet in a single layer and roast for 35 to 40 minutes, turning them once halfway through to cook evenly and develop that gorgeous golden skin.
Step 2: Make the Apple Cider Glaze
While the wings are roasting, combine apple cider, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, and minced garlic in a small saucepan. Bring this mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat, allowing it to reduce and thicken into a syrupy glaze. This usually takes about 10 to 12 minutes. Watch closely as the glaze transforms, turning glossy and fragrant — this is where your wings get that signature sticky, tangy-sweet flavor.
Step 3: Glaze and Final Roast
Once the glaze has thickened, remove the wings from the oven and generously brush them with the cider glaze. Return the wings to the oven for another 5 minutes. This final step caramelizes the glaze perfectly onto the wings, giving them a mouthwatering sticky coating that’s packed with flavor and irresistible to the last bite.
Step 4: Toss the Apple Salad
While the wings finish roasting, combine the thinly sliced apples, fennel or celery, and red onion in a mixing bowl. Drizzle with lemon juice, olive oil, and season with salt and pepper. Toss everything together gently until all the ingredients are coated evenly. If you love a little green freshness, adding chopped parsley or peppery arugula here will take the salad to the next level. Chill the salad until it’s time to serve, allowing the flavors to meld.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Plate the hot cider-glazed wings alongside a generous helping of the cool, crisp apple salad. The contrast between the warm, sticky wings and the fresh, tangy salad is truly something special. This combination not only satisfies your taste buds but also provides a beautiful balance of textures and temperatures.
How to Serve Cider-Glazed Chicken Wings with Apple Salad Recipe
Garnishes
Adding garnishes like freshly chopped parsley or a handful of arugula not only livens up the presentation but also introduces a fresh, herbal brightness that complements the rich wings. A light sprinkle of toasted nuts, such as walnuts or pecans, can also add an unexpected crunch and nutty depth that pairs wonderfully with the apple salad.
Side Dishes
To round out the meal, simple sides like creamy mashed potatoes or a buttery corn on the cob work beautifully. If you want something lighter, a crusty baguette or warm pita bread can help scoop up the flavorful glaze. Even a bowl of quinoa or wild rice salad would add great texture and absorb some of those delicious drippings.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun gathering, consider serving the wings on a rustic wooden board with small bowls of extra glaze for dipping. Placing the apple salad in mini glasses or jars makes for an elegant appetizer presentation. You can also skewer the wings for easy party finger food, placing the apple salad on the side as a refreshing palate cleanser.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover cider-glazed chicken wings and apple salad separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. The wings will stay delicious for up to three days, while the salad maintains its crispness just as long, especially if you keep it lightly dressed until serving.
Freezing
Chicken wings freeze well if you want to stock up. After roasting and glazing, cool the wings completely, then freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring to a freezer-safe container or bag. They keep best for up to two months. The fresh apple salad is not recommended for freezing as it will lose its texture and freshness.
Reheating
Reheat the wings in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes or until warmed through, to maintain that crispy skin and sticky glaze. Avoid microwaving as it can make the wings soggy. The apple salad is best served cold and fresh, so enjoy it straight from the fridge.
FAQs
Can I use frozen chicken wings for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw them completely in the refrigerator before seasoning and roasting to ensure even cooking and the best texture.
What kind of apples work best in the salad?
Look for crisp and tart varieties like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp. Their firm texture holds up well in the salad and provides a nice balance to the sweetness of the glaze.
Can I make the glaze ahead of time?
Yes, the cider glaze can be prepared a day in advance and stored in the fridge. Simply rewarm it gently before brushing it onto the wings.
Is this recipe spicy at all?
No, the Cider-Glazed Chicken Wings with Apple Salad Recipe leans toward sweet, tangy, and savory flavors with no heat. However, you can add a pinch of cayenne or chili flakes to the glaze if you want a spicy kick.
What should I do if my glaze is too thin?
Simmer it a little longer to reduce further, stirring frequently to prevent burning. It should become syrupy and thick enough to coat the wings nicely.
Final Thoughts
This Cider-Glazed Chicken Wings with Apple Salad Recipe is one of those standout dishes that effortlessly brings together comforting warmth and fresh crispness in every bite. Whether you’re hosting friends or craving a cozy dinner, these flavors will brighten your table and delight your taste buds. I truly hope you give this recipe a try and find as much joy in making and sharing it as I do.
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Cider-Glazed Chicken Wings with Apple Salad Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Chicken Wings
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Cider-Glazed Chicken Wings with Apple Salad offer a perfect balance of savory and sweet flavors. Tender roasted chicken wings are coated in a tangy apple cider glaze, complemented by a refreshing apple and fennel salad that adds crispness and brightness to the dish. Ideal for gatherings or a flavorful weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Chicken Wings and Glaze
- 2 ½ lbs chicken wings, split
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 cup apple cider
- 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 clove garlic, minced
Apple Salad
- 2 apples, thinly sliced
- 1 small fennel bulb or 1 celery stalk, thinly sliced
- ¼ red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: chopped parsley or arugula for greens
Instructions
- Prepare Wings: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Season the chicken wings with salt and pepper and toss them in 1 tablespoon of olive oil to coat evenly. Arrange the wings in a single layer on a baking sheet to ensure even roasting.
- Roast Wings: Place the wings in the oven and roast for 35 to 40 minutes, turning them once halfway through the cooking time to promote even browning and crisping.
- Make the Glaze: While the wings are roasting, combine the apple cider, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, and minced garlic in a saucepan. Bring to a simmer over medium heat and cook until the mixture thickens to a syrupy consistency, about 10 to 12 minutes.
- Glaze Wings: Remove the wings from the oven and brush them generously with the prepared cider glaze. Return the wings to the oven and roast for an additional 5 minutes to caramelize the glaze and finish cooking.
- Prepare Apple Salad: In a mixing bowl, toss the thinly sliced apples, fennel or celery, and red onion with lemon juice, 1 tablespoon of olive oil, salt, and pepper. Add optional chopped parsley or arugula if desired. Chill the salad until ready to serve.
- Serve: Serve the hot cider-glazed chicken wings alongside the crisp and refreshing apple salad for a balanced and flavorful meal.
Notes
- For extra crispy wings, pat them dry before seasoning and roasting.
- The glaze can be adjusted for sweetness or tanginess by modifying the brown sugar or vinegar amounts.
- Fennel provides a subtle anise flavor, but celery can be used for a milder taste.
- The apple salad can be made ahead and kept chilled to allow flavors to meld.
- Use fresh, crisp apples for the best texture in the salad.
