Oven-Baked Spiced Cranberry & Mustard Glazed Chicken Wings

Oven-Baked Spiced Cranberry & Mustard Glazed Chicken Wings are a scrumptious and easy snack or meal to make! Baked until crispy in the oven and covered with sweet & sour sauce. You’ll enjoy these wings on any occasion. 

If you’re looking for a deliciously unique twist on classic chicken wings, look no further than these oven-baked cranberry and mustard glazed chicken wings! This recipe combines the rich sweetness of cranberry with the tangy heat of mustard, creating a flavor-packed glaze that will have your taste buds dancing with joy. 

Perfect for a party appetizer, a game day snack, or a cozy dinner at home, these wings offer a savory and sweet combination that’s sure to impress. Or if you want to a few more wing options don’t sleep on these: Korean-Style Smoked Chicken Wings, Pickleback Baked Chicken Wings, or Slow Cooker Chipotle Bourbon Chicken Wings.

Why Oven-Baked?

While deep-frying wings is a popular method, oven-baking is a healthier alternative that doesn’t sacrifice flavor or texture. Baking the wings in the oven allows the skin to crisp up beautifully while keeping the meat tender and juicy. Plus, using the oven means you can prepare larger batches with minimal cleanup, making it an ideal choice for feeding a crowd.

The Sweet & Tangy Glaze

The secret to these wings lies in the cranberry and mustard glaze. The tartness of fresh cranberries is balanced perfectly with the savory, slightly sharp flavor of mustard, while a touch of honey adds sweetness and depth. Together, they create a mouthwatering sauce that clings to each wing, giving them a beautiful glaze and a burst of flavor with every bite.

Ingredients Needed to Make Oven-Baked Cranberry & Mustard Glazed Chicken Wings

• Chicken Wings
• Apricot jam
• Honey
• White Vinegar
• Cornstarch
• Garlic Powder
• Soy Sauce
• Spicy Brown Mustard
• Dried Cranberries
• Red Pepper Flakes

How to Make Oven-Baked Cranberry & Mustard Glazed Chicken Wings

Only a few simple steps will create these insanely delicious wings. Follow the directions below for success: 

• Preheat your oven to 375 degrees. Place a wire rack over a large baking sheet and spray with non-stick cooking spray. Place the wings on top of the wire rack and drizzle the tops with olive oil, kosher salt and ground pepper. 
• Cook the wings for 20 minutes. 
• Next, add the apricot jam, honey, vinegar, cornstarch, garlic powder, soy sauce and mustard in a blender or food processor and blend. Transfer the mixture to a large saucepan, stir in the cranberries and red pepper flakes. Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat and then reduce to a simmer until slightly thickened. 
• Remove the wings from the oven and baste the wings with the cranberry mixture. Place the wings back into the oven and continue to cook for another 20 minutes or until a thermometer reaches 165 degrees. 
• Remove the wings from the oven again and baste with the cranberry mixture. Serve and enjoy! 

Variations of Oven-Baked Cranberry & Mustard Glazed Chicken Wings

The beauty of this oven-baked cranberry and mustard glazed chicken wings recipe lies in its versatility. With just a few tweaks to the glaze or preparation, you can create exciting variations that suit different tastes or occasions: 

Garlic Herb Cranberry & Mustard Wings: If you’re a fan of savory and aromatic flavors, add some fresh garlic and chopped herbs like rosemary, thyme, or parsley to the glaze. 

Smoky Cranberry & Mustard Wings: To infuse a smoky flavor into the wings try adding smoked paprika or chipotle powder to the glaze. The smoky heat will complement the tartness of the cranberries and the mustards sharpness.

Cranberry & Mustard Wings with BBQ: For a BBQ lover’s dream, mix your cranberry and mustard sauce with a bit of smoky bbq sauce. This will add a bit of smoky, tangy barbecue flavor while still keeping the essence of the cranberry and mustard.

Proper Storing

If you’ve made a batch of these delicious oven-baked cranberry and mustard glazed chicken wings and have leftovers, proper storage will help keep them fresh for later enjoyment. Here are the best ways to store and reheat your wings so they stay tasty:

Cool the Wings Properly: Allow the wings to cool to room temperature before storing them. This helps prevent condensation inside the storage container, which can make the wings soggy.

Refrigerating: For short-term storage, place the cooled wings in an airtight container or a resealable plastic bag. Be sure to separate any layers with parchment paper to prevent the wings from sticking together. The wings can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

Freezing: If you want to store the wings for a longer period, freezing is your best option. To freeze, place the wings on a baking sheet in a single layer and freeze them until firm (about 1-2 hours). This step, known as flash freezing, prevents the wings from sticking together. Once frozen, transfer the wings to an airtight freezer-safe container or resealable bag. Frozen wings can last for up to 3 months.

Reheating Leftover Wings

Reheating in the Oven:
The best way to reheat oven-baked wings while keeping them crispy is to use the oven:

• Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
• Arrange the wings on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or aluminum foil.
• Bake for about 10-15 minutes (if refrigerated) or 15-20 minutes (if frozen), flipping halfway through. If frozen, you may need to add a few more minutes.
• Optionally, broil them for the last 1-2 minutes to get that crispy finish.

Reheating in the Air Fryer:
An air fryer is another excellent option for reheating wings, as it helps keep them crispy without drying them out:

• Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
• Place the wings in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
• Air fry for about 6-8 minutes (for refrigerated wings) or 8-10 minutes (for frozen wings), flipping halfway through.