Pumpkin Spiced Chicken Wings Recipe

The Cozy Pumpkin Spiced Chicken Wings Recipe for Fall Nights

Crispy pumpkin spiced chicken wings bring an unexpected twist to game-night snacking.

Weekend warriors seeking bold flavor combinations will absolutely love this recipe.

Autumn’s signature spices dance perfectly with tender meat and golden-brown edges.

Seasonal ingredients merge with classic wing techniques for something truly memorable.

Comfort food enthusiasts appreciate how simple ingredients create extraordinary results.

Warm kitchen aromas promise deliciousness that breaks away from traditional wing preparations.

Start cooking and watch everyone’s excitement build around this surprising culinary adventure.

Why Pumpkin Spiced Chicken Wings Warm You Up

  • Elevate Flavor Complexity: Transform ordinary chicken wings into a gourmet experience with an unexpected pumpkin spice twist that combines sweet, savory, and spicy notes in one delicious bite.
  • Quick Kitchen Comfort: Prepare these wings in under an hour with minimal prep work, making them perfect for busy weeknights or spontaneous game day gatherings without complicated cooking techniques.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Versatility: Delight both adventurous foodies and traditional wing lovers with a recipe that balances familiar comfort food with exciting seasonal flavors, suitable for fall parties or casual family dinners.
  • Healthy Cooking Hack: Bake instead of deep-fry to reduce calories while maintaining a crispy exterior, allowing health-conscious eaters to enjoy a guilt-free version of a classic appetizer.

Pumpkin Chicken Wings Ingredient List

Poultry Base:
  • Chicken Wings: Classic protein for appetizers, extra crispy when pat dried, fresh wings work best.
Seasoning Blend:
  • Salt, Black Pepper: Essential flavor enhancers, kosher salt recommended for better distribution.
  • Garlic Powder, Onion Powder: Adds depth and aromatic complexity, ground versions preferred.
  • Cayenne Pepper: Provides subtle heat and spiciness, adjust according to heat preference.
Sauce and Moisture Ingredients:
  • Pumpkin Puree: Adds seasonal flavor and creamy texture, pure pumpkin recommended.
  • Brown Sugar: Balances spices and creates caramelization, light or dark brown sugar work.
  • Soy Sauce: Provides umami and depth, low sodium version optional.
  • Pumpkin Spice Blend: Signature autumn flavor profile, can use store-bought or homemade mix.
  • Olive Oil: Helps bind ingredients and creates smooth consistency, extra virgin preferred for better flavor.

Pumpkin Spiced Chicken Wings Roasting Steps

Step 1: Prepare Oven Setup

Heat your oven to 425F (220C).

Cover a baking sheet with parchment paper or place a wire rack inside to help wings become extra crispy and golden.

Step 2: Prepare Chicken Wings

Use paper towels to completely dry chicken wings.

Mix wings with seasonings in a large mixing bowl:
  • Salt
  • Black pepper
  • Garlic powder
  • Onion powder
  • Olive oil

Toss ingredients until wings are evenly coated with seasoning.

Step 3: Create Spicy Pumpkin Glaze

Whisk together in a medium bowl:
  • Pumpkin puree
  • Brown sugar
  • Soy sauce
  • Pumpkin spice blend
  • Cayenne pepper
  • Olive oil

Blend until mixture becomes smooth and well combined.

Step 4: Coat Wing Mixture

Transfer wings to a large mixing bowl or sealed plastic bag.

Pour pumpkin spice glaze over wings.

Gently toss until each wing is completely covered with sauce.

Step 5: Roast Chicken Wings

Spread wings in a single layer on prepared baking sheet.

Roast in preheated oven for 25-30 minutes.

Flip wings halfway through cooking time to ensure even browning and crispiness.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Allow wings to rest for several minutes after removing from oven.

Serve alongside ranch, blue cheese dressing, or preferred dipping sauce for an extra flavor boost.

Flavor Tips for Pumpkin Spiced Wings

  • Pat chicken wings completely dry before seasoning to ensure maximum crispiness and better sauce adherence.
  • Adjust cayenne pepper carefully to control heat intensity, adding gradually for personal spice preference.
  • Use a wire rack on the baking sheet for extra air circulation, creating even crispier wing exteriors.
  • Let wings sit in pumpkin spice sauce for 30 minutes before baking to enhance flavor penetration and tenderness.
  • Replace soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos to make the recipe suitable for gluten-sensitive diets.

Spiced Chicken Wings Leftovers

  • Store leftover wings in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep them in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
  • Preheat oven to 375F. Spread wings on a baking sheet, cover with foil to prevent drying. Warm for 10-15 minutes until heated through.
  • Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can make wings soggy and tough. If needed, use short 30-second intervals at 50% power.
  • For best texture, briefly broil reheated wings for 1-2 minutes to restore crispiness and bring back that delicious crunch.

Spice Up Pumpkin Wings With These

  • Pair with Spiced Apple Cider: Craft a warm, homemade apple cider infused with cinnamon sticks and star anise to complement the pumpkin spice wing's sweet and savory profile.
  • Recommend Creamy Blue Cheese Dip: Whip up a tangy blue cheese dressing with fresh herbs like chives and parsley to balance the wings' rich, spicy flavors and provide a cooling contrast.
  • Match with Autumn Harvest Salad: Create a light side salad featuring roasted pecans, crisp mixed greens, dried cranberries, and a maple vinaigrette to echo the seasonal pumpkin spice theme.
  • Select Craft Pumpkin Ale Pairing: Choose a local craft beer with pumpkin and spice notes that will enhance the wings' warm, aromatic seasonings and provide a robust drinking experience.

Pumpkin Wings With Sweet And Savory Spins

  • Vegan Jackfruit Wings: Replace chicken wings with shredded jackfruit, using same pumpkin spice marinade and baking technique for plant-based protein alternative.
  • Gluten-Free Option: Swap soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos to ensure recipe remains gluten-sensitive friendly, keeping all other ingredients consistent.
  • Air Fryer Method: Cook wings in air fryer at 380F for 15-18 minutes, turning halfway through, creating crispy exterior with reduced oil content and faster cooking time.
  • Low-Carb Keto Version: Substitute brown sugar with monk sweetener, reduce pumpkin puree quantity, and increase spice blend for enhanced flavor without additional carbohydrates.

FAQs

  • What ingredients make the pumpkin spice sauce unique?

The sauce combines pumpkin puree with brown sugar, soy sauce, pumpkin spice blend, and a hint of cayenne pepper, creating a sweet and spicy coating that elevates traditional chicken wings.

  • Can I make this recipe spicier or milder?

Adjust the cayenne pepper amount to control heat level. Remove it completely for a mild version or add more if you prefer extra spiciness. The pumpkin spice blend already provides warm flavor complexity.

  • Is this recipe good for meal prep?

Yes! You can prepare the wings ahead of time and reheat them in the oven at 350F for 10-15 minutes to maintain crispiness. The flavors actually develop more intensely after sitting for a few hours.

  • What type of chicken wings work best for this recipe?

Use fresh, full-sized chicken wings for best results. Pat them completely dry before seasoning to ensure maximum crispiness and better sauce adherence.

Print
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Pumpkin Spiced Chicken Wings Recipe

Pumpkin Spiced Chicken Wings Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 9 reviews

  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Spicy “pumpkin spiced chicken wings” blend autumn’s warmth with zesty protein perfection. Crispy, golden wings deliver comforting flavors that you’ll savor in every delicious bite.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 2 lbs (907 g) chicken wings (drumettes & flats)

Spices and Seasonings:

  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon pumpkin spice blend (cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves)
  • 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)

Sauce and Oils:

  • 1/3 cup (79 ml) pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

Instructions

  1. Prepare the cooking surface by lining a baking sheet with parchment paper, ensuring optimal heat distribution and potential crispiness for the chicken wings.
  2. Meticulously pat the wings completely dry using paper towels to remove excess moisture, which helps achieve a crisp exterior during roasting.
  3. Create a preliminary seasoning blend using salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and olive oil, thoroughly massaging the mixture into the wings to ensure complete and even coverage.
  4. Craft the signature pumpkin spice sauce by whisking together pumpkin puree, brown sugar, soy sauce, pumpkin spice blend, cayenne pepper, and olive oil until the mixture reaches a silky, uniform consistency.
  5. Transfer the seasoned wings into a large mixing bowl or resealable plastic bag, then generously pour the prepared pumpkin spice sauce over them, gently tossing to guarantee comprehensive coating.
  6. Strategically arrange the sauce-covered wings in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet, maintaining space between each piece to promote even roasting.
  7. Roast the wings in a preheated oven at 425°F (220°C) for approximately 25-30 minutes, carefully flipping them midway through the cooking process to ensure uniform browning and achieving a delectable golden-crisp exterior.
  8. Allow the wings to rest briefly after removing from the oven, which helps set the crispy exterior and distribute internal temperatures.
  9. Serve immediately with complementary dipping sauces like ranch or blue cheese dressing to enhance the wings’ rich, autumnal flavor profile.

Notes

  • Enhance wing crispiness by using a wire rack, allowing hot air to circulate and create an evenly crisp exterior.
  • Balance pumpkin spice heat by adjusting cayenne pepper for those with lower spice tolerance or sensitive palates.
  • Transform into gluten-free option by substituting soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos for celiac or gluten-sensitive individuals.
  • Maximize flavor development by marinating wings in pumpkin spice sauce for 2-4 hours before baking, allowing seasonings to penetrate deeply.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Dinner, Appetizer
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 420
  • Sugar: 6 g
  • Sodium: 500 mg
  • Fat: 30 g
  • Saturated Fat: 5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 25 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 12 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 28 g
  • Cholesterol: 100 mg
Katherine Pierce

Katherine Pierce

Recipe Curator & Food Educator

Expertise

  • Curating diverse recipe collections
  • Educating on global culinary traditions
  • Developing informative food content

Education

Boston University Metropolitan College
Certificate Program in the Culinary Arts
Focus: French and international cuisine techniques, Hands-on culinary training with industry professionals, Food industry insights and operations


Katherine grew up believing every dish has a story. She studied the art of food at Boston University and explored the history behind it. She loves pulling easy recipes from every corner of the world and putting them at your fingertips.
When Katherine’s not writing or testing new flavors, she’s teaching cooking classes, baking colorful mooncakes, or dreaming up new ways to mix old favorites with new twists.

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