Sticky Dr Pepper Glazed Chicken Wings are a bold and irresistible twist on classic wings, coated in a sweet, tangy, and slightly spicy glaze made with the iconic soda. These wings are oven-baked or air-fried until crispy, then tossed in a thick, sticky sauce that clings to every bite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These wings offer a perfect blend of sweet, savory, and spicy flavors with a glossy, caramelized glaze. The Dr Pepper adds unique depth and a subtle hint of spice, making them stand out from ordinary BBQ wings. Whether you’re hosting a game day gathering or just craving a flavorful snack, these wings are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the wings:
- Chicken wings (split, tips removed)
- Baking powder
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Garlic powder
- Paprika
For the glaze:
- Dr Pepper soda
- Brown sugar
- Ketchup
- Apple cider vinegar
- Garlic (minced)
- Onion powder
- Worcestershire sauce
- Red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- Cornstarch (mixed with water, for thickening)
Directions
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C) or air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
- Pat wings dry with paper towels. Toss with baking powder, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
- Bake on a wire rack over a sheet pan for 40–45 minutes, flipping halfway, or air fry for 20–22 minutes until golden and crispy.
- While wings cook, prepare the glaze: In a saucepan, combine Dr Pepper, brown sugar, ketchup, vinegar, garlic, onion powder, and Worcestershire sauce.
- Simmer until reduced by half, about 10–15 minutes. Stir in cornstarch slurry and cook until thickened.
- Toss hot wings in the glaze until fully coated. Return to the oven or air fryer for 3–5 more minutes to caramelize if desired.
- Serve immediately, garnished with green onions or sesame seeds if desired.
Servings and timing
Servings: 4
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes (oven) or 25 minutes (air fryer)
Total Time: 55 minutes
Variations
- Spicy Kick: Add hot sauce or extra red pepper flakes to the glaze.
- Smoky Flavor: Use smoked paprika or add a splash of liquid smoke to the sauce.
- Boneless Option: Use boneless chicken bites instead of wings.
- Diet Soda: Substitute with sugar-free Dr Pepper for a lower-sugar version.
Storage/reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 375°F (190°C) or in the air fryer for 5–7 minutes to maintain crispiness. Avoid microwaving, as it may soften the coating.
FAQs
Can I make the glaze ahead of time?
Yes, prepare the glaze and refrigerate for up to 5 days. Reheat before using.
What does Dr Pepper add to the flavor?
It adds sweetness, slight spice, and a unique depth that balances the tanginess of the vinegar and ketchup.
Can I grill these wings?
Yes, grill over medium heat until cooked through, then brush with glaze during the final minutes.
Do I need to boil the soda?
Yes, reducing it intensifies the flavor and thickens the glaze.
What’s the purpose of baking powder on the wings?
It helps dry out the skin and create a crisp texture in the oven or air fryer.
Are these very sweet?
They are mildly sweet with a savory balance from vinegar, garlic, and spices. You can adjust sugar to taste.
Can I use other soda flavors?
Yes, cola or root beer are good alternatives, though the flavor will vary slightly.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, just cook wings in batches to avoid overcrowding the oven or air fryer.
How do I make the glaze thicker?
Simmer longer or add more cornstarch slurry for a thicker consistency.
Are these wings kid-friendly?
Yes, reduce or omit chili flakes for a milder version suitable for kids.
Conclusion
Sticky Dr Pepper Glazed Chicken Wings are a creative, flavor-packed dish that takes your wing game to the next level. With crispy skin and a glossy, caramelized glaze, they’re both fun and satisfying. Ideal for parties, casual dinners, or game-day treats, these wings are sure to be a memorable hit.
PrintSticky Dr Pepper Glazed Chicken Wings
Beef & Pea Pasta Skillet (Irish-Style) is a hearty one-pan dish made with ground beef, tender pasta, green peas, and a creamy, savory sauce. Inspired by comforting Irish flavors, it’s an easy and satisfying meal perfect for busy weeknights or cozy family dinners.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Irish-Inspired
- Diet: Halal
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (if needed)
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups small pasta (elbow macaroni or shells)
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 cup milk or cream
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- Salt, to taste
- 1/2 cup shredded Irish cheddar (optional)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional garnish)
Instructions
- In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat until fully cooked. Drain excess fat if needed.
- Add diced onion and cook for 3–4 minutes until softened. Stir in garlic and cook for 1 minute more.
- Add pasta, beef broth, milk, thyme, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine and bring to a gentle boil.
- Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and liquid is mostly absorbed.
- Stir in peas and cook uncovered for another 2–3 minutes until heated through.
- Optional: Stir in shredded cheese until melted and creamy.
- Garnish with fresh parsley if desired and serve warm.
Notes
- Use Irish cheddar for authentic flavor, but any sharp cheese works well.
- Substitute ground lamb for a more traditional Irish twist.
- For a lighter version, use milk instead of cream.
- Great for leftovers—reheats well in the microwave or on the stove with a splash of broth or milk.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
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