Hot Pepper Jelly Glaze for Chicken Wings
By Walnut Creek Cheese & Market | Published: 2026-10-28
Category: How-to Guides
Learn how to make a sweet and spicy glaze for chicken wings using Walnut Creek Foods Hot Pepper Jelly. Easy steps for a crowd-pleasing appetizer.
Quick answer
Use Walnut Creek Foods Hot Pepper Jelly as the base for a sticky, sweet-and-spicy glaze that caramelizes on baked or grilled chicken wings.
Why hot pepper jelly works for wings
Hot pepper jelly brings a unique balance of sugar and heat from jalapeño peppers. When heated, the pectin helps the glaze cling to the wings without running off, creating a lacquered finish that tastes as good as it looks.
Choosing your size
Walnut Creek Foods Hot Pepper Jelly comes in 9 oz and pint jars. For a batch of 12 to 16 wings, the 9 oz jar gives you enough glaze with a little leftover for dipping. The pint size works well for larger parties or if you plan to double the recipe.
Steps to make hot pepper jelly glaze
- Prepare the wings: Pat 12 to 16 chicken wing drumettes dry with paper towels. Toss with 1 tablespoon of oil, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. Arrange in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with foil. Dry wings are key — excess moisture steams the skin instead of letting it crisp.
- Bake the wings: Bake at 400°F for 30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the skin is golden and the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Don't skip the flip; uneven browning leads to soggy spots.
- Make the glaze: In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine 1/2 cup of Walnut Creek Foods Hot Pepper Jelly, 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar, and 1 teaspoon of soy sauce. Whisk until smooth and bubbling, about 2 minutes. Whisk constantly to prevent the sugar from scorching on the bottom of the pan.
- Glaze and finish: Brush the glaze onto the baked wings. Return to the oven for 5 minutes, then brush with a second coat and bake 5 more minutes. Let rest 2 minutes before serving. Two coats build a thicker, stickier finish — one coat will look patchy.
Product used in this recipe
- Hot Pepper Jelly: Walnut Creek Foods Hot Pepper Jelly is made with sugar, water, jalapeño peppers, pectin, and citric acid. The pectin gives the glaze body so it sets up nicely on the wings, while the citric acid keeps the sweetness from becoming cloying.
Hot Pepper Jelly
