Sweet and Spicy Habanero Wings

Team Wing Forever

Sticky, spicy, crispy, and roasted to golden perfection—these wings will ruin all other wings for you, in the best way possible.

If there’s one thing I’ll unapologetically brag about—it’s wings. Not drumettes (respectfully, no), but actual wings. The kind that require a bit more work to eat but reward you tenfold in crispy, juicy goodness. And when they’re coated in a spicy-sweet habanero glaze that clings to every crevice? Game over.

These Sweet and Spicy Habanero Wings are the real deal. Oven-roasted for a crispy finish, they skip the deep-fry guilt while still bringing the flavor punch of your favorite bar wings. The secret ingredient? Habanero pepper jelly. It might sound intense, but when it melts down with a little butter and hot sauce, it becomes the kind of sauce you’ll want to put on everything.

And yes, technically they’re roasted. So we can go ahead and call them kind of healthy, right?

Why this Recipe Works

• Oven-roasted goodness: All the crispy texture, none of the fryer mess.

• Hot pepper jelly magic: A sweet heat that’s perfectly balanced.

• Fennel + cumin = flavor: An earthy, aromatic twist you’ll love.

• Drizzle-ready glaze: Coats every wing like it was meant to be.

• Wing night = upgraded: No one’s missing takeout tonight.

Tips for Making Sweet and Spicy Habanero Wings

• Use a heavy-duty foil to keep cleanup easy and your pan safe from burned-on sauce.

• Flip halfway through roasting to make sure both sides get crispy.

• Toss while hot—the glaze clings best to hot wings straight out of the oven.

• Grind your fennel fresh for the most aromatic flavor.

• Serve immediately with sliced green onions for color and bite.

🌱 A Bite of Sustainability

Roasting instead of frying reduces oil usage and cuts down on kitchen waste—no need for gallons of peanut oil or greasy paper towels. Using locally sourced chicken and pepper jelly not only supports small producers but also keeps your ingredient list fresher and more flavorful. Plus, this oven-baked method is a lot less energy-intensive than deep frying, making it a win for both your dinner table and the planet.

How To Make Sweet and Spicy Habanero Wings

These Sweet and Spicy Habanero Wings are oven-roasted, crispy, and coated in a fiery pepper jelly glaze. Perfect for game day, parties, or serious wing lovers.

Preheat & Prep

Preheat the oven to 475°F. Line a large rimmed baking sheet with heavy-duty foil and spray with cooking spray.

Season the Wings

Grind fennel seeds in a mortar and pestle or spice grinder. In a large bowl, whisk together the fennel, flour, salt, garlic, cumin, and black pepper. Add chicken and toss until coated.

Roast

Arrange chicken, skin side down, in a single layer on the prepared pan. Lightly spray with cooking spray. Roast for 15 minutes. Flip the wings and roast for another 15 minutes until golden brown and crispy.

Glaze the Wings

In a large bowl, whisk together melted butter, pepper jelly, and Cajun hot sauce. Toss the hot wings into the mixture, coating thoroughly.

Garnish & Serve

Transfer to a serving bowl and garnish with sliced green onions. Serve immediately.

Wings Worth The Hype

Whether you’re cooking for game day, date night, or just yourself on a random Tuesday, these wings hit every craving note. They’re fiery, a little sweet, and totally addictive. Just be warned: once you’ve made them, you’ll be asked to bring them everywhere.

So, wing or drumette? Let’s settle this in the comments.