If you’re longing for a totally unforgettable chicken wing experience that cranks the heat and tickles your taste buds with a familiar childhood twist, these Spicy PBJ Wings are about to become your new obsession. Juicy wings get a crispy, craveable crust, then tumble in a sticky-sweet-spicy sauce built from peanut butter and jalapeno jelly for a blend that’s pure magic. Whether you adore satay, peanut sauces, or are a die-hard wing lover, you’ll want to dig in with both hands—these are wings you’ll want to share, but probably won’t!

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Spicy PBJ Wings is how such straightforward ingredients come together to make something totally next-level. Each element brings its own bit of magic to the table for crunch, gloss, boldness, and personality.

Instant mashed potato flakes: The secret to a perfectly crispy, golden exterior without any flour or fuss.
Vegetable oil: Just enough to encourage browning and keep the wings deliciously moist.
Kosher salt: Unlocks and amplifies every bit of flavor in each bite.
Ground black pepper: Brings depth and a gentle background warmth.
Cayenne pepper: Adds a subtle fiery kick—bump it up if you like things spicier.
Chicken wings (5 pounds): The hearty foundation and the perfect blank canvas for all that bold flavor.
Peanut butter: Creamy, nutty, and essential for that signature satay-inspired flavor profile.
Jalapeno pepper jelly: Sweet heat in a jar, this pairs beautifully with the richness of the peanut butter.
Seasoned rice vinegar: Bright acidity to cut through the richness and balance the sweet and spicy notes.
Soy sauce: Salty umami goodness that unifies every element in the sauce.
Fish sauce: That little extra “what is that?” savory depth you’ll never want to skip.
Toasted sesame oil: Fragrant and rich, it rounds out the sauce with irresistible warmth.
Garlic (crushed): Four cloves for plenty of garlicky boldness.
Red pepper flakes: Brings a sparkly tongue-tingle to the party.
Chili garlic sauce (such as Sriracha): Just a dash for a finishing kick—adjust to taste!

How to Make Spicy PBJ Wings

Step 1: Get Your Oven and Sheet Pan Ready

Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). This high heat ensures maximum crispiness. Grab a baking sheet and line it with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat—this will keep the wings from sticking and make cleanup a total breeze.

Step 2: Whip Up the Spicy PBJ Sauce

In a big bowl, whisk together the peanut butter, jalapeno jelly, seasoned rice vinegar, soy sauce, fish sauce, toasted sesame oil, crushed garlic, red pepper flakes, and that spicy chili garlic sauce. The sauce will look glossy and thick—it’s hard to resist sneaking a taste. Set the bowl aside for just a few minutes while you prep the wings.

Step 3: Coat the Wings in Crispy Goodness

In a large, shallow bowl, mix the instant mashed potato flakes, vegetable oil, kosher salt, ground black pepper, and cayenne pepper. Add your chicken wings directly into this bowl and toss them until every nook and cranny is coated. You should see the potato mixture cling to each wing, giving you a preview of the crispiness to come.

Step 4: Bake the Wings Until Golden

Arrange the coated wings in a single layer on your prepared baking sheet. Slide them into your preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes. Flip them over with tongs, then continue baking for another 20 minutes. This double bake ensures every bit is juicy on the inside and super crispy on the outside.

Step 5: Sauce and Finish

Transfer your piping-hot wings straight from the oven into the bowl of Spicy PBJ sauce. Toss and turn them to ensure every wing gets drenched. Return the coated wings to the baking sheet, then pop them under the heat for another 5 minutes. That quick blast helps the glaze get sticky and caramelized—the finishing touch that really makes Spicy PBJ Wings shine.

How to Serve Spicy PBJ Wings

Garnishes

Finish your platter of Spicy PBJ Wings with a scattering of sliced scallions, a sprinkle of sesame seeds, or even a handful of chopped roasted peanuts for added crunch. A quick squeeze of lime right before serving makes the flavors pop dramatically!

Side Dishes

These wings are bold, so pair them with cool, creamy sides like a cucumber salad, shredded carrot slaw, or a pile of fluffy jasmine rice. The flavors also play well with chilled celery sticks—and if you really want to go big, serve with homemade ranch or blue cheese dip for cooling contrast.

Creative Ways to Present

Pile Spicy PBJ Wings high on a platter for sharing, arrange in a ring around a bowl of extra sauce for dipping, or serve them on skewers for a satay-inspired party twist. Individual wing baskets lined with wax paper also channel classic wing-joint vibes at home.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, let the wings cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container. They’ll keep fresh and tasty in the fridge for up to three days—perfect for a quick snack or game-day repeat.

Freezing

You can absolutely freeze Spicy PBJ Wings! Arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until firm, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll stay at their best for up to two months. Just thaw in the fridge when the craving strikes.

Reheating

For the crispiest reheated wings, place them on a baking rack over a sheet pan and bake in a 375°F oven for 10 to 15 minutes. The wings re-crisp, and the sticky PBJ glaze gets perfectly glossy again—almost as good as fresh!

FAQs

Can I use boneless chicken instead of wings?

Absolutely! Boneless chicken thighs or chunks of chicken breast work just fine. Simply follow the same coating and saucing method—just keep a close eye on the baking time so you don’t overcook them.

Is there a good substitute for jalapeno pepper jelly?

If you can’t find jalapeno jelly, try using another hot pepper jelly, sweet chili sauce, or even apricot preserves with a bit of chopped pickled jalapeno mixed in. The key is to balance the sweetness against the spicy and nutty notes.

Can I make Spicy PBJ Wings on the grill?

Yes, grilling is a tasty variation! Grill the coated wings over indirect medium heat, turning occasionally. When nearly cooked through, toss in the PBJ sauce, grill briefly over direct heat to caramelize, then dig in.

How do I keep the wings crispy if serving later?

Keep the coated, unsauced wings warm in a 200°F oven. When you’re ready to serve, toss in the PBJ sauce and blast them under the broiler for a few minutes to bring back that freshly-glazed crispiness.

How spicy are these wings?

Spicy PBJ Wings are medium-spicy as written, with room to dial up or down the heat. Adjust the cayenne, red pepper flakes, and Sriracha to match your spice tolerance. Just remember, the sweetness and PB smooth things out, so feel free to play!

Final Thoughts

If your regular wing night needs a playful twist or you want to wow your friends with something truly different, Spicy PBJ Wings are a wild and wonderful choice. Take that first bite—you’ll see that this peanut butter and jelly magic is the real deal. Give them a spot on your next party menu and get ready for rave reviews!