Game Day Recipes for the Win!

The Super Bowl is right around the corner! The big game day is always a fun time to enjoy great snack food with friends and family, but whether you have a big party or not, you always have the excuse to make some fun snacks to enjoy at home for yourself!

The Real Crowd-Pleaser: Wings

Dips, yard-long cold-cut subs, chips and salsa, mac-n-cheese, pretzels and mustard – your typical spread; but what’s missing here is some killer crowd-pleasing chicken wings! No need to deep fry anything, baked wings are easier, healthier, and much quicker to make! All you need is a simple, yet flavorful dry rub and the perfect sauce to douse them in once they come out of the oven.

The Secret’s in the Sauce – or the Jelly

We love to dry-marinate our wings in medley of salt, black pepper, granulated garlic, and smoked paprika. That’s it! Allow the wings to soak up all the smoky, garlic-y flavor for at least two hours in the refrigerator, then just before your guests arrive, pop the wings into the oven at 350F for about 30-45 minutes. As soon as the wings come out of the oven, toss them with Neat Nick Preserves Pineapple or Mango Hot Pepper Jelly for a sweet and spicy glaze. The jelly lends a perfect balance of sweet and heat, while still allowing the garlic and smoked paprika from the dry rub to shine through. It’s a simple combination that everyone will love!

Baked Sweet and Spicy Chicken Wings

• 3 lbs. Butcher Box chicken wings
• 2 tsp. salt
• 1-2 tsp. black pepper
• 3 tsp. granulated garlic
• 2 tsp. smoked paprika
• ½ – ¾ cup of your favorite Neat Nick Preserves Hot Pepper Jelly (flavors include traditional, peach, mango, and pineapple!)

In a small bowl, mix together with a fork the salt, pepper, granulated garlic, and smoked paprika. Toss this mixture onto the chicken wings and place the wings in the refrigerator to marinate for at least 2 hours, or overnight.

When ready to bake, spread the wings out evenly into a large glass baking dish (or two smaller baking dishes) and bake at 350F for 30-45 minutes. Remove from the oven and melt the jam in a small sauce pot on the stove or in a bowl in the microwave. Pour the hot jam over the hot wings and toss with tongs to evenly coat the wings. Serve immediately.

For more great Neat Nick Preserves recipes, visit the Recipes page on our website. Enjoy!

Recipe created by NoodlesKnows blog author and fitness coach Mandy Kaewsowatana.