(Courtesy Segio Arreola / Pexels)

The NFL playoffs are ON, so you’re gonna need the right snacks this weekend, like these tasty chicken wings glazed with a serious India Pale Ale.

And although many IPAs will add their own unique qualities to these wings, we went with Sierra Nevada’s newest seasonal, Springfest IPA, a 6% ABV India Pale Ale, brewed with locally sourced organic hops and barley that’s not only delicious, but widely available.

The IPA’s lemon, tangerine and pine tones add a nice touch to these wings, a smart offset to the garlic that adds a welcome sweetness.

So let’s do this!

India Pale Ale Chicken Wings

Ingredients for the wings:

• 2 lbs chicken wings, split and tips removed
• 1 tbsp baking powder (for extra-crispy skin)
• 1 tsp kosher salt
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• ½ tsp garlic powder

Ingredients for the IPA glaze:

• 1 cup IPA (West Coast or American IPA works best)
• 3 tbsp butter
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp honey (or brown sugar for deeper caramel notes)
• 1 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
• ½ tsp chili flakes (optional, but recommended)

(Courtesy Sierra Nevada Brewing)

Instructions:

Prep the Wings – Pat wings completely dry. Toss with baking powder, salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and garlic powder. Place wings on a wire rack set over a baking sheet and refrigerate uncovered for at least 30 minutes (up to overnight for maximum crisp).

Bake at 425°F for 40–45 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and crisp.

Make the IPA Glaze – In a saucepan over medium heat, add the IPA and bring to a gentle boil.
Reduce by about half (8–10 minutes), then lower heat and whisk in butter, garlic, honey, soy sauce, vinegar, and chili flakes. Simmer until glossy and syrupy, 5–7 minutes.

Toss & Finish – Transfer hot wings to a large bowl, pour glaze over, and toss until evenly coated.
For extra stickiness, return glazed wings to the oven for 5 minutes.

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Expert Tips

• Finish with a squeeze of lemon or lime to brighten the wings.
• Sprinkle with chopped cilantro or scallions for contrast.
• Serve with celery, carrots, and another Sierra Nevada Springfest IPA

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