Mango Tango Chicken Wing Glaze

Name: Mango Tango Chicken Wing Glaze
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 2 ripe mangoes, peeled and diced; 2 tablespoons honey; 1 tablespoon lime juice; 1 teaspoon chili sauce; Salt and pepper to taste; 2 pounds chicken wings, cleaned and patted dry; 1 tablespoon olive oil

Highlighted under: Light & Fresh Recipes

I absolutely love this Mango Tango Chicken Wing Glaze! With its perfect blend of sweet mango and spicy flavors, it elevates ordinary chicken wings to a whole new level. I discovered this recipe while experimenting with tropical fruits and found that the added zest from lime juice cuts through the richness beautifully. Whether you’re grilling in the summer or baking in the winter, this glaze is guaranteed to impress guests at any gathering. Trust me, you won't be able to stop at just one wing!

Created by

Anna Johnson

Last updated on 2026-01-17T14:12:28.191Z

When I first concocted this Mango Tango Chicken Wing Glaze, I was inspired by my love for vibrant, tropical flavors. The combination of ripe mangoes and a kick of chili sauce turned out to be a game-changer. I realized that balancing sweet and spicy is key to creating something memorable. The glaze not only coats the wings perfectly but also allows the underlying chicken flavor to shine.

After trying various methods, I found that marinating the wings for about 30 minutes really allows the flavors to meld together. Plus, grilling them instead of frying gives them a beautiful char while maintaining that juicy tenderness that we all love. It’s a cooking technique I always recommend for maximum flavor!

        Why You Will Love This Recipe
        Tropical sweetness with a spicy kick
Perfect for BBQs and family gatherings
Easy to prepare with a short cooking time

      

Understanding the Ingredients

The star of this Mango Tango Chicken Wing Glaze is, of course, the ripe mangoes. Their sweetness not only adds flavor but also contributes to the glaze's enticing texture. When selecting mangoes, look for ones that yield slightly to pressure when squeezed, indicating ripeness. This ensures that your glaze will be gloriously sweet and rich, perfectly complementing the spicy notes of chili sauce. If mangoes are out of season, consider substituting with a similar tropical fruit, such as pineapple or papaya, for a unique twist.

Honey plays a crucial role in balancing the spicy and tangy elements of the glaze. It adds a smooth sweetness that coats the wings beautifully. If you're looking to cut down on sugar, try using agave nectar or maple syrup; however, be aware that this may slightly alter the glaze's final flavor and consistency. Lime juice is essential for adding brightness; fresh juice is recommended for the best flavor, but bottled lime juice can work in a pinch. Just avoid the sweetened varieties.

Marinating and Cooking Tips

Marinating the chicken wings in the mango glaze not only infuses them with flavor but also helps achieve that crispy, caramelized exterior when grilled. Aim for a marination time of at least 30 minutes, but for optimal flavor penetration, refrigerate them for up to 4 hours. If you plan to marinate longer, ensure they are covered securely to avoid any cross-contamination in the fridge. Take care not to skip the olive oil; it provides moisture and aids in achieving a crispy texture when cooked.

Grilling the wings at medium-high heat is critical for getting that perfect char. Ideally, use a grill thermometer to ensure the temperature is around 375–450°F. Position the wings over direct heat for the first 10 minutes, then move them to indirect heat to finish cooking through. They're done when they reach an internal temperature of 165°F and are golden brown with crispy edges. If you find your wings are browning too quickly, move them to a cooler part of the grill to prevent charring.

Ingredients

For the Mango Tango Glaze

2 ripe mangoes, peeled and diced
2 tablespoons honey
1 tablespoon lime juice
1 teaspoon chili sauce
Salt and pepper to taste

For the Chicken Wings

2 pounds chicken wings, cleaned and patted dry
1 tablespoon olive oil

Instructions

Cooking Steps

Prepare the Mango Tango Glaze

In a blender, combine the diced mangoes, honey, lime juice, chili sauce, salt, and pepper. Blend until smooth and set aside.

Marinate the Chicken Wings

In a large bowl, toss the chicken wings with olive oil and a little salt. Add half of the mango glaze to the wings and mix until evenly coated. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes.

Cook the Wings

Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Place the marinated wings on the grill and cook for about 20 minutes, turning occasionally, until they are crispy and cooked through.

Serve

Once cooked, remove the wings from the grill and drizzle with the remaining mango glaze. Serve immediately and enjoy your delicious Mango Tango Chicken Wings!

Pro Tips

For an extra kick, feel free to add more chili sauce to the glaze or garnish with chopped fresh cilantro before serving.

Serving Suggestions

These Mango Tango Chicken Wings are fantastic on their own, but consider serving them alongside a cooling coconut cream dip to balance the heat. A simple side of coleslaw adds a crunchy texture and complements the tropical vibe, while fresh lime wedges can enhance the citrus notes when squeezed over the wings just before eating. For a themed gathering, pair these wings with a fruity tropical punch or light beer for a refreshing twist.

For those looking to create a full meal, serve the wings with jasmine rice or quinoa to soak up the extra glaze. Adding a simple green salad can also provide a refreshing palate cleanse between wings. You might even consider skewering the wings and grilling vegetable medleys alongside—zucchini, bell peppers, and corn add vibrant colors and flavors that will appeal to a crowd.

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

If you're planning for a busy day, the Mango Tango glaze can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This not only saves prep time but also allows the flavors to meld and develop, enhancing the overall taste. When ready to use, simply give it a good stir before marinating your wings to ensure an even distribution of flavors.

For leftover wings, let them cool completely, then store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat them in the oven at 375°F for about 10-15 minutes to restore their crispiness. If you want to save more time in the future, consider freezing the marinated wings before they’re cooked. Just ensure they’re sealed well to prevent freezer burn, and they can be stored for up to 3 months. Simply thaw and cook when ready for a quick meal.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen mangoes instead of fresh?

Yes, frozen mangoes work well too! Just make sure to thaw and drain any excess liquid before blending.

→ What can I substitute for honey?

You can use maple syrup or agave nectar as a vegan-friendly alternative.

→ Can I bake the chicken wings instead of grilling?

Absolutely! Bake the marinated wings at 400°F (200°C) for about 40-45 minutes, flipping halfway through.

→ How do I store leftovers?

Store any leftover wings in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven before serving.