Chicken wings are the ultimate party food, and when they’re glazed in a sticky, sweet honey sauce with a savory twist, they become absolutely irresistible!
Whether you’re hosting a game night, a family dinner, or just craving a delicious snack, Sticky Honey Chicken Wings are the perfect choice. These wings are baked to crispy perfection and coated in a mouthwatering sauce that balances sweet, savory, and spicy flavors in every bite.
In this recipe, the chicken wings are first baked to crispy perfection, and then tossed in a luscious honey sauce that has a hint of garlic and ginger. The result? Sticky, sweet, and utterly addictive chicken wings that will have everyone reaching for more.
Ingredients:
For the chicken wings:
- 12-15 chicken wings (you can use drumettes or flats, or a combination of both)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the honey sauce:
- ¼ cup honey
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce (use low-sodium for a lighter version)
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce (optional for extra umami)
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon minced ginger (optional for extra depth)
- 1 teaspoon sriracha or chili flakes (optional, for heat)
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)
- Fresh cilantro (optional, for garnish)
How to Make Sticky Honey Chicken Wings:
1. Prepare the Chicken Wings:
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the chicken wings on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or aluminum foil for easy cleanup. Pat the wings dry with paper towels to ensure they crisp up nicely. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Toss the wings to evenly coat them in the oil and seasoning.
2. Bake the Wings:
Place the seasoned wings in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, flipping them halfway through to ensure they cook evenly. The wings should be golden brown, crispy on the outside, and cooked through on the inside. For extra crispiness, you can broil them for the last 2-3 minutes of baking, but keep an eye on them to prevent burning.
3. Make the Sticky Honey Sauce:
While the wings are baking, it’s time to prepare the honey sauce. In a small saucepan, combine the honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, hoisin sauce (if using), garlic, ginger, and sriracha or chili flakes (if you like a bit of heat). Stir the mixture over medium heat until it starts to simmer. Let it cook for 3-4 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly and become glossy.
4. Coat the Wings:
Once the wings are crispy and golden, remove them from the oven and transfer them to a large mixing bowl. Pour the warm sticky honey sauce over the wings and toss them until they are evenly coated in the sauce. Make sure every wing is covered with the delicious glaze!
5. Garnish and Serve:
Transfer the sticky honey wings to a serving platter. Garnish with sesame seeds and fresh cilantro for a pop of color and flavor. Serve immediately while they’re hot and sticky. These wings are best enjoyed fresh, paired with a cold drink and your favorite dipping sauce (like ranch or blue cheese, if desired).
Why You’ll Love These Sticky Honey Chicken Wings:
These wings are a perfect blend of savory, sweet, and slightly spicy. The honey gives the wings a wonderful stickiness that coats the crispy skin, while the soy sauce and garlic add savory depth. The vinegar adds a subtle tang to balance the sweetness, and the ginger brings a nice warmth. The addition of sriracha or chili flakes gives just the right kick, but feel free to adjust the heat level to your preference.
Not only are these wings incredibly delicious, but they’re also easy to make. Baking them allows you to skip the frying, making them a little lighter but still just as satisfying. The honey sauce adds a special touch that elevates the humble chicken wing to something truly special.
Tips & Tricks:
- Crispier Wings: If you want extra crispy wings, bake them on a wire rack set over the baking sheet. This allows the heat to circulate evenly around the wings, making them even crispier.
- Adjust the Sweetness: Feel free to adjust the amount of honey depending on how sweet you like your wings. You can also mix in a little brown sugar for a richer flavor.
- Make-Ahead Option: You can prepare the wings and honey sauce ahead of time. Store the cooked wings in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days, and reheat them in the oven. Warm up the honey sauce and toss again before serving.
Perfect for Any Occasion:
These Sticky Honey Chicken Wings are perfect for so many occasions — from casual weeknight dinners to game days, picnics, or even a special treat for a barbecue. The glaze makes them just the right balance of sweet, savory, and spicy, and the crispy texture will have everyone coming back for more.
Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just treating yourself, these wings are sure to be a hit every time. Easy to make, full of flavor, and impossible to resist, this is a recipe you’ll want to keep in your back pocket for all your wing cravings.