Honey Garlic Chicken Wings
Spice up your dinner with these sticky-sweet honey garlic chicken wings. They’re sure to be a hit at your next gathering!
Honey garlic chicken wings are a guaranteed hit whether served as a game-day snack, party appetizer, or main course. The wings bake up crisp in the oven, then get coated in a glossy sauce made with honey, soy sauce, and fresh garlic and ginger.
This recipe makes enough for a hearty appetizer for 8 to 10 people or a main dish for 4. You can easily adjust the heat level — add chili crisp (Amazon Link), crushed red pepper flakes, or a drizzle of Sriracha for extra spice.
Why You’ll Love It
Perfectly balanced flavor. Sweet honey, savory soy sauce, and aromatic garlic and ginger create an irresistible glaze.
Crispy yet sticky. Oven-baked wings stay crisp even after coating with the rich sauce.
Make-ahead friendly. You can prep and reheat the wings before tossing them in the sauce for easy entertaining.
Ingredient Notes
- Chicken wings: Use split wings (drumettes and flats) for even cooking.
- Flour: Lightly coats the wings for a crisp exterior.
- Honey: Adds sweetness and helps the sauce thicken and glaze.
- Soy sauce: Provides salty, umami depth.
- Garlic and ginger: Fresh minced garlic and ginger give the sauce bright, aromatic flavor.
- Chili crisp or red pepper flakes: Optional, for a spicy kick.
- Sesame seeds and green onions: Great finishing garnishes for texture and freshness.
Steps to Make Honey Garlic Chicken Wings
- Prepare the oven: Preheat to 425°F and line a large rimmed baking sheet with foil. Lightly oil the foil or coat with nonstick spray.
- Season the wings: Pat wings dry with paper towels, then season with salt and pepper. Toss in flour to coat evenly.
- Bake: Arrange wings in a single layer and bake 35 to 45 minutes, turning once halfway through, until crisp and golden brown.
- Make the sauce: In a small saucepan, combine honey, water, soy sauce, garlic, ginger, cornstarch, and chili crisp. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer 8 to 10 minutes, until slightly thickened.
- Coat and serve: Toss baked wings in the warm sauce until coated. Garnish with sesame seeds and sliced green onions, if desired.
Tips for Honey Garlic Wings
- Pat the wings completely dry before baking for the crispiest texture.
- Line your pan with foil for easy cleanup — the sauce can get sticky.
- Use fresh garlic and ginger for the best flavor balance.
- For a spicier version, increase the chili crisp or add a touch of cayenne or Sriracha.
Recipe Variations
- Replace the honey with maple syrup or brown sugar.
- Add a splash of rice vinegar and 1 teaspoon of sesame oil to the sauce mixture for tangy Asian flavor.
- Add a bit of bourbon the the sauce mixture for a delightful twist.
What to Serve With Honey Garlic Wings
- Rice or noodles: Serve over steamed rice or lo mein for a complete meal.
- Vegetable sides: Pair with sautéed green beans, broccoli, or snow peas.
- Appetizer spread: Include on a game-day platter with celery sticks, carrots, and dipping sauces.
- Salad: Add to a crisp Asian-inspired slaw for a lighter contrast.
How to Store and Reheat Honey Garlic Wings
Refrigerate: Store cooled wings in an airtight container for up to 3 to 4 days.
Freeze: Arrange wings on a baking sheet to freeze solid, then transfer to freezer bags or containers. Label and freeze for up to 3 months.
To reheat (oven): Bake at 350°F for 15 to 20 minutes, or until hot and crisp. Frozen wings may need 10 minutes longer.
To reheat (air fryer): Cook at 375°F for 6 to 10 minutes, shaking halfway through, until hot and crisp.
To reheat (microwave): Place on a plate, cover loosely, and heat on medium power for 2 to 3 minutes (4 to 6 minutes if frozen).
Make-Ahead Tip
Prepare and bake the wings up to 2 days in advance. Before serving, reheat at 350°F for about 15 minutes, then toss with freshly made sauce for best texture and flavor.
Honey Garlic Chicken Wings
Ingredients
For the Wings
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 3 pounds chicken wings, about 30 pieces
- Kosher salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
For the Sauce
- 1/3 cup honey
- 1/4 cup water
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 teaspoons garlic, minced
- 2 teaspoons ginger, minced
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
- 1/2 teaspoon chili crisp, or 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- Sesame seeds, for garnish, optional
- Sliced green onions, for garnish, optional
Instructions
- Prepare the Oven and Pan: Heat the oven to 425 F and line a large, rimmed baking sheet with foil. Lightly oil the foil or spray with cooking spray.
- Prepare the Chicken: Pat the wings with paper towels to dry; sprinkle with salt and pepper and toss in the flour to coat.
- Bake the Wings: Arrange the wings on the baking sheet and bake for 35 to 45 minutes, turning halfway through the cooking time.
- Make the Sauce: Combine the Sauce ingredients in a saucepan. Bring to a boil then reduce the heat to low and simmer for 8 to 10 minutes or until slightly thickened.
- Sauce the Wings and Serve: Remove the wings from the oven and toss with the sauce. Garnish with green onions or sesame seeds if desired. Enjoy!
Nutrition
Disclaimer:
Our nutritional information is based on a third-party application that analyzes the ingredients list to determine the values. The information is meant to be helpful, but should be considered an estimate. Values may differ depending on measurements, brands, serving variations, and database availability.
