Sticky Honey Garlic Chicken Wings Recipe

Sizzling Sticky Honey Garlic Chicken Wings Recipe for Game Day

Succulent honey garlic chicken wings bring explosive flavor to your dinner table with minimal effort.

Sticky glazes coat each crispy morsel, promising a mouthwatering experience that’ll make taste buds dance.

Home cooks appreciate simple ingredients that create maximum impact in the kitchen.

Marinating transforms ordinary chicken into something extraordinary, infusing deep, complex notes of sweetness and umami.

Bold spices complement the rich honey and pungent garlic, creating a balanced profile that satisfies every craving.

Minimal prep work means you can whip up these wings faster than ordering takeout.

Dive into this irresistible recipe and watch everyone at the table become an instant fan.

Sticky Honey Garlic Chicken Wings: What Makes Them Special

  • Savor Sweet and Savory Flavor Explosion: These wings deliver an incredible taste combination that dances between honey's sweetness and garlic's bold punch, creating a mouthwatering experience that appeals to multiple taste preferences.
  • Master Quick and Simple Cooking: Anyone can prepare these wings with basic kitchen skills, minimal ingredients, and straightforward steps, making it perfect for home cooks wanting delicious results without complicated techniques.
  • Create Restaurant-Quality Meal at Home: The recipe transforms ordinary chicken wings into a gourmet-style dish with professional-looking caramelization and glossy finish, allowing you to impress family and guests without extensive culinary training.
  • Customize for Different Occasions: Whether serving as game day appetizers, weekend family dinner, or casual gathering snack, these sticky honey garlic wings adapt perfectly to various social settings and meal styles.

Sticky Honey Garlic Chicken Wings Ingredient List

Main Ingredients:
  • Chicken Wings: Fresh poultry pieces perfect for creating a delicious sticky appetizer or main course.
  • Honey: Sweet natural syrup that provides a rich caramelized coating for the wings.
  • Soy Sauce: Savory Asian condiment that adds depth and umami flavor to the sauce.
Flavor Enhancers:
  • Garlic, Ginger: Aromatic ingredients that bring bold and zesty taste to the chicken wings.
  • Rice Vinegar: Tangy liquid that balances the sweetness and adds a subtle acidic note.
Sauce and Finishing Ingredients:
  • Cornstarch, Water: Thickening agents that create a glossy and smooth glaze for the wings.
  • Green Onions, Sesame Seeds: Fresh garnishes that provide color, texture, and additional flavor complexity.

How To Cook Sticky Honey Garlic Chicken Wings

Step 1: Warm Up The Oven

Turn your oven to 400°F to create the perfect cooking environment for your chicken wings.

Step 2: Create Flavor-Packed Marinade

Whisk together the following ingredients in a mixing bowl:
  • Honey
  • Soy sauce
  • Minced garlic
  • Grated ginger
  • Rice vinegar

Blend these ingredients until they form a smooth, fragrant marinade.

Step 3: Prepare Chicken Wings

Place chicken wings in a baking dish and generously pour the marinade over them. Use your hands or a spoon to ensure every wing is completely covered with the flavorful sauce.

Step 4: Bake To Perfection

Slide the baking dish into the preheated oven. Bake for 45-50 minutes, flipping the wings halfway through to guarantee even cooking and maximum flavor development.

Step 5: Craft Glossy Glaze

In a small saucepan, combine:
  • Water
  • Cornstarch

Heat the mixture over medium temperature, stirring continuously until it transforms into a thick, shiny glaze.

Step 6: Caramelize And Finish

Once wings are fully cooked, brush the fresh glaze over them. Transfer to the broiler for 2-3 minutes to create a gorgeous golden-brown caramelized exterior.

Step 7: Garnish And Serve

Sprinkle chopped green onions and sesame seeds over the wings for a beautiful and tasty finishing touch. Plate and enjoy your mouthwatering creation!

Best Tips For Sticky Honey Garlic Chicken Wings

  • Pat chicken wings dry before marinating to help sauce stick better and create crispier texture.
  • Use a meat thermometer to check internal temperature reaches 165F for safe consumption.
  • Swap honey with maple syrup for a different flavor profile or use low-sodium soy sauce for reduced salt intake.
  • Line baking dish with parchment paper for easier cleanup and prevent wings from sticking.
  • Marinate wings overnight in refrigerator to enhance deeper flavor penetration and tenderize meat.

Fun Ideas For Sticky Honey Garlic Chicken Wings

  • Asian BBQ Wings: Swap honey with hoisin sauce, add five-spice powder, and brush with extra BBQ sauce during baking for a bold, tangy flavor profile.
  • Spicy Korean-Style Wings: Mix gochujang paste into the original sauce, sprinkle with red pepper flakes, and garnish with chopped cilantro for a fiery kick.
  • Citrus Herb Wings: Replace rice vinegar with fresh orange juice, add chopped rosemary and thyme, and zest some lemon over the wings before serving for a bright, herbaceous version.
  • Caribbean Jerk Wings: Incorporate jamaican jerk seasoning into the sauce, use dark rum instead of rice vinegar, and finish with fresh lime juice and chopped scallions for a tropical spin.

Pairings For Sticky Honey Garlic Chicken Wings

  • Pair Sweet Riesling with Chicken Wings: This light, slightly sweet white wine perfectly balances the sticky honey and garlic flavors, cutting through the richness of the wings while complementing their sweet-savory profile.
  • Create Asian Beer Harmony: Choose a crisp Asian lager like Sapporo or Tsingtao, which provides a refreshing counterpoint to the intense garlic and honey glaze, cleansing the palate between bites.
  • Serve with Cooling Cucumber Slaw: Prepare a tangy cucumber salad with rice vinegar and fresh herbs to contrast the wings' sticky warmth, offering a fresh and light side that helps balance the dish's intense flavors.

How To Store Sticky Honey Garlic Chicken Wings

  • Store leftover chicken wings in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, ensuring they're completely cooled before sealing.
  • Wrap wings individually in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for maximum 3 months. Label the bag with the date to track freshness.
  • Preheat oven to 350F. Place wings on a baking sheet, cover with foil to prevent drying. Warm for 10-15 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165F. Remove foil during last 3 minutes for crispy texture.
  • Place wings on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel.

Sticky Honey Garlic Chicken Wings FAQs

  • Are these chicken wings spicy?

Not at all! These honey garlic wings have a sweet and savory flavor profile with no heat. The combination of honey and soy sauce creates a delicious, mild taste that most people enjoy.

  • Can I use frozen chicken wings?

Yes, but make sure to completely thaw them first and pat them dry before cooking. Frozen wings can release extra moisture and prevent the wings from getting crispy and sticky.

  • Do I need a special type of honey for this recipe?

No, any regular honey works perfectly. Whether you have clover honey, wildflower honey, or generic store-brand honey, they will all create a delicious glaze for the chicken wings.

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Sticky Honey Garlic Chicken Wings Recipe

Sticky Honey Garlic Chicken Wings Recipe


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4.8 from 21 reviews

  • Total Time: 60-65 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Honey garlic chicken wings deliver mesmerizing flavors straight from Asian kitchens. Crispy, caramelized wings glazed with sweet and savory sauce will make you crave more with every delicious bite.


Ingredients

Scale

Protein:

  • 2 pounds (907 grams) chicken wings

Sauce Ingredients:

  • 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) honey
  • 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) rice vinegar
  • 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) water
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced

Thickening and Garnish:

  • 1 tablespoon (15 grams) cornstarch
  • 1 teaspoon (5 grams) ginger, grated
  • Green onions, chopped (for garnish)
  • Sesame seeds (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the marinade by whisking together honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, grated ginger, and rice vinegar in a mixing bowl.
  2. Position chicken wings in a single layer within a baking dish, thoroughly coating each piece with the prepared marinade.
  3. Heat the oven to 400F (200C) and allow wings to marinate while the oven reaches temperature.
  4. Roast the wings for 45-50 minutes, rotating midway through cooking to ensure uniform browning and thorough cooking.
  5. Create a glossy glaze by combining water and cornstarch in a small saucepan, heating and stirring until the mixture transforms into a smooth, thickened consistency.
  6. Remove wings from the oven and generously brush with the prepared glaze.
  7. Activate the broiler and return wings to the oven for 2-3 minutes, watching carefully to achieve a caramelized, golden exterior without burning.
  8. Transfer wings to a serving platter and sprinkle with finely chopped green onions and toasted sesame seeds for added texture and visual appeal.

Notes

  • Marinate wings overnight for deeper flavor infusion, allowing sauce to penetrate meat thoroughly.
  • Use parchment paper or silicone mat to prevent wings from sticking and ease cleanup process.
  • Pat chicken wings dry before seasoning to ensure crispy exterior and better sauce adherence.
  • Adjust honey quantity for dietary preferences, substituting with maple syrup or agave for lower sugar content.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 50-55 minutes
  • Category: Appetizer, Snacks, Dinner
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 288 kcal
  • Sugar: 9 g
  • Sodium: 580 mg
  • Fat: 16 g
  • Saturated Fat: 4.5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 11 g
  • Fiber: 0.3 g
  • Protein: 22 g
  • Cholesterol: 90 mg
Samantha Lee

Samantha Lee

Recipe Developer & Content Creator

Expertise

Plant-based and vegetarian recipes, Recipe testing and development, Food blogging and digital content creation, Culinary education and workshops​

Education

Oregon Culinary Institute (Portland, OR)

  • Program: Diploma in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Emphasized plant-based cooking, global cuisines, and recipe testing methodologies.​

Samantha sees cooking like painting, every fresh herb, every juicy tomato, a new splash of color on a canvas.
After graduating from Oregon Culinary Institute, she blended her love of global cuisines and plant-based cooking into recipes that feel fresh, fearless, and full of heart.
Samantha’s kitchen is a place where comfort food gets a modern remix and every meal feels like a little adventure. When she’s not cooking, she’s out exploring farmers’ markets, sketching new recipe ideas, or getting her hands dirty in a community garden.

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