Honey Garlic Chicken Wings Recipe

Crispy Honey Garlic Chicken Wings Recipe – Finger-Licking Good

These honey garlic chicken wings convert ordinary poultry into a mouthwatering sensation that dances between sweet and savory profiles.

Bold flavors leap from each crispy, glazed wing, promising a culinary adventure that tantalizes taste buds.

Home cooks adore this simple yet sophisticated dish that elevates weeknight dinners into memorable experiences.

The magnetic combination of golden honey and robust garlic creates an irresistible coating that clings perfectly to tender meat.

Crisp edges provide delightful textural contrast against succulent inner layers, making each bite a delectable journey.

Minimal ingredients merge into maximum satisfaction, proving that remarkable meals need not be complicated.

Rich aromas will fill your kitchen, signaling an incredible feast approaching.

Honey Garlic Wings Glazed to Perfection

  • Elevate Wing Game: These honey garlic chicken wings transform ordinary poultry into a restaurant-quality dish with minimal kitchen skills required.
  • Texture Triumph: Crispy exterior meets juicy interior, creating a perfect bite that crackles and melts in your mouth with every delicious wing.
  • Flavor Explosion: Bold honey and garlic combination delivers a sweet-savory punch that tantalizes taste buds and appeals to both kids and adults at family gatherings or game day parties.
  • Hassle-Free Cooking: Simple one-pan method with straightforward ingredients means less prep time and cleanup, making this recipe ideal for busy home cooks wanting maximum flavor with minimal effort.

Ingredients for Honey Garlic Chicken Wings

Chicken Base:
  • Chicken Wings: Fresh wings with a good meat-to-skin ratio, perfect for crispy and flavorful baking.
Seasoning Blend:
  • Salt, Black Pepper, Smoked Paprika, Garlic Powder: Classic spice mix that enhances chicken's natural flavor with smoky and aromatic notes.
Sauce Components:
  • Soy Sauce, Mirin, Honey: Core flavor builders that create a sweet, tangy, and umami-rich glaze for the wings.
  • Water: Helps balance and thin the sauce for even coating.
  • Sesame Oil: Adds a nutty, authentic Asian-inspired flavor profile.
  • Garlic, Ginger: Fresh aromatics that provide deep, robust flavor layers.
  • Red Pepper Flakes: Optional spicy element for heat lovers.
  • Cornstarch: Thickens sauce and helps create a glossy, clingy texture.
Finishing Touch:
  • Sesame Seeds: Crunchy garnish that adds visual appeal and subtle nutty taste.
Liquid Base:
  • Olive Oil: Helps with even cooking and prevents sticking during preparation.

Cooking Guide for Sticky, Crispy Wings

Step 1: Prepare Oven and Chicken Wings

Crank up the oven to a toasty 425°F. Grab your chicken wings and give them a thorough pat-down with paper towels, ensuring they’re completely dry for that perfect crispy texture.

Step 2: Create Flavor-Packed Rub

In a mixing bowl, blend your rub ingredients into a tantalizing mixture. Toss the wings generously, making sure each piece gets a delicious coating. Drizzle olive oil over the wings for extra golden goodness.

Step 3: Bake to Perfection

Spread the seasoned wings on a lined baking sheet. Slide into the preheated oven and bake for 35 minutes. At the 20-minute mark, flip the wings to ensure even cooking and maximum crunchiness.

Step 4: Craft Irresistible Honey Garlic Sauce

While wings are baking, create the sauce magic:
  • Honey
  • Garlic
  • Soy sauce
  • Butter

Combine these ingredients in a saucepan over medium heat. Let it simmer and reduce, transforming into a thick, glossy coating.

Step 5: Sauce and Crisp

Once wings are baked, generously coat them in the honey garlic sauce. Return to the oven for 10 minutes, flipping midway to ensure complete sauce coverage.

Step 6: Final Broil for Ultimate Crunch

Switch oven to broil. Give the wings a quick blast to create an extra crispy exterior. Watch carefully to prevent burning.

Step 7: Rest and Toss

Let wings cool slightly. Give them a final toss in the thickening sauce for maximum flavor impact.

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cook Time: 50 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour | Servings: 6

Tips for Perfect Honey Garlic Chicken Wings

  • Patting Dry for Crispiness: Thoroughly dry chicken wings with paper towels to ensure a crispy, golden-brown exterior that locks in flavor.
  • Maximize Flavor Infusion: Toss wings generously in the rub mixture, making sure each wing is evenly coated for maximum taste in every bite.
  • Strategic Baking Technique: Flip wings halfway through cooking to promote even browning and prevent burning on one side.
  • Sauce Thickening Trick: Simmer the honey garlic sauce slowly, stirring constantly to achieve the perfect glossy, clingy consistency.
  • Final Crisp Boost: Use the broiler for the last few minutes to create an irresistibly crunchy exterior that will have everyone reaching for seconds.

Storage and Reheating Tips for Chicken Wings

  • Refrigerate: Store leftover wings in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days, keeping them fresh and preventing moisture loss.
  • Reheat Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F, place wings on a baking sheet, and warm for 10-12 minutes until heated through and crispy.
  • Microwave Option: Heat wings in short 30-second intervals, checking to prevent dryness, and stop when thoroughly warm.

Side Dishes to Serve with Honey Garlic Wings

  • Craft Perfect Beer Pairing: Grab a crisp, hoppy IPA or amber ale that cuts through the wings' rich, sweet-savory flavors and complements the honey garlic sauce's intensity.
  • Match with Zesty Salad Side: Prepare a tangy coleslaw or citrus-dressed green salad to balance the chicken wings' richness and provide a refreshing contrast to the deep umami taste.
  • Create Cooling Dip Companion: Whip up a quick blue cheese or ranch dressing as a creamy, cool accompaniment that neutralizes the wings' garlic heat and provides a smooth texture counterpoint.
  • Serve with Bright White Wine: Select a slightly chilled Riesling or Pinot Grigio with enough acidity to slice through the wings' sweetness and enhance the overall meal's complex flavor profile.

Flavor Twists on Honey Garlic Chicken Wings

  • Spicy Honey Garlic Wings: Add red pepper flakes to the rub and sauce for a fiery kick. Increase heat intensity by incorporating sriracha or cayenne pepper for bold flavor lovers.
  • Asian-Inspired Variation: Replace honey with hoisin sauce and add ginger, five-spice powder, and a splash of rice vinegar. Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds for an authentic touch.
  • Smoky BBQ Fusion: Mix barbecue sauce with honey and garlic for a rich, smoky profile. Include smoked paprika in the rub and use applewood-smoked salt to enhance the deep, complex flavors.
  • Lemon Herb Remix: Incorporate fresh lemon zest, thyme, and rosemary into the rub. Create a lighter sauce using lemon juice, honey, and fresh herbs for a bright, zesty alternative that complements the chicken wings.
Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Honey Garlic Chicken Wings Recipe

Honey Garlic Chicken Wings Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.5 from 26 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Honey garlic chicken wings bring delectable Asian-inspired flavors to your dinner table. Crispy wings glazed with sweet honey and aromatic garlic create an irresistible meal that will make you crave more.


Ingredients

Scale

Chicken:

  • 30 chicken wings

Rub:

  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder

Sauce and Seasonings:

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • ¼ cup soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons mirin
  • ½ cup honey
  • ¾ cup water
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon minced ginger
  • ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch

Garnish:

  • Sesame seeds

Instructions

  1. Thoroughly blot chicken wings using clean kitchen towels to remove excess moisture, ensuring a crisp exterior during roasting.
  2. Create a zesty seasoning blend in a mixing bowl, generously coating each wing with the aromatic rub.
  3. Drizzle wings with high-quality olive oil, massaging the seasoning and oil into the meat for maximum flavor penetration.
  4. Position wings on a parchment-lined baking sheet, arranging them in a single layer to promote even cooking and crispy edges.
  5. Roast wings in a preheated oven, rotating the tray midway through to guarantee uniform golden-brown coloration.
  6. While wings are roasting, craft a luxurious honey garlic glaze by simmering ingredients in a saucepan until the mixture reduces and thickens.
  7. Remove wings from oven and generously brush with the glossy, caramelized sauce, ensuring complete coverage.
  8. Return wings to oven for a final caramelization, flipping once to develop a sticky, rich exterior.
  9. Activate broiler for a few minutes to achieve an irresistibly crisp and slightly charred finish.
  10. Allow wings to rest briefly, then toss in remaining sauce to intensify flavor and create a glistening coating.
  11. Serve immediately while wings are piping hot and sauce is at its most luscious consistency.

Notes

  • Achieve crispy perfection by thoroughly drying chicken wings with paper towels before seasoning.
  • Elevate flavor by creating a homemade honey garlic sauce that caramelizes beautifully during the final baking stage.
  • Strategic flipping and broiling techniques ensure maximum crunchiness and even coating, transforming ordinary wings into restaurant-quality appetizers.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 50 minutes
  • Category: Appetizer, Snacks, Dinner
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Asian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 360
  • Sugar: 18 g
  • Sodium: 720 mg
  • Fat: 16 g
  • Saturated Fat: 2 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 40 g
  • Fiber: 0 g
  • Protein: 20 g
  • Cholesterol: 70 mg
Alex Reed

Alex Reed

Founder & Lead Content Writer

Expertise

Recipe Development and Testing​, Culinary Education​, Food Writing and Blogging​, Sustainable Cooking Practices, Global Cuisine Exploration

Education

Johnson & Wales University

  • Degree: Bachelor of Science in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Comprehensive training in classical and contemporary cooking techniques, kitchen management, and menu development. Emphasized hands-on experience in diverse culinary traditions.​

Le Cordon Bleu Paris

  • Program: Diplôme de Cuisine
  • Focus: Advanced instruction in French culinary techniques, including sauce preparation, pâtisserie, and haute cuisine.​

Alex Reed is an inventive chef and food creator with a passion for dishes that balance taste, health, and sustainability. 

Trained at Portland Community College and holding an Advanced Pastry Arts certificate from Oregon Culinary Institute, Alex brings more than 10 years of practical culinary experience to every recipe he develops. 

His background uniquely blends traditional cooking skills with modern, mindful eating principles. As the founder of Beard and Bonnet, Alex creates recipes that encourage readers to cook confidently.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe rating 5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star