Name: Honey Garlic Chicken Wings Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: PT-484288H31M53S
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 lbs chicken wings (fresh or frozen); 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/2 teaspoon paprika; 1/2 cup honey; 1/4 cup soy sauce (low-sodium preferred); 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tablespoon rice vinegar (or apple cider vinegar); 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (for thickening, optional); 2 tablespoons sesame seeds (optional, for garnish); 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Jump to Recipe

Honey Garlic Chicken Wings are a sweet and savory delight that will leave you craving more. The sticky, flavorful sauce made with honey, garlic, and a few other simple ingredients creates the perfect glaze for crispy chicken wings. Whether you’re hosting a party, enjoying game day, or simply indulging in a tasty treat, these wings will quickly become a favorite in your household.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Perfect Balance of Sweet and Savory

The honey garlic sauce strikes the perfect balance between sweet and savory, making every bite a delicious combination of flavors.

2. Easy to Make

This recipe is quick and simple, making it ideal for busy nights or when you’re craving something delicious with minimal effort.

3. Crispy Wings

The wings turn out crispy on the outside while remaining juicy and tender on the inside, thanks to a perfect cooking method.

4. Family-Friendly

Kids and adults alike will love these wings. The sweetness of the honey combined with the garlicky flavor is a crowd-pleaser for everyone.

5. Versatile

These wings can be served as an appetizer, snack, or as a main dish with sides. They’re also perfect for parties and gatherings.

Ingredients

For the Wings:

2 pounds chicken wings (drumettes and flats)
1 tablespoon olive oil
Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Honey Garlic Sauce:

1/4 cup honey
3 tablespoons soy sauce
4 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 tablespoon rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar
1 teaspoon grated ginger (optional)
1 tablespoon sesame seeds (optional)
Fresh parsley, chopped (optional for garnish)

Variations

Spicy Honey Garlic Wings: Add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce for a spicy kick.
Baked or Fried: You can either bake the wings for a healthier option or fry them for extra crispiness.
Lemon Honey Garlic Wings: Add a teaspoon of lemon zest or a splash of lemon juice to the sauce for a citrusy twist.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Wings

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Pat the chicken wings dry with paper towels, then toss them in olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Place the wings on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a wire rack.

Step 2: Bake the Wings

Bake the wings for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they are golden brown and crispy. If you prefer frying, heat oil in a large pan and fry the wings until they’re golden and cooked through, about 8-10 minutes per side.

Step 3: Make the Honey Garlic Sauce

While the wings are baking, melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Stir in the honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and ginger (if using). Bring the sauce to a simmer, then cook for 3-5 minutes until it thickens slightly.

Step 4: Toss the Wings in the Sauce

Once the wings are done cooking, remove them from the oven (or frying pan) and transfer them to a large bowl. Pour the honey garlic sauce over the wings and toss them gently to coat evenly.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle the wings with sesame seeds and freshly chopped parsley for a touch of color and extra flavor. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Tips for Making the Recipe

Crispier Wings: For extra crispy wings, bake them on a wire rack set on top of a baking sheet. This allows air to circulate around the wings, making them crispy on all sides.
Don’t Overcook the Sauce: The honey garlic sauce cooks quickly, so keep an eye on it. You want it to thicken just slightly, but be careful not to burn it.
Adjust the Sweetness: Feel free to adjust the amount of honey depending on how sweet you want your wings. If you prefer a less sweet version, add less honey or balance it with a little extra soy sauce.

How to Serve

Honey Garlic Chicken Wings can be served on their own or with:

Dipping Sauces: Serve with ranch, blue cheese dressing, or a tangy BBQ sauce for extra flavor.
Side Dishes: Pair the wings with sides like French fries, coleslaw, roasted vegetables, or a light salad.
Vegetables: Celery and carrot sticks make a refreshing contrast to the sweetness of the wings.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Honey Garlic Wings can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes to restore their crispiness.

Freezing

You can freeze cooked wings for up to 3 months. Freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring them to a freezer bag or container. When ready to eat, bake from frozen at 400°F for 20-25 minutes.

Reheating

To reheat, bake the wings in the oven or reheat them in the air fryer for the crispiest results.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen wings?

Yes, you can use frozen wings. Just make sure to thaw them before cooking for the best results.

2. Can I make these wings in an air fryer?

Yes! Air fry the wings at 375°F for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through, for a healthier version of this recipe.

3. Can I make the honey garlic sauce in advance?

Yes, the honey garlic sauce can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to a week. Reheat before tossing with the wings.

4. Can I bake the wings instead of frying them?

Yes, baking the wings is a great option for a healthier, hands-off approach.

5. Can I make the wings spicier?

Yes, add red pepper flakes, sriracha, or cayenne pepper to the sauce for extra heat.

6. How can I make these wings gluten-free?

Use gluten-free soy sauce to make the sauce gluten-free. Make sure to also check the ingredients on the wings for any hidden gluten.

7. How do I make sure the wings are crispy?

Pat the wings dry before cooking, and make sure to bake or fry them at the proper temperature for crispiness.

8. Can I use boneless chicken for this recipe?

You can, but the cooking time will be shorter. Boneless chicken cooks more quickly, so adjust the cooking time accordingly.

9. How long can I store the leftovers?

Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days and frozen for up to 3 months.

10. What should I serve with these wings?

Serve the wings with a side of roasted vegetables, a light salad, or French fries for a complete meal.

Conclusion

Honey Garlic Chicken Wings are a perfect balance of sweet, savory, and garlicky flavors. Whether you’re hosting a party or just indulging in a tasty treat, these wings will satisfy your cravings. With their crispy texture and irresistible glaze, these wings are sure to be a hit every time!