If you are craving a dish that is both irresistibly crispy and packed full of sweet and savory flavor, this Honey Garlic Baked Chicken Wings Recipe is going to become your new favorite. These wings deliver a perfect balance of sticky honey sweetness, punchy garlic aroma, and a touch of tang from apple cider vinegar, all glazed onto succulent, oven-baked chicken wings that boast a golden crisp on every bite. Whether you’re hosting a casual get-together or just want to jazz up a weeknight dinner, this recipe is straightforward, crowd-pleasing, and truly addictive.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, everyday ingredients is the secret to this dish’s success. Each component plays a unique role—from achieving crispy skin to creating a luscious, glossy sauce that clings to every wing.
- 2 pounds chicken wings: Choose fresh wings for the best texture and meaty flavor.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Essential for enhancing the natural flavor of the chicken.
- 1 tablespoon baking powder: The magic ingredient that crisps up the skin in the oven.
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil: Helps the baking powder adhere and promotes even browning.
- 1/2 cup honey: Adds a rich sweetness that forms the base of the sauce.
- 1/4 cup soy sauce: Provides savory depth and umami complexity.
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic: Brings bold aroma and flavor to the sauce.
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar: Balances the sweetness with a subtle tang.
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger: Introduces warmth and a gentle spice note to the glaze.
- Sesame seeds and chopped green onions (optional): Perfect garnishes that add crunch and freshness.
How to Make Honey Garlic Baked Chicken Wings Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Chicken Wings
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This high heat is key to getting that crispy finish. Next, pat your chicken wings dry with paper towels—removing moisture is essential for crispiness. Toss the wings in salt, pepper, baking powder, and vegetable oil until they are fully coated. The baking powder works beautifully here to create a delightful crunch while baking.
Step 2: Bake the Wings to Perfection
Arrange your wings on a wire rack placed over a baking sheet. This setup allows hot air to circulate around each wing, ensuring they cook evenly and crisp up on all sides. Bake them for 45 to 50 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the skin is gorgeously golden and crispy. This transformation turns average wings into a truly snackable masterpiece.
Step 3: Whip Up the Honey Garlic Sauce
While your wings bake, get your sauce going. Combine honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, apple cider vinegar, and ground ginger in a small saucepan over medium heat. Let the sauce come to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for about 10 minutes. This simmering step thickens the sauce slightly, concentrating the flavors and making it beautifully glossy for coating the wings.
Step 4: Toss Wings in the Sauce
Once your wings are crispy and out of the oven, transfer them into a large bowl. Pour the luscious honey garlic sauce over the wings and toss until each one is evenly glazed. This step is where the magic happens—the sticky sauce clings tightly to the crispy skin, creating that perfect sweet-savory bite you can’t get enough of.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
For the finishing touch, sprinkle the wings with toasted sesame seeds and chopped green onions if you like. These garnishes add a vibrant pop of color and a lovely texture contrast that elevates the dish from simple to spectacular. Serve the wings hot and watch them disappear faster than you can say “pass the dip.”
How to Serve Honey Garlic Baked Chicken Wings Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds and fresh chopped green onions isn’t just for looks—these little touches add subtle nutty flavors and a delightful crunch that complement the honey garlic glaze beautifully. Feel free to experiment with a pinch of red chili flakes if you want a bit of heat.
Side Dishes
These wings are flexible and pair wonderfully with simple sides like a crisp green salad, steamed jasmine rice, or crunchy celery sticks with blue cheese dip. Each side helps balance the sweet and savory richness of the wings and provides variety on the plate.
Creative Ways to Present
Turn your Honey Garlic Baked Chicken Wings Recipe into an impressive appetizer by arranging them on a wooden board surrounded by bowls of dipping sauces like ranch or sriracha mayo. You can also skewer them for easy finger food at parties, making them perfect for sharing and conversation starters.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover wings in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keeping the wings refrigerated promptly helps maintain safety and freshness without sacrificing texture too much.
Freezing
You can freeze cooked wings by laying them flat in a single layer on a baking sheet and freezing until solid, then transferring to a freezer-safe bag or container. Frozen wings maintain quality for up to 2 months, making this recipe a great make-ahead option.
Reheating
To reheat, place wings on a wire rack over a baking sheet and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 10-15 minutes until warmed through and crispy again. Avoid microwaving as it can make the skin soggy, losing that beloved crunch.
FAQs
Can I use frozen chicken wings for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just be sure to thaw them completely in the refrigerator before patting dry and proceeding. This ensures even cooking and proper crispiness.
Is baking powder necessary for crispy wings?
Yes, baking powder is crucial here as it helps break down proteins in the skin, leading to an irresistibly crisp texture without frying.
Can I make the sauce ahead of time?
You can prepare the honey garlic sauce in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Warm it gently before tossing with the wings to restore its pourable consistency.
What if I don’t have apple cider vinegar?
White vinegar or rice vinegar can be used as substitutes, though apple cider vinegar adds a mild fruity tang that nicely balances the honey’s sweetness.
Are these wings spicy?
No, this Honey Garlic Baked Chicken Wings Recipe is more about sweet and savory flavors. You can add chili flakes or hot sauce if you prefer a spicy kick.
Final Thoughts
This Honey Garlic Baked Chicken Wings Recipe is a delicious game-changer for homemade wings lovers who want simplicity without sacrificing flavor or crunch. Once you try these sticky, golden bites, you’ll understand why they become a go-to for gatherings and weeknight treats alike. I can’t wait for you to enjoy making and sharing these wings as much as I do!
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Honey Garlic Baked Chicken Wings Recipe
- Prep Time: 0h 15m
- Cook Time: 0h 50m
- Total Time: 1h 5m
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These crispy Honey Garlic Chicken Wings combine perfectly baked wings with a sweet and savory honey garlic sauce. Crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside, they make a delicious appetizer or game day snack, garnished with sesame seeds and fresh green onions for an added burst of flavor.
Ingredients
Chicken Wings
- 2 pounds chicken wings
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
Honey Garlic Sauce
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
Garnish (Optional)
- Sesame seeds
- Chopped green onions
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to prepare for baking the wings to a crispy golden finish.
- Prepare Wings: Pat the chicken wings dry thoroughly using paper towels. Place them in a large bowl, season with salt and pepper, then add baking powder and vegetable oil. Toss until each wing is evenly coated for extra crispiness.
- Arrange and Bake: Arrange the wings on a wire rack set over a baking sheet in a single layer to allow air circulation. Bake for 45-50 minutes, flipping halfway to ensure even browning, until wings are golden brown and crispy.
- Make Sauce: While wings bake, combine honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, apple cider vinegar, and ground ginger in a small saucepan over medium heat. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened.
- Coat Wings: Once wings are baked, transfer them to a large bowl. Pour the honey garlic sauce over and toss thoroughly to ensure each wing is well coated with the flavorful glaze.
- Garnish and Serve: Serve the wings hot, optionally garnished with sesame seeds and chopped green onions for a delightful presentation and added taste.
Notes
- Patting the wings dry and using baking powder helps achieve maximum crispiness in the oven.
- Using a wire rack allows air to circulate evenly around the wings, preventing sogginess.
- You can adjust the honey garlic sauce simmering time to achieve your preferred thickness.
- For a spicier twist, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce while simmering.
- Leftover wings can be refrigerated and reheated in the oven to maintain crispiness.
