Looking for a chicken wing recipe that’s crispy, sticky, and absolutely irresistible? Look no further than Crispy Sweet Honey Garlic Chicken Wings! These wings are the perfect combination of crunchy exterior, juicy interior, and a sweet, savory, garlicky glaze that will have your taste buds dancing. Whether you’re making them for a family dinner, a game-day snack, or a party appetizer, these wings will quickly become a favorite.
Let’s dive into how you can make these mouthwatering honey garlic chicken wings at home, using simple ingredients and easy steps. Prepare to impress your guests (or yourself) with these deliciously crispy wings!
Why You’ll Love These Crispy Honey Garlic Chicken Wings
When it comes to chicken wings, it’s all about the crispy exterior and the flavorful coating. These wings offer the perfect balance of crispy, sticky, and sweet with just the right amount of heat, depending on how many crushed red pepper flakes you decide to add. The honey garlic sauce is truly the star of the dish, providing a perfect balance of sweet, salty, and garlicky goodness. And with a dash of soy sauce and rice vinegar, the flavor profile is perfectly balanced to make these wings addictively good.
What’s even better is that they’re baked, not fried, making them a healthier option compared to traditional deep-fried wings. Plus, they’re super easy to make! All you need is a few ingredients, and you’re good to go.
Let’s get into the details of how to make these crispy sweet honey garlic chicken wings step by step. Trust me, you’ll be glad you did!
Ingredients for Crispy Sweet Honey Garlic Chicken Wings
Before you start cooking, make sure you have all the ingredients on hand. These ingredients are easy to find and will bring out the perfect flavor in your crispy honey garlic chicken wings.
For the Chicken Wings:
- 2 lbs chicken wings: Choose fresh chicken wings for the best flavor and texture. You can buy whole wings or pre-cut wingettes and drumettes.
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour: This will help give the chicken wings a crispy, golden exterior.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: A must-have for that deep garlic flavor that complements the honey garlic sauce.
- 1 teaspoon onion powder: This enhances the overall savory flavor of the wings.
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika: Adds a mild smokiness and a subtle touch of heat.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: To season the wings and bring out all the flavors.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: A pinch of black pepper adds a bit of spice.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: For lightly greasing the baking sheet and helping the wings crisp up in the oven.
For the Honey Garlic Sauce:
- 1/2 cup honey: This provides the natural sweetness for the wings and makes the sauce sticky and delicious.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Garlic is the backbone of this sauce, offering that irresistible garlicky flavor.
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce: The soy sauce adds a touch of saltiness and depth to the sauce.
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar: The rice vinegar adds a little acidity to balance the sweetness of the honey.
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional): For those who like a little spice, crushed red pepper flakes are perfect for adding heat.
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water: This creates a slurry to thicken the sauce to the perfect consistency.
Total Time and Nutritional Information
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Calories: 450 kcal per serving
- Servings: 4 servings
Step-by-Step Directions for Making Crispy Sweet Honey Garlic Chicken Wings
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken Wings
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This temperature is perfect for baking the chicken wings until they’re crispy and golden brown. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and lightly grease it with olive oil or cooking spray. This helps prevent the wings from sticking to the pan while ensuring they cook evenly.
If your chicken wings are whole, you’ll need to cut them into drumettes and wingettes. If you’re using pre-cut wings, then you’re ready to go! Place the wings on the baking sheet in a single layer so they cook evenly and don’t overcrowd the pan.
Step 2: Coat the Chicken Wings
In a large bowl, combine flour, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. This dry seasoning mix is what gives the wings their crispy, flavorful exterior. Toss the chicken wings in this flour mixture, making sure that they are evenly coated on all sides. This coating is key to achieving that crispy texture on the wings.
Once coated, place the wings back onto the baking sheet in a single layer, making sure that they’re not overlapping. This ensures that the air can circulate around each wing, allowing them to crisp up perfectly.
Step 3: Bake the Chicken Wings
Now, place the baking sheet into your preheated oven and bake the wings for about 25-30 minutes. Be sure to flip them halfway through the cooking time to ensure that they cook evenly on both sides. After 25-30 minutes, the wings should be crispy, golden brown, and cooked through. If you want them extra crispy, you can bake them for an additional 5 minutes, but be careful not to overcook them.
Step 4: Make the Honey Garlic Sauce
While your wings are baking, it’s time to prepare the honey garlic sauce. In a small saucepan, combine honey, minced garlic, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and crushed red pepper flakes (if using). Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally.
Let the sauce cook for about 3-4 minutes, allowing the garlic to infuse the honey and soy sauce. This will create a beautifully aromatic, savory-sweet sauce. The soy sauce adds a touch of saltiness, while the rice vinegar gives the sauce a slight tang, balancing out the sweetness of the honey.
Step 5: Thicken the Sauce
To thicken the sauce and give it that sticky, coating texture, you’ll need to make a cornstarch slurry. In a small bowl, mix 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 1 tablespoon water. Stir this mixture until it’s smooth, and then slowly add it to the simmering honey garlic sauce while stirring constantly.
Let the sauce cook for another 1-2 minutes, or until it thickens to your desired consistency. If you like a thicker sauce, feel free to add more cornstarch slurry. The sauce should coat the back of a spoon and be thick enough to stick to the wings.
Step 6: Toss the Wings in the Sauce
Once your wings are perfectly baked and crispy, transfer them to a large mixing bowl. Pour the thickened honey garlic sauce over the wings and toss them gently to coat each wing evenly. Make sure that each wing is generously coated in the delicious, sticky honey garlic sauce.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy!
Now that your wings are coated in that irresistible honey garlic sauce, they’re ready to serve! Place the wings on a platter and serve them hot. You can serve them as an appetizer, snack, or as a main course paired with your favorite sides, such as crispy fries, coleslaw, or steamed vegetables.
Tips and Variations for Perfect Crispy Sweet Honey Garlic Chicken Wings
Make It Spicy
If you love spicy food, increase the amount of crushed red pepper flakes in the sauce. You can also drizzle some hot sauce over the wings before serving to kick up the heat.
Add Extra Flavor with Fresh Herbs
For a fresh twist, garnish your crispy honey garlic chicken wings with some freshly chopped cilantro or green onions. These herbs will add a pop of color and a fresh, herbal flavor to balance the sweetness of the sauce.
Serve with a Dipping Sauce
While these wings are already bursting with flavor, you can also serve them with your favorite dipping sauce, such as ranch dressing, blue cheese dressing, or even a tangy barbecue sauce. This will give your guests an extra option for dipping and complement the honey garlic flavor.
FAQs: Everything You Need to Know About Crispy Honey Garlic Chicken Wings
What Is the Secret Ingredient for Crispy Wings?
The secret to crispy wings lies in the coating and the cooking method. For crispy wings, a light dusting of flour is often used, but the true magic comes from adding cornstarch to the mix. Cornstarch helps create a crispy, crunchy exterior when baked or fried. It absorbs moisture and forms a crisp, golden crust that makes each bite irresistible.
What Makes Chicken Wings Crispier: Cornstarch or Baking Powder?
Both cornstarch and baking powder can help make chicken wings crispy, but they work in slightly different ways. Cornstarch creates a super crunchy, almost crackly texture on the outside of the wings. Baking powder, on the other hand, is more commonly used when frying, as it helps the wings puff up and become light and crispy. For the best results in baked wings, a combination of cornstarch and flour is often the winning choice.
Is It Better to Fry Wings in Flour or Cornstarch?
When it comes to frying, cornstarch is generally the better choice for making chicken wings crispy. Cornstarch creates a lighter, crunchier coating than flour, which can sometimes be heavier. You can even use a cornstarch-flour blend for the perfect balance of crispiness and flavor. If you prefer an even lighter crunch, consider adding baking powder to your cornstarch and flour mixture.
How Do You Make Honey and Garlic Sauce for Chicken?
To make the perfect honey garlic sauce for your chicken wings, you’ll need just a few simple ingredients. Start by combining honey, minced garlic, soy sauce, and rice vinegar in a saucepan. Bring the mixture to a simmer, allowing the garlic to infuse the sauce. To thicken the sauce, mix cornstarch with a little water to create a slurry and add it to the simmering sauce. Stir until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency, and then pour it over the crispy wings. The result is a sweet, savory, and garlicky glaze that coats each wing perfectly.
Conclusion
These Crispy Sweet Honey Garlic Chicken Wings are the perfect combination of crispy, sticky, and full of flavor. Whether you’re looking to impress guests at your next gathering or simply enjoy a tasty snack at home, these wings are sure to steal the show! The honey garlic sauce is the key to making these wings absolutely irresistible, giving them that perfect balance of sweetness, savory flavor, and a hint of spice.
So, get ready to treat your taste buds to a deliciously crispy experience, and don’t forget to pair them with your favorite dipping sauce for that extra burst of flavor!
If you loved this recipe, don’t forget to share your creation on social media! And for more delicious ideas, check out these other recipes you’re sure to enjoy:
- Crispy Air Fryer Ranch Parmesan Chicken Tenders
- Copycat Fried Chicken
- Crock Pot Ranch Chicken Sandwiches
Happy cooking, and enjoy every delicious bite!
Print
Crispy Sweet Honey Garlic Chicken Wings: The Best Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
These Crispy Sweet Honey Garlic Chicken Wings are the perfect combination of crunchy on the outside, tender on the inside, and coated with a sticky, savory-sweet glaze. Easy to make and irresistible!
Ingredients
- 2 lbs chicken wings
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
For the Honey Garlic Sauce
- 1/2 cup honey
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional for a kick)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water (for thickening)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and lightly grease it with olive oil or cooking spray.
- In a large bowl, combine the flour, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Toss the chicken wings in the flour mixture, ensuring they’re evenly coated. Place them in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake the wings for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they are golden brown and crispy.
- While the wings bake, make the honey garlic sauce: In a small saucepan, combine honey, minced garlic, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and crushed red pepper flakes (if using). Bring to a simmer over medium heat and cook for 3-4 minutes.
- To thicken the sauce, mix cornstarch and water to form a slurry. Add the slurry to the simmering sauce and stir. Cook for another 1-2 minutes, until thickened.
- Once the wings are baked, transfer them to a large bowl and toss them with the honey garlic sauce until coated evenly.
- Serve the wings hot and enjoy your crispy, sweet, and sticky snack!
Notes
- For extra crispiness, feel free to broil the wings for 2-3 minutes at the end of baking.
- Adjust the level of spice by adding more or less crushed red pepper flakes to the sauce.
- If you want to skip the baking, you can deep fry the wings for a different texture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of the recipe
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 25g
- Sodium: 750mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
Keywords: Crispy Sweet Honey Garlic Chicken Wings, crispy chicken wings, honey garlic wings, easy chicken wings recipe, baked chicken wings, sweet and savory wings