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Sweet Spicy Chicken Wings: The Ultimate Recipe Guide


  • Total Time: 65 minutes
  • Yield: 6-8 servings 1x

Description

Crispy baked chicken wings coated in a sticky, sweet, and spicy sauce. Perfect for game day or a flavorful weeknight meal!


Ingredients

Scale
  • 2.5 lbs Chicken Wings, separated at the joints, tips discarded
  • 1 tbsp Olive Oil
  • 1 tsp Salt
  • 1/2 tsp Black Pepper
  • 1/2 tsp Garlic Powder
  • 1/2 tsp Onion Powder
  • 1/2 cup Honey
  • 1/4 cup Soy Sauce (low sodium preferred)
  • 2 tbsp Rice Vinegar
  • 1 tbsp Sriracha (adjust to your spice preference)
  • 1 tbsp Brown Sugar
  • 1 tbsp Sesame Oil
  • 2 cloves Garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp Ginger, grated
  • 1/2 tsp Red Pepper Flakes (optional, for extra heat)
  • 1 tbsp Cornstarch
  • 2 tbsp Water
  • Sesame Seeds
  • Chopped Green Onions

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. Prepare the wings: Separate wings at joints, discard tips (or save for stock). Pat wings completely dry with paper towels.
  3. Season the wings: In a large bowl, toss wings with olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Ensure even coating.
  4. Arrange on baking sheet: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil. Place wings in a single layer, not overcrowded. Use two sheets if needed.
  5. Bake: Bake for 30 minutes, then flip and bake for another 20-30 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy. Internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
  6. Check for doneness: Juices should run clear when pierced, and internal temp is 165°F (74°C). Broil for a few minutes for extra crispness, watching carefully.
  7. Prepare the sauce: While wings bake, whisk together honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sriracha, brown sugar, sesame oil, minced garlic, grated ginger, and red pepper flakes (if using) in a medium saucepan.
  8. Cook the sauce: Bring sauce to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally.
  9. Thicken the sauce: Whisk cornstarch and water in a small bowl to make a slurry. Pour into simmering sauce and stir constantly until thickened (1-2 minutes).
  10. Adjust the flavor: Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
  11. Remove from heat: Once thickened, remove sauce from heat.
  12. Toss the wings: Transfer cooked wings to a large bowl. Pour sauce over wings and toss to coat evenly.
  13. Garnish (Optional): Transfer saucy wings to a platter. Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions.
  14. Serve immediately: Enjoy hot and crispy!

Notes

  • Crispy Wings Tips: Pat wings dry, consider using baking powder (1 tsp), elevate wings on a wire rack, don’t overcrowd the pan, broil for extra crispness.
  • Spice Level: Adjust sriracha and red pepper flakes to your preference.
  • Soy Sauce: Use low-sodium soy sauce.
  • Don’t Overcook: Use a meat thermometer.
  • Broiling: Watch carefully to prevent burning.
  • Variations: Honey Garlic (omit sriracha/flakes), Teriyaki (teriyaki sauce instead of soy/vinegar), Lemon Pepper (lemon zest/pepper), Spicy Korean (gochujang instead of sriracha).
  • Serving Suggestions: Appetizer/snack, dipping sauces (ranch, blue cheese, sriracha), other appetizers, game day spread, main course with rice/noodles/veggies.
  • Storage: Refrigerate leftovers in airtight container for 3-4 days.
  • Reheating: Oven at 350°F (175°C), microwave (less crispy), or air fryer (best).
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 50 minutes