Sweet & Saucy Honey Garlic Chicken Wings

$- Chicken wings (2 pounds) - Honey (1/2 cup) - Soy sauce (low sodium) (1/4 cup) - Garlic (4 cloves, minced) - Fresh ginger (1 tablespoon, grated) - Apple cider vinegar (1 tablespoon) - Red pepper flakes (1/2 teaspoon, optional for heat) - Salt and pepper (to taste) - Sesame seeds (2 tablespoons, for garnish) - Chopped green onions (for garnish) When making honey garlic chicken wings, fresh ingredients matter. Use quality chicken wings for the best taste. I prefer organic wings if possible. Honey gives the wings their sweet flavor. Low-sodium soy sauce adds depth without making the dish too salty. Fresh garlic and ginger provide a bold kick that balances the sweetness. Apple cider vinegar adds a tangy note. If you like heat, try red pepper flakes for a spicy twist. Adjust salt and pepper to your taste. Sesame seeds and green onions make a lovely garnish. They add color and crunch to your finished dish. These simple ingredients come together to create a flavorful dish. Enjoy the process of gathering and prepping them. Each step builds excitement for the tasty wings ahead! {{ingredient_image_1}} - Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). - Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat. - In a big bowl, combine honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, grated ginger, and vinegar. - Add salt and pepper to taste. Whisk it all together until mixed. - Toss the chicken wings in the marinade. Make sure they are well coated. - Place the coated wings in a single layer on the baking sheet. - Bake the wings for 25-30 minutes. Remember to flip them halfway through. - For extra flavor, baste the wings with more marinade during the last five minutes. Choosing the best chicken wings is key. Fresh wings usually taste better than frozen ones. Look for plump, clean wings with no bruising. Fresh wings have a nice texture and flavor. If you use frozen wings, thaw them completely before cooking. To achieve the right crispiness, I recommend a few oven tips. First, preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). This high heat helps the wings crisp up nicely. Line your baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Arrange the wings in a single layer, giving them space to cook evenly. Flip the wings halfway through cooking for even browning. If you want extra crispiness, broil them for the last few minutes. Presentation can make a meal more enjoyable. Serve the wings on a large platter for a fun look. Drizzle some leftover sauce from the baking sheet over the wings. This adds flavor and makes them shine. Add celery sticks on the side for crunch. For dips, I suggest ranch or blue cheese dressing to enhance the flavors. You could also try a sweet chili sauce for a different twist. These options make your meal even more exciting. You will need some essential kitchen tools. A large mixing bowl helps mix the sauce and coat the wings. A baking sheet lined with parchment paper ensures easy cleanup. For oven settings, keep it at 425°F (220°C) for the best results. Monitor the wings closely during baking. This way, you can catch them at the perfect crispness. Using a meat thermometer can help too; the wings should reach 165°F (74°C) for safe eating. Pro Tips Marinade Time: For the best flavor, allow the chicken wings to marinate in the sauce for at least 1 hour, or overnight in the refrigerator if time permits. Crispy Skin: To achieve extra crispy wings, pat them dry with paper towels before seasoning and baking. Add Variety: Experiment with different types of honey or add citrus zest to the marinade for a unique flavor twist. Serving Suggestion: Pair the wings with a cooling dip like ranch or blue cheese to balance the sweetness and heat of the sauce. {{image_2}} You can make your honey garlic wings spicy. To do this, add more red pepper flakes. If you want more control, try different hot sauces. Sriracha or buffalo sauce can add a nice kick. Just mix these sauces into the marinade for extra flavor. You can change the sweetener in the sauce. Maple syrup or agave nectar works well. These options bring a new taste to the wings. For soy sauce, you can use tamari or coconut aminos. These are great for those who need gluten-free options. You can cook honey garlic wings in an air fryer. Set the air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Cook for about 25 minutes. Flip the wings halfway through for even cooking. This method gives a nice crisp without deep frying. Grilling is another tasty option. Grilling adds a smoky flavor that pairs well with honey garlic sauce. Preheat your grill to medium heat. Grill the wings for about 20-25 minutes. Turn them often to avoid burning. Both methods create delicious wings. To store leftovers, place the wings in an airtight container. Make sure they cool down first. You can keep them in the fridge for up to 3 days. If you want to keep them longer, consider freezing. You can freeze honey garlic chicken wings for up to 3 months. To do this, place the wings in a freezer-safe bag or container. Squeeze out as much air as you can before sealing. When you're ready to eat, thaw them in the fridge overnight. Reheat the wings in the oven for best results. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and place the wings on a baking sheet. Heat for about 10-15 minutes. This method keeps them crispy. If you use a microwave, heat them in short bursts. This can make them soggy, so be careful. You can brush on some extra honey garlic sauce for added flavor while reheating. I love pairing honey garlic chicken wings with fresh sides. Here are some great options: - Celery sticks: Crunchy and refreshing, they balance the sweet wings. - Carrot sticks: Sweet and crunchy, carrots add color and flavor. - Coleslaw: Creamy slaw adds coolness to the spicy wings. - Green salad: A simple salad with greens, tomatoes, and cucumbers works well. - Rice or quinoa: They soak up the sauce and round out the meal. These sides bring color and taste to your meal. They also help balance the sweet and savory flavors of the wings. Yes, you can use chicken drumsticks! Drumsticks will take a bit longer to cook. Here are some tips: - Cooking time: Bake drumsticks for about 35-40 minutes. Make sure they reach 165°F (75°C) for safety. - Coating: Use the same marinade as for wings. Toss them well to coat. - Placement: Arrange them in a single layer, just like the wings. This swap gives you juicy meat with the same delicious flavor. If you want a thicker honey garlic sauce, try these tips: - Cornstarch: Mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water. Stir this mix into the sauce while cooking. - Reduce the sauce: Let it simmer on low heat. This helps to concentrate the flavors. - Add more honey: Honey thickens as it cooks. Just be careful not to make it too sweet. These methods help you achieve the perfect sauce texture for your wings. In this blog post, we explored how to make delicious honey garlic chicken wings. We covered the key ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and helpful tips. You learned about fun variations and how to store leftovers. For a tasty meal, serve these wings with your favorite sides. Remember, you can adjust the recipe to match your taste. Whether you cook them in the oven, air fryer, or on the grill, enjoy the sticky, sweet flavor!$

Sweet & Saucy Honey Garlic Chicken Wings

Deliciously sticky and flavorful chicken wings coated in a honey garlic sauce.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 30

Total Time 40

Course Appetizer

Cuisine American

Servings 4

Ingredients

2 pounds chicken wings
0.5 cup honey
0.25 cup soy sauce (low sodium)
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
0.5 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
to taste salt and pepper
2 tablespoons sesame seeds (for garnish)
to taste chopped green onions (for garnish)

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
In a large bowl, combine the honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, grated ginger, apple cider vinegar, and red pepper flakes (if using). Whisk together until well combined.
Season the chicken wings with salt and pepper, then add them to the bowl with the marinade. Toss the wings until they are evenly coated with the sauce.
Arrange the coated chicken wings in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.
Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, flipping the wings halfway through, until they are crispy and golden brown.
For extra sauciness, during the last five minutes of baking, brush the wings with additional marinade.
Once done, remove the wings from the oven and garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions before serving.

Notes

Serve on a large platter with leftover sauce and celery sticks.

Keyword appetizer, chicken wings, honey garlic