Name: Sweet and Spicy Honey Garlic Chicken Wings Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 lbs. drums and flats bone-in skin-on chicken wings; 1 Tbsp kosher salt; 1 Tbsp baking powder; 1 tsp garlic powder; ¾ cup honey; 2 Tbsp soy sauce; 1 Tbsp Sambal Oelek or other chile paste; ½ tsp cayenne pepper; 2 tsp garlic powder; 6 Tbsp unsalted butter – room temperature; Chopped parsley or chives for garnish

Jump to Recipe· 4.2 from 21 reviews

If you’ve been hunting for a crowd-pleasing snack that’s bursting with flavor, you absolutely must try this Sweet and Spicy Honey Garlic Chicken Wings Recipe. These wings perfectly balance the rich sweetness of honey with the zing of garlic and a spicy kick that sneaks up just right. Crispy on the outside and juicy inside, they are the ultimate game day or party treat that’ll have everyone begging for seconds. Trust me, once you get a taste, this recipe will become your go-to for wing nights and casual get-togethers alike.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A white plate holds a pile of crispy, golden-brown fried chicken wings stacked in the center, showing a crunchy texture with small bumps on the surface. On the bottom right corner of the plate, there is a small dollop of white dipping sauce with a smooth, creamy texture. Behind the plate, a tall glass filled with amber-colored beer topped with a thick, frothy white foam is visible, all set on a white marbled texture surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Getting the ingredients right is the secret to nailing the Sweet and Spicy Honey Garlic Chicken Wings Recipe. Each one plays a crucial role—from ensuring crispy skin to delivering layers of delicious flavor that hit all the right notes.

4 lbs. drums and flats bone-in skin-on chicken wings: The perfect canvas—skin-on ensures maximum crispiness while the bone adds flavor and juiciness.
1 Tbsp kosher salt: Essential for seasoning and drawing out moisture for extra crispy wings.
1 Tbsp baking powder: Helps crisp up the skin beautifully in the oven without frying.
1 tsp garlic powder: Adds a subtle yet savory depth to the wings before baking.
¾ cup honey: The star of the sauce, honey brings sweetness that balances the spice perfectly.
2 Tbsp soy sauce: Adds umami richness and a lovely salty edge to the glaze.
1 Tbsp Sambal Oelek or other chile paste: This gives the wings their punchy, spicy kick—adjust to your heat preference.
½ tsp cayenne pepper: Raises the heat level and adds complexity to the flavor.
2 tsp garlic powder: Doubles down on that wonderful garlic flavor in the sauce.
6 Tbsp unsalted butter (room temperature): Creates a silky, rich finish to the sauce for that perfect coating.
Chopped parsley or chives: Fresh herbs add a pop of color and a hint of brightness at the end.

How to Make Sweet and Spicy Honey Garlic Chicken Wings Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Wings

Start by drying your wings thoroughly with paper towels—this step is crucial for that crispiness everyone loves. Spread them out on a wire rack set over a baking sheet, then refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to dry them out even more.

Step 2: Preheat and Season

While the wings are chilling, preheat your oven to 400°F. Mix kosher salt, baking powder, and garlic powder together, then toss the wings in this seasoning mix to ensure every inch gets flavorful and crisp.

Step 3: Bake Until Crispy

Place the seasoned wings back on the rack, making sure they’re not touching so the hot air can circulate. Bake for about 35 minutes if you have convection, or 45 minutes otherwise—check for an internal temperature of 165°F. The result? Skin that crackles with crispness, just waiting for that luscious sauce.

Step 4: Whip Up the Sauce

While the wings bake, combine honey, soy sauce, Sambal Oelek, cayenne, and garlic powder in a small saucepan over low heat. Let it gently simmer for 5 minutes to meld the flavors before whisking in the butter for a glossy, rich finish.

Step 5: Coat and Serve

Once out of the oven, toss the crispy wings directly into the pan with the silky sauce, making sure each wing is luxuriously glazed. Serve them hot and watch them disappear in no time.

How to Serve Sweet and Spicy Honey Garlic Chicken Wings Recipe

A large pile of cooked chicken wings is shown on a dark surface, each wing covered in shiny, sticky reddish-brown sauce with a glossy texture. The wings are sprinkled with small white sesame seeds and finely chopped green herbs scattered evenly on top. Among the wings, there are bright green lime wedges placed randomly, adding fresh color contrast. Fresh cilantro sprigs with leafy texture are also visible, peeking out from the sides and between the wings. The photo captures the details of the crispy, glazed texture and rich colors, set on a white marbled surface photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Adding fresh garnishes like chopped parsley or chives not only makes the wings look irresistible but adds a subtle fresh contrast to the sticky, spicy glaze. Toasted sesame seeds or thinly sliced green onions can also elevate the presentation and give extra layers of texture.

Side Dishes

These wings are bold enough to stand on their own, but pairing them with creamy coleslaw, cool cucumber salad, or even crisp carrot sticks will brighten up the plate and balance the intense flavors. For a heartier meal, garlic mashed potatoes or fragrant jasmine rice make excellent companions.

Creative Ways to Present

Jazz things up by serving the wings on skewers for easy finger food at parties, or pile them high on a rustic wooden board with dipping sauces like ranch or blue cheese on the side. Wrapping each wing in a lettuce leaf for a fresh bite is another fun and unexpected idea that guests will love.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

You can store any leftover wings in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Keep in mind that the skin may lose some crispness, but the flavor definitely remains just as incredible.

Freezing

If you want to save wings for longer, freezing is a breeze. Place fully cooled wings in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until firm, then transfer to a freezer bag. They will keep well for up to 2 months without losing their tasty punch.

Reheating

To bring your wings back to life and regain some crispness, reheat them in a hot oven or air fryer instead of the microwave. About 10-15 minutes at 375°F usually does the trick, giving you delicious, juicy wings every time.

FAQs

Can I make this recipe without baking powder?

While baking powder helps achieve crispy skin without frying, if you don’t have it handy, you can still bake the wings but expect a slightly less crunchy texture. Make sure to dry them thoroughly and consider broiling for a couple of minutes at the end.

How spicy is this Sweet and Spicy Honey Garlic Chicken Wings Recipe?

This recipe has a balanced kick of heat thanks to the Sambal Oelek and cayenne pepper, but it’s not overwhelmingly spicy. You can always adjust the amount of chile paste for a milder or bolder flavor depending on your taste.

Can I use frozen wings for this recipe?

Absolutely! Just make sure to fully thaw the wings and dry them well before cooking. This step is especially important to get the skin nice and crispy when baking.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

The wings themselves are gluten-free, but soy sauce often contains gluten. For a gluten-free version, swap regular soy sauce with tamari or a certified gluten-free alternative.

What’s the best way to serve these wings for a party?

Serve them hot with plenty of napkins and a selection of dipping sauces to please everyone’s palate. A festive platter with garnishes and sides like crunchy veggies or potato wedges will make these wings the star of your gathering.

Final Thoughts

I can say with confidence that this Sweet and Spicy Honey Garlic Chicken Wings Recipe is a winner every time. It’s simple to make, uses pantry-friendly ingredients, and delivers show-stopping flavor that’s perfect for family dinners or entertaining friends. Go ahead and try it—you might just find your new favorite wing recipe that never fails to impress.

Sweet and Spicy Honey Garlic Chicken Wings Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need