Oh my goodness, you guys, if you love chicken wings as much as I do, then you’re going to want to try these Sweet Honey Garlic Chicken Wings! They are a perfect treat for game nights, cozy weekends, or just when you’re craving something delicious. I whipped these up during our last family gathering, and let me tell you, they disappeared faster than I could say “pass the sauce!” The combination of honey and garlic creates this sweet and savory glaze that gets sticky and caramelized in the oven—absolute perfection!
The flavors are simply out of this world! The wings turn out tender and juicy on the inside, while the outside gets that lovely, golden-brown finish. Plus, they’re super easy to make, so even if you’re new in the kitchen, you can totally impress your friends and family. I love serving them with some veggies and ranch on the side for a little crunch. Give them a try, and your taste buds will thank you! If you’re in the mood for something a bit different, you might also enjoy my Spicy Buffalo Wings recipe!
Why You’ll Love This Sweet Honey Garlic Chicken Wings Recipe
- Sweet and savory balance from honey and soy sauce
- Bold garlic flavor with a hint of ginger for depth
- Easy one-bowl marinade simplifies prep
- Quick marinating time—30 minutes is all you need!
- Crispy, golden wings baked to perfection
- Leftover marinade adds an extra layer of flavor
- Customizable sweetness by adjusting honey and soy sauce
For those who like a little kick, you can easily add more red pepper flakes to amp up the heat!
How to Make Sweet Honey Garlic Chicken Wings
These Sweet Honey Garlic Chicken Wings are a total crowd-pleaser and can be whipped up for game days, parties, or simply a cozy night in! Sweet, savory, and slightly sticky, they’re sure to become a family favorite.
What You’ll Need:
- Chicken wings – 2 pounds. I love using fresh wings for the best flavor and texture!
- Honey – 1/4 cup. Go for local or organic honey if you can; it makes a lovely difference in taste.
- Soy sauce – 1/4 cup. I prefer Kikkoman soy sauce for its balanced flavor.
- Garlic – 6 cloves, minced. Fresh garlic is a must for that robust flavor!
- Vegetable oil – 1 tablespoon. A neutral oil like canola or grapeseed works well here.
- Ground or fresh ginger – 1 teaspoon ground ginger or 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced. Fresh ginger gives a brighter flavor, but either works.
- Apple cider vinegar – 1 tablespoon for a little acidity to balance the sweetness.
- Black pepper – 1/2 teaspoon for just a bit of spice.
- Red pepper flakes – 1/4 teaspoon (optional) if you like a bit of heat.
- Chopped green onions and sesame seeds – for garnish, which adds a lovely touch to the presentation.
The Directions:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lining a baking sheet with aluminum foil or parchment paper makes cleanup super easy!
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, vegetable oil, ginger, apple cider vinegar, black pepper, and red pepper flakes until well combined.
- Add the chicken wings to the marinade, making sure they get coated well. Cover the bowl and let them marinate for at least 30 minutes. If you have time, a few hours in the fridge makes them even tastier!
- Arrange the marinated wings in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Don’t forget to reserve the leftover marinade for later!
- Bake the wings for about 40-45 minutes, turning them halfway through. They should come out crispy and golden brown. Baste them with the reserved marinade during the last 15 minutes for an extra flavor boost.
- Once they’re cooked, remove the wings from the oven and let them rest for a few minutes; this helps keep them juicy.
- Serve them hot, garnished with chopped green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds. Enjoy every bite of your Sweet Honey Garlic Chicken Wings!
Tip: If you’re after an even crispier texture, broil the wings for an extra 2-3 minutes at the end of baking. And don’t hesitate to adjust the honey and soy sauce to suit your sweetness preference—it’s all about making it just right for you!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken Wings in This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken wings, but make sure to first thaw them completely for even cooking. Thaw frozen wings overnight in the refrigerator or quickly in a sealed plastic bag submerged in cold water. Pat them dry before marinating to help the sauce adhere better.
What Can I Substitute for Soy Sauce?
If you’re looking for a soy sauce substitute, you can use tamari for a gluten-free option, or coconut aminos for a soy-free alternative. Keep in mind that both substitutes can be less salty, so you might want to adjust the amount to suit your taste.
How to Store Leftovers
Store any leftover wings in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, just pop them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through, to regain some crispiness.
