Honey Garlic Chicken Wings Recipe
Introduction
Honey Garlic Chicken Wings are a perfect balance of sweet, savory, and a touch of heat. Crispy on the outside and juicy inside, they make an irresistible appetizer or snack for any occasion.

Ingredients
- 30 chicken wings
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons Mirin
- 1/2 cup honey (or maple syrup, or agave)
- 3/4 cup water
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon minced ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- Sesame seeds for garnish
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with foil and place parchment paper on top for easy cleanup.
- Step 2: Pat the chicken wings dry with paper towels until completely dry. This helps them crisp up in the oven.
- Step 3: In a large bowl, combine salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, and garlic powder. Toss the wings in this rub, then brush with olive oil to coat evenly.
- Step 4: Arrange the wings in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Use two sheets if needed to avoid overcrowding. Bake for 35 minutes, flipping the wings after 20 minutes to ensure even cooking.
- Step 5: While the wings bake, prepare the honey garlic sauce. In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine soy sauce, Mirin, honey, water, sesame oil, minced garlic, minced ginger, and red pepper flakes if using.
- Step 6: Bring the sauce to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally until the sauce thickens slightly and coats the back of a spoon.
- Step 7: Remove the wings from the oven and toss them with the honey garlic sauce until well coated. Return them to the baking sheet and bake for another 10 minutes, flipping halfway through and brushing with more sauce as desired.
- Step 8: For extra caramelization, broil the wings for a few minutes, watching closely to prevent burning.
- Step 9: Let the wings cool for 10 minutes; the sauce will thicken as it cools. Garnish with sesame seeds before serving.
Tips & Variations
- For a spicier kick, increase the red pepper flakes or add a dash of sriracha to the sauce.
- If you don’t have Mirin, you can substitute with dry sherry or a little rice vinegar mixed with sugar.
- Maple syrup or agave can be used instead of honey for a different natural sweetness.
- To ensure extra crispy skin, place a wire rack on your baking sheet and arrange wings on the rack to allow air circulation.
Storage
Store leftover wings in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes to restore crispiness. Avoid microwaving as it can make the wings soggy.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use frozen chicken wings for this recipe?
Yes, but make sure to fully thaw and pat them dry before seasoning and baking for the best crispy texture.
Can I make the sauce ahead of time?
Absolutely. The honey garlic sauce can be prepared a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Reheat gently before tossing with the wings.
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Honey Garlic Chicken Wings Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6-8 1x
Description
These Honey Garlic Chicken Wings offer a perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors with a hint of smoky paprika and garlic. Baked until crispy, then tossed in a sticky honey garlic sauce and broiled for a caramelized finish, these wings make for a delicious appetizer or main course that’s easy to prepare and full of flavor.
Ingredients
Chicken Wings
- 30 chicken wings
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
Honey Garlic Sauce
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons Mirin
- 1/2 cup honey (or maple syrup, or agave)
- 3/4 cup water
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 tablespoon minced ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
Garnish
- Sesame seeds
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with foil and place parchment paper on top for easy cleanup and to prevent sticking.
- Prepare Wings: Pat the chicken wings dry thoroughly using paper towels to ensure the skin crisps up during baking.
- Season Wings: In a large bowl, combine salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, and garlic powder. Add the wings and toss well to coat them evenly. Then brush each wing with olive oil for added crispiness.
- Bake Wings: Arrange the wings in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet(s). Bake for 35 minutes, flipping the wings after 20 minutes to ensure even cooking and browning.
- Make Honey Garlic Sauce: While wings are baking, combine soy sauce, Mirin, honey, water, sesame oil, minced garlic, minced ginger, red pepper flakes (if using), and cornstarch in a small saucepan over medium heat. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer and cook for about 10 minutes until the sauce thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon.
- Toss Wings in Sauce: Remove wings from the oven and toss them thoroughly in the honey garlic sauce. Return them to the oven for another 10 minutes, flipping halfway through and brushing with additional sauce to maximize flavor absorption.
- Broil Wings: Turn on the broiler and broil the wings for 2-3 minutes to caramelize and crisp the sauce on the skin. Watch carefully to prevent burning.
- Cool and Serve: Let the wings rest for 10 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken further. Optionally, brush with extra sauce before serving. Garnish with sesame seeds and serve with your favorite dipping sauce.
Notes
- For extra crispiness, make sure the wings are completely dry before seasoning and baking.
- If you don’t have Mirin, you can substitute with a dry sherry or just increase the honey slightly for sweetness.
- Adjust red pepper flakes according to your spice tolerance or omit if preferred.
- For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari.
- Leftover wings can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven to retain crispiness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Asian-inspired
Keywords: Honey Garlic Chicken Wings, Baked Chicken Wings, Asian Sauce Wings, Sweet and Savory Wings, Appetizer

