Sweet and Spicy Chicken Wings

Sweet and Spicy Chicken Wings are the perfect fusion of bold flavors—crispy, oven-baked or fried wings coated in a sticky, tangy sauce with just the right balance of sweetness and heat. Ideal for game days, parties, or casual dinners.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These wings are incredibly flavorful and easy to make. The sauce caramelizes beautifully over crispy wings, creating a glossy, irresistible coating. They’re baked or fried to perfection, making them both satisfying and versatile.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Wings:

• Chicken wings (split, tips removed)
• Baking powder
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Garlic powder

For the Sauce:

• Honey or brown sugar
• Soy sauce
• Hot sauce (like sriracha or Frank’s Red Hot)
• Rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar
• Garlic, minced
• Cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
• Water

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Pat wings dry, then toss with baking powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
2. Place wings on a wire rack over a baking sheet and bake for 40–45 minutes, flipping halfway through, until crispy.
3. While wings bake, combine sauce ingredients in a saucepan. Bring to a simmer, stir occasionally, and reduce until thickened (10–12 minutes).
4. Toss baked wings in the sauce until evenly coated.
5. Return wings to the oven for 5 minutes to caramelize the glaze (optional).
6. Serve immediately.

Servings and timing

Serves 4. Prep time: 15 minutes. Cook time: 45 minutes. Total: 1 hour.

Variations

• Use maple syrup instead of honey for a richer sweetness
• Add crushed red pepper or cayenne for more heat
• Replace soy sauce with tamari for a gluten-free option
• Air-fry the wings for quicker crisping

Storage/Reheating

Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or air fryer at 375°F to restore crispiness. Avoid microwaving, as it softens the texture.

FAQs

Can I fry the wings instead of baking?

Yes—fry at 350°F until golden and crisp, then toss in the sauce.

Are these wings very spicy?

They’re moderately spicy; adjust the hot sauce to your taste.

How do I get the wings crispy in the oven?

Use baking powder and a wire rack, and bake at high heat.

Can I make the sauce in advance?

Yes—store in the fridge for up to a week and reheat before using.

What sides go well with these wings?

Celery, carrots, fries, coleslaw, or ranch dressing are classic choices.

Can I use drumsticks or thighs?

Yes, just adjust the cooking time accordingly based on the cut.

What hot sauce works best?

Sriracha, Frank’s Red Hot, or any chili garlic sauce are great options.

Can I freeze cooked wings?

Yes, but they may lose crispiness. Reheat in the oven or air fryer for best results.

How long should I marinate the wings?

Marinating isn’t necessary, but you can coat them in dry rub 1–2 hours ahead.

Can I make this recipe sugar-free?

Use a sugar-free honey alternative or omit sweetener, but flavor balance may change.

Conclusion

Sweet and Spicy Chicken Wings strike the perfect balance between heat and sweetness, delivering big flavor with every bite. Whether for entertaining or a casual dinner, they’re a delicious, finger-licking treat that’s always a hit.

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