Honey Garlic Chicken Wings: A Savory Crowd-Pleaser Recipe

In my experience, honey garlic chicken wings offer a perfect blend of sweet and savory that can tantalize the taste buds. They’ve become a staple in my recipe collection for their irresistible flavor and they’re a hit at gatherings.

The glistening sauce made from a harmonious mix of honey, garlic, and soy sauce turns each wing into a delectable treat. Preparing these wings is a delight, as the aroma of the baking chicken, coupled with the fragrant garlic, fills the kitchen with an inviting scent that promises a mouthwatering meal.

When I make honey garlic chicken wings, I pay special attention to getting the texture just right. A successful batch has that sought after crispy skin that gives way to tender, juicy meat on the inside. Achieving this involves a few crucial steps: marinating the wings to infuse them with flavor, coating them properly for that perfect crust, and baking them at the right temperature.

I’ve found that tips from Allrecipes and Spend With Pennies on ensuring a crispy finish are particularly helpful.

The versatility of honey garlic chicken wings is another reason they’re a mainstay in my kitchen. They can be made with a range of variations to suit different tastes, whether that’s by adjusting the sweetness, adding a kick of heat, or even incorporating different herbs to give a unique twist to the original flavors.

Moreover, the wings are just as delightful served at a casual family dinner as they are as the centerpiece of a snack table at a party. They never seem to disappoint, and I take pride in sharing this beloved dish with friends and family.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For a delightful batch of honey garlic chicken wings, I ensure I have:

• Chicken Wings: I typically use about 5 pounds to feed a crowd. They are the star of the show, so I choose high-quality wings for the best flavor.
• Honey: This gives the wings their signature sweet glaze. About ½ cup gives the perfect touch of sweetness.
• Garlic: Freshly minced, it provides a robust flavor. I use around 1 ½ teaspoons.
• Soy Sauce: A ¼ cup will do the trick for that savory umami background.
• Brown Sugar: It adds depth and complements the honey’s sweetness. I need just about ½ cup.
• Butter: For richness and to carry the garlic and honey flavors, ¼ cup melted butter is my go-to.
• Mustard Powder: Around 2 teaspoons for a tangy kick that balances the sweetness.
• White Onion: Finally, a large one, chopped, to infuse the sauce with a pungent, sweet aroma.

Here’s how I arrange my ingredients to make prep smooth:

Quantity	Ingredient
5 lbs	Chicken Wings
½ cup	Honey
1 ½ tsp	Minced Garlic
¼ cup	Soy Sauce
½ cup	Brown Sugar
¼ cup	Butter
2 tsp	Mustard Powder
1	Large White Onion, chopped

Getting all this ready upfront makes the cooking process a breeze. With everything laid out, I’m all set to whip up some delicious honey garlic chicken wings that always seem to vanish from the plate in minutes. Calm, methodical preparation leads to vibrant flavors that make taste buds dance with joy.

How To Make Honey Garlic Chicken Wings

Preparing honey garlic chicken wings is a simple process that yields a deliciously sticky and flavorsome appetizer. Here’s how I make them:

Ingredients

• Chicken wings: I usually opt for about 5 pounds, which serves roughly six people.
• Sauce components: A combination of honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, and a bit of butter creates that classic honey garlic flavor. Some recipes, like this one from Allrecipes, recommend adding brown sugar, white onion, and mustard powder for extra depth.
• Seasonings: Salt, pepper, and any additional spices you fancy.

Instructions

1. Preheat & Prep: Start by preheating your oven. A temperature of 375°F works well for me. Line your baking tray with foil and a layer of parchment paper to avoid sticking.

2. Season Wings: Lightly toss the wings in a mix of salt and pepper before laying them out on the prepared baking tray.

3. Bake: Place the wings in the oven and bake until they’re just about cooked through. I’ve found this takes approximately 45 minutes.

4. Make Sauce: While the wings are baking, I prepare the honey garlic sauce. Combine the honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, and butter in a saucepan, simmering until it thickens. If you’re following the Allrecipes version, this would also be when you add in the onion, brown sugar, and mustard powder.

5. Coat Wings: Once the wings are done, I toss them in the sauce to coat them evenly.

6. Final Bake: Finally, the coated wings go back into the oven for an additional 10 minutes or so to get that perfect sticky glaze.

Enjoy them as they are or add a garnish of sesame seeds or chopped green onions for an extra touch.

Tips for the Best Honey Garlic Chicken Wings

When I make honey garlic chicken wings, I focus on a few key steps to ensure they turn out fantastic. Here are my personal tips:

Marinate for Flavor:

• Duration: I usually marinate my wings for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors soak in. For deeper flavor, overnight is ideal.
• Ingredients: A mix of honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, and a touch of ginger creates a perfect balance of sweet and savory.

For a Crispy Skin:

• Drying: Pat the chicken wings dry before baking; moisture is the enemy of crispiness.
• Heat: I cook my wings at a high temperature, around 400°F (205°C), to get that crispy skin.
• Oil: Lightly coating them with oil, such as sesame oil, helps achieve a crispy texture.

Sauce Tips:

• Consistency: The sauce should be thick enough to cling to the wings without being overly runny.
• Application: Toss the wings in the sauce after they’re fully cooked. This keeps the skin from getting soggy.

Finishing Touches:

• Sesame Seeds: For a touch of crunch and presentation, I sprinkle sesame seeds on top of the wings right before serving.
• Green Onions: A garnish of chopped green onions adds a fresh contrast to the rich flavors.

Remember, great wings are all about balance in flavors and textures, so take your time to marinate, bake to crispy perfection, and toss them in that irresistible home-made honey garlic sauce. Enjoy the process, and your taste buds will thank you!

What to Serve with Honey Garlic Chicken Wings

When I’m planning a meal around honey garlic chicken wings, I like to think about balance and compatibility. These wings usually deliver a sweet and savory taste with a sticky glaze that is rich in flavor, so it’s essential to pair them with sides that can complement or contrast this profile.

Vegetables:

• Sautéed greens: I find that bok choy or spinach sautéed with a bit of garlic is a refreshing contrast.
• Stir-fried veggies: A mix of bell peppers, onions, and snap peas adds a colorful touch.

Starches:

• Cauliflower “fried rice“: A lighter, lower-carb option that’s packed with veggies.
• Jasmine rice: Its fragrant, slightly sticky texture works wonders with the sauce from the wings.

Salads:

• Asian slaw: Provides a crunchy, tangy side to balance the sweet stickiness.
• Sesame kale salad: The nuttiness of sesame pairs well with the chicken.

Others:

• Garlic bread: Can be a hit for those who don’t mind extra garlic.
• Vegetable egg rolls: For an indulgent, themed side that’s perfect for dipping.

Here are a few combinations that I particularly enjoy:

Vegetable	Starch	Salad
Steamed Broccoli	Mashed Sweet Potatoes	Cucumber Salad
Roasted Edamame	Quinoa	Seaweed Salad

Remember, the sides you choose can either amplify the main dish or provide a pleasant counterpoint to its strong flavors.

How to Store, Freeze & Reheat Honey Garlic Chicken Wings

Storing and reheating honey garlic chicken wings properly ensures they retain their flavor and texture. I’ll guide you through each step, so they taste as good the second time around as they did when they were freshly made.

Storing in the Refrigerator:

1. Allow the wings to cool to room temperature.
2. Place them in an airtight container.
3. Label the container with the date.
4. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

Freezing:

• Cool the wings completely before freezing.
• Arrange the wings on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Make sure they are not touching.
• Freeze until solid, about 1-2 hours. This is known as flash freezing.
• Once solid, transfer the wings to a freezer bag or an airtight container.
• Eliminate as much air as possible from the bag (if using).
• Label, and they can be stored for up to 3 months.

Reheating:

• It’s best to thaw frozen wings in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Place the wings on a baking sheet.
• Reheat for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. If they were thawed, it might take less time.
• For crispier skin, finish under the broiler for a minute or two, but watch them carefully to prevent burning.

Using these methods, you can ensure your honey garlic chicken wings are delicious every time, even after storing and reheating.

{ “@context”: “http://schema.org”, “@type”: “Recipe”, “name”: “Honey Garlic Chicken Wings”, “author”: “Benjamin”, “image”: “https://happymuncher.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Honey-Garlic-Chicken-Wings1-720×1080-1-683×1024.jpg”, “datePublished”: “2024-01-05”, “description”: “Honey Garlic Chicken Wings are a delightful blend of sweet and savory, perfect for any gathering or family dinner. This recipe involves baking chicken wings to crispy perfection and glazing them with a homemade honey garlic sauce, composed of honey, garlic, soy sauce, and a few other simple ingredients. The wings come out with a glistening, sticky coating, offering a flavor that’s both rich and satisfying.”, “recipeYield”: “4 portions”, “recipeCategory”: “Appetizer”, “recipeCuisine”: “American”, “aggregateRating”: { “@type”: “AggregateRating”, “ratingValue”: “5”, “reviewCount”: “25” }, “nutrition”: { “@type”: “NutritionInformation”, “calories”: “500 kcal”, “carbohydrateContent”: “25 g”, “cholesterolContent”: “110 mg”, “fatContent”: “30 g”, “fiberContent”: “1 g”, “proteinContent”: “35 g”, “saturatedFatContent”: “9 g”, “servingSize”: “1 portion”, “sodiumContent”: “800 mg”, “sugarContent”: “20 g”, “transFatContent”: “0 g”, “unsaturatedFatContent”: “15 g” }, “recipeIngredient”: [ “5 pounds chicken wings”, “1/2 cup honey”, “1 1/2 teaspoons minced garlic”, “1/4 cup soy sauce”, “1/2 cup brown sugar”, “1/4 cup melted butter”, “2 teaspoons mustard powder”, “1 large white onion, chopped” ], “recipeInstructions”: [ { “@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Preheat oven to 375°F. Line a baking tray with foil and parchment paper.” }, { “@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Season chicken wings with salt and pepper, and arrange on the baking tray.” }, { “@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Bake wings for 45 minutes.” }, { “@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “In a saucepan, combine honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, melted butter, brown sugar, mustard powder, and chopped onion. Simmer until thickened.” }, { “@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Toss baked wings in the sauce and return to the oven for an additional 10 minutes.” }, { “@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Garnish with sesame seeds or chopped green onions before serving.” } ] }