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Sticky Honey Garlic Chicken Wings – Easy Game Day Recipe

honey garlic chicken wings - featured image

These sticky honey garlic chicken wings are the perfect game day snack—crispy, sweet, and garlicky with a glossy, caramelized glaze. Easy to make with simple ingredients, they’re always the first to disappear at any party.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 pounds chicken wings, separated into drumettes and flats (about 2430 pieces total)
  • 1 tablespoon baking powder (not baking soda)
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 cup honey (runny, good-quality)
  • 6 cloves garlic, minced (fresh only)
  • 1/4 cup soy sauce (low-sodium works great)
  • 2 tablespoons rice vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
  • 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger (optional but highly recommended)
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (for thickening, if needed)
  • Sesame seeds, toasted (for garnish)
  • Green onions, thinly sliced (for garnish)
  • Fresh cilantro (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Position the rack in the upper third of the oven.
  2. Pat the chicken wings completely dry with paper towels. This is crucial for crispy skin.
  3. In a large bowl, combine the baking powder, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Toss the dried wings in this mixture until evenly coated.
  4. Arrange the wings in a single layer on a wire rack set over a baking sheet, making sure they are not touching.
  5. Bake for 30 minutes, then flip each wing using tongs. Bake for another 15-20 minutes, until the skin is golden brown and crispy. Internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
  6. While the wings bake, make the glaze. In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the honey, minced garlic, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and grated ginger. Bring to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally. Let it bubble for 3-4 minutes until it thickens slightly. If you want a thicker glaze, stir in the cornstarch slurry and cook for another minute until glossy.
  7. When the wings are done, remove them from the oven. Brush each wing generously with the honey garlic glaze. Return the glazed wings to the oven for 5 more minutes to let the glaze set and caramelize.
  8. Remove from the oven and brush with a second layer of glaze. This double-glaze technique gives you the signature sticky, glossy finish.
  9. Transfer to a serving platter and sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds and sliced green onions. Serve immediately while still sticky and warm.

Notes

Pat wings very dry for crispy skin. Do not skip the second glaze layer. Watch the glaze carefully to prevent burning. For extra crispy wings, broil for the last 2 minutes. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a 350°F oven for 10 minutes or air fry at 350°F for 5 minutes.

Nutrition

Keywords: honey garlic chicken wings, sticky wings, game day recipe, baked chicken wings, crispy wings, easy appetizer