Name: Sweet and Spicy Chicken Wings
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 lbs chicken wings; 1/2 cup honey; 1/4 cup soy sauce; 2 tablespoons sriracha sauce; 2 tablespoons brown sugar; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tablespoon rice vinegar; 1 teaspoon ground black pepper; 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening sauce); 2 tablespoons chopped green onions (for garnish); 1 teaspoon sesame seeds (for garnish)

Hey y’all! If you’re on the hunt for the ultimate crowd-pleasing appetizer or game day snack, you’ve got to try these Sweet and Spicy Chicken Wings. They’re incredibly juicy, coated in a sticky glaze that’s the perfect blend of heat and sweetness, and are sure to disappear as soon as you put them out. Ideal for parties, BBQs, or just a delicious weeknight treat — these wings bring bold flavor to any table. Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Sweet and Spicy Chicken Wings Recipe

The perfect balance of sticky, sweet, and fiery flavors guarantees crowd-pleasing wings.
Oven-baked for crispy results without extra oil or mess.
Easy to make with simple pantry ingredients.
Great for meal prep, parties, or an easy snack.
Versatile—customize the spiciness or sweetness to your taste!

Sweet and Spicy Chicken Wings Ingredients

2 lbs chicken wings, split and tips removed
1 tsp baking powder (for crispiness)
1/2 tsp kosher salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/2 cup honey
1/4 cup soy sauce
2 tbsp sriracha or hot sauce of choice
2 tbsp brown sugar
2 tbsp rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar
1 tbsp sesame oil
1 tsp grated fresh ginger
1 tsp cornstarch (mixed with 1 tbsp cold water, optional for thickening)
Sesame seeds and sliced green onions, for garnish

How to Make Sweet and Spicy Chicken Wings

Step 1: Prep the Chicken Wings

Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
Pat the chicken wings completely dry with paper towels.
In a large bowl, toss the wings with baking powder, salt, pepper, and garlic powder.

Step 2: Bake for Crispy Perfection

Line a baking sheet with foil and place a wire rack on top. Arrange wings in a single layer.
Bake for 25 minutes, flip, and continue baking for another 20 minutes, until golden brown and crispy.

Step 3: Make the Sweet and Spicy Sauce

While wings bake, combine honey, soy sauce, sriracha, brown sugar, vinegar, sesame oil, and ginger in a saucepan over medium heat.
Bring to a simmer, stirring occasionally. To thicken, add cornstarch slurry and cook for 2 more minutes until glossy.

Step 4: Glaze the Wings

Transfer baked wings to a large bowl. Pour the warm glaze over the wings and toss until fully coated.
Return coated wings to the oven for 5 minutes to caramelize, or serve immediately garnished with sesame seeds and green onions.

Notes & Helpful Cooking Tips

Patting the wings dry removes moisture for extra crispiness out of the oven.
Baking powder (not baking soda!) is key for blistered, crispy skin; discover the science behind it here.
For extra heat, add a pinch of cayenne to the sauce or increase the amount of sriracha.

Variations: Sweet and Spicy Chicken Wings Your Way

Grilled Sweet and Spicy Chicken Wings: Grill wings over medium-high heat for smoky depth.
Air Fryer Sweet and Spicy Chicken Wings: Air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes, shaking halfway through.
Lemon-Garlic Sweet and Spicy Chicken Wings: Add 1 tbsp lemon juice and 2 minced garlic cloves to the sauce for fresh, zesty flavor.

What Equipment You Need for Sweet and Spicy Chicken Wings

Baking sheet
Wire rack
Large bowls
Small saucepan
Tongs
Measuring cups and spoons

Storage and Shelf Life for Sweet and Spicy Chicken Wings

Store leftover wings in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, bake at 375°F (190°C) for 8-10 minutes until hot and crispy, or microwave if short on time. Wings can also be frozen for up to 2 months. For more on safe storage, visit USDA Food Safety Basics.

Serving Suggestions & Pairings for Sweet and Spicy Chicken Wings

Serve with crisp celery sticks and cool ranch or blue cheese dip.
Pair with a cold beer or lemonade for the perfect game day treat.
Balance the zing with a simple cabbage slaw or Caesar salad.

Pro Tips for Best Sweet and Spicy Chicken Wings Results

Marinate the wings overnight in the sauce for maximum flavor penetration — learn more about marinating tips here.
For extra caramelization, finish the wings under the broiler for 2-3 minutes (keep a close eye!).
Use fresh ginger and garlic for the most aromatic, flavorful sauce.

Sweet and Spicy Chicken Wings FAQ

Can I make Sweet and Spicy Chicken Wings ahead of time?: Absolutely! Bake and glaze the wings, then reheat and finish under the broiler just before serving.
Are these Chicken Wings gluten-free?: Swap regular soy sauce for a certified gluten-free soy sauce or tamari to make them gluten-free.
How do I make the wings less spicy?: Reduce the sriracha or hot sauce, and add a bit more honey and brown sugar for a milder experience.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 50 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes