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Sweet & Sour Chicken Wings Marinade You’ll Want to Put on Everything

By Corinne Griffith
July 14, 2025 3 Min Read
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Sweet & Sour Chicken Wings Marinade Recipe

If you’re looking for a wing recipe that’s quick, easy, and delivers that addictive balance of tangy and sweet, this is the one. These Sweet & Sour Chicken Wings are ideal for parties, game days, or even just a casual night in. The marinade is bright, bold, and only takes four ingredients—but the flavor payoff is massive.


Why I Love This Recipe

This marinade is one of those beautiful “dump and done” creations. You throw everything into a bowl, whisk it together, coat your wings, and let the magic happen. The combo of honey and lemon juice creates that signature sweet-and-tangy vibe, while the olive oil helps crisp everything up in the oven or air fryer. It’s light, fresh, and versatile enough to please even picky eaters.


Ingredients

  • 15 chicken wings
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 3 teaspoons honey
  • 1.5 tablespoons lemon juice
  • (Optional) Salt and pepper to taste
  • (Optional) Garlic powder or chili flakes for extra zing

Ingredient Swaps & Notes

  • Lemon Juice: You can swap this for lime juice or even orange juice for a different citrus profile.
  • Honey: Agave or maple syrup can be used for a different kind of sweetness.
  • Add-ons: Feel free to add soy sauce, sriracha, or grated garlic to customize the flavor.

Instructions

  1. Prep Your Wings
    Pat your chicken wings dry with paper towels—this helps the skin get crispy when cooking.
  2. Make the Marinade
    In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, honey, and lemon juice. Add a pinch of salt and pepper if desired.
  3. Marinate
    Place the wings in a large zip-top bag or bowl. Pour the marinade over them and toss to coat. Let them marinate for at least 30 minutes (up to 24 hours for max flavor).
  4. Cook Your Wings
    You can either:
    • Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 40–45 minutes, flipping halfway through.
    • Air fry at 400°F for 18–22 minutes, shaking the basket halfway.
    • Grill over medium heat, turning every few minutes until charred and cooked through.
  5. Serve & Enjoy!
    Serve your wings hot with lemon wedges, a sprinkle of herbs, or extra dipping sauce on the side.

Tips for Success

  • Dry your wings before marinating. Moisture on the skin can lead to steaming instead of crisping.
  • Don’t skip the marinating time. Even 30 minutes makes a huge difference in flavor.
  • Add extra sauce to brush on after cooking if you like them sticky and shiny.

Serving Suggestions & Pairings

Pair these tangy wings with other party favorites like:

  • These Sheet Pan Quesadillas
  • This Beer Cheese Dip
  • These Totchos
  • This Walking Taco Bar
  • And for drinks? Try This Blueberry Lemonade

Storage & Leftovers

  • Fridge: Store leftover wings in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
  • Freezer: Freeze cooked wings in a zip-top bag for up to 2 months.
  • Reheat: Warm in the oven at 350°F for 10–12 minutes or pop into the air fryer for 5–6 minutes at 375°F.

More Recipes You’ll Love

Looking for more crowd-pleasing dishes? Check out these next:

  • These Sheet Pan Quesadillas
  • This Walking Taco Bar
  • These Totchos

Final Thoughts

These Sweet & Sour Wings prove that a few simple ingredients can create unforgettable flavor. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or just want to spice up your weeknight dinner, this recipe is a total winner. Try it out and let us know what you think in the comments!

👉 Follow along for more recipes at ChefManiac.com and never miss a flavor-packed bite!


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