Caramelized Glazed Chicken Wings (Sticky, Sweet & Absolutely Irresistible)
If you’re looking for a foolproof chicken wing recipe that delivers bold flavor with minimal effort, these Caramelized Glazed Chicken Wings are about to become your new favorite. Sticky honey, savory soy sauce, a touch of ketchup, and fresh garlic come together to create a glossy glaze that caramelizes beautifully in the oven.
This is the kind of recipe that makes people hover around the kitchen. The aroma alone is enough to draw everyone in before they’re even done baking.
Let me show you exactly why I love this recipe — and how you can make it perfectly every time.
Why I Love This Recipe
There are a lot of wing recipes out there, but this one hits that perfect balance between sweet and savory. The honey caramelizes into a rich glaze, while the soy sauce keeps things deeply flavorful without becoming too salty.
Here’s why it works so well:
- Simple pantry ingredients
- No frying required
- Minimal prep
- Big, bold flavor
- Perfect for parties, game days, or weeknight dinners
It’s the kind of low-effort, high-reward recipe I keep in regular rotation — especially when hosting.
Ingredients
- 3 pounds chicken wings
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- ½ cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 1 cup honey
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Ingredient Swaps & Notes
Wings: You can use whole wings or pre-split drumettes and flats. Just make sure they’re similar in size for even cooking.
Honey: If you prefer a slightly less sweet glaze, reduce to ¾ cup. You can also substitute maple syrup for a deeper flavor.
Garlic: Fresh garlic works best, but ½ teaspoon garlic powder can work in a pinch.
Soy Sauce: Use low-sodium soy sauce if you’re watching salt levels.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven
Set your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Prepare the Chicken
Place the chicken wings in a 9×13-inch baking dish in a single layer.
3. Make the Sauce
In a medium bowl, whisk together:
- Olive oil
- Soy sauce
- Ketchup
- Honey
- Minced garlic
- Salt and pepper
Mix until fully combined and smooth.
4. Coat the Chicken
Pour the sauce evenly over the wings, turning them slightly to ensure they’re fully coated.
5. Bake
Bake uncovered for 1 hour, or until:
- The sauce thickens and caramelizes
- The wings are golden brown
- Internal temperature reaches 165°F
For extra caramelization, spoon the sauce over the wings halfway through baking.
Tips for Perfect Caramelized Wings
- Use a shallow baking dish to help the glaze reduce properly.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan — space helps with caramelization.
- Flip halfway through for even browning.
- If you want extra crisp edges, broil for the last 2–3 minutes (watch carefully to prevent burning).
Serving Suggestions & Pairings
These wings shine on their own, but they’re even better paired with complementary dishes.
For parties, serve them alongside:
- This Crockpot Nacho Dip Is the Reason I Never Have Leftovers
- These Sheet Pan Quesadillas Are My Favorite Way to Feed a Crowd Fast
- This Baked Brie Appetizer Is My Favorite Effortless Way to Impress Guests
For a refreshing drink pairing, try:
And if you’re building a full chicken-themed spread, you can’t go wrong with:
Nutritional Information (Per Serving – Approximate)
Based on 6 servings:
- Calories: 520
- Protein: 28g
- Fat: 26g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Sugar: 38g
- Sodium: 890mg
Values may vary depending on portion size and ingredient brands used.
Storage & Leftover Tips
Refrigerator:
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Reheating:
Reheat in a 350°F oven for 10–15 minutes to re-crisp. Microwaving works but may soften the glaze.
Freezing:
You can freeze cooked wings for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Pro tip: Chop leftover wings and toss the meat into wraps or salads for an easy next-day lunch.
More Recipes You’ll Love
If you enjoyed these wings, here are a few more crowd-pleasers from the site:
- Easy Cheesy Chicken Sliders with Marinara & Garlic Butter
- This Crockpot Nacho Dip Is the Reason I Never Have Leftovers
- These Sheet Pan Quesadillas Are My Favorite Way to Feed a Crowd Fast
- This Baked Brie Appetizer Is My Favorite Effortless Way to Impress Guests
- This Blueberry Lemonade Is My Favorite Refreshing Drink for Sunny Days
Final Thoughts
These Caramelized Glazed Chicken Wings are everything a great wing recipe should be — sticky, flavorful, easy, and guaranteed to impress. Whether you’re hosting game day, planning a backyard gathering, or just craving something sweet and savory, this recipe delivers every single time.
If you try this recipe, I’d love to hear how it turned out for you. Did you add a little heat? Swap in maple syrup? Let me know in the comments — and don’t forget to follow along for more easy, crowd-pleasing recipes.
Happy cooking!
— Jason Griffith
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