If you love crispy, sticky, and flavor-packed chicken wings, this Sweet & Spicy Chicken Wings recipe is for you. These wings are perfectly balanced with sweetness, heat, and a little tang, making them irresistibly delicious. Whether you’re making them for game day, a party, or a casual weeknight dinner, they’re always a hit.
I love this recipe because it delivers restaurant-quality wings at home with minimal effort. The crispy skin, sticky glaze, and bold flavors make these wings finger-licking good—you won’t be able to eat just one!
Let’s dive into how to make the best sweet and spicy chicken wings at home!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Crispy, sticky, and flavorful – The perfect balance of sweet and heat.
- Easy to make – Simple ingredients and quick cooking.
- Great for any occasion – Perfect for parties, game nights, or appetizers.
- Baked or fried options – Choose your favorite cooking method!
Ingredients You’ll Need
(Serves: 4-6 | Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cook Time: 30 minutes)
For the Wings:
- 2 pounds chicken wings (drumettes and flats)
- 1 tablespoon baking powder (for crispy skin)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
For the Sweet & Spicy Sauce:
- ½ cup honey
- ¼ cup hot sauce (Sriracha or buffalo sauce)
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar (or lime juice)
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for extra heat)
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch (for thickening, if needed)
How to Make Sweet & Spicy Chicken Wings
1. Preheat the Oven (If Baking)
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and place a wire rack on top.
2. Prepare the Wings
Pat the chicken wings dry with paper towels. In a bowl, toss them with baking powder, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder.
3. Bake or Fry the Wings
Oven Method:
- Arrange the wings on the wire rack and bake for 40-45 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crispy.
Frying Method:
- Heat 1-2 inches of vegetable oil in a deep skillet to 375°F (190°C).
- Fry the wings in batches for 8-10 minutes, until crispy and fully cooked. Drain on paper towels.
4. Make the Sweet & Spicy Sauce
In a saucepan over medium heat, whisk together honey, hot sauce, soy sauce, melted butter, vinegar, and red pepper flakes.
- Simmer for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened.
- If you want a thicker sauce, mix 1 teaspoon cornstarch with 1 tablespoon water and stir it into the sauce.
5. Toss and Serve
Place the crispy wings in a large bowl and toss them in the warm sauce until fully coated.
6. Garnish and Enjoy
Serve immediately, garnished with sesame seeds, chopped green onions, or extra hot sauce for a finishing touch!
My Best Tips for the Perfect Wings
- Pat the wings dry before cooking – This helps them crisp up better.
- Use baking powder for crispy skin – It helps remove moisture while baking.
- Want extra heat? – Add more red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne.
- For even crispier wings, broil for the last 3-5 minutes – This adds a nice char.
What to Serve with Sweet & Spicy Chicken Wings
These wings pair perfectly with:
- Celery and carrot sticks – A refreshing contrast.
- Ranch or blue cheese dressing – A classic dipping sauce.
- Crispy fries or onion rings – The ultimate game-day combo.
- Steamed rice or coleslaw – For a heartier meal.
FAQs
Can I make these wings ahead of time?
Yes! Bake or fry the wings, then toss them in the sauce just before serving.
Can I air-fry these wings?
Absolutely! Air fry at 400°F for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through.
How do I store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or air fryer to keep them crispy.
These Sweet & Spicy Chicken Wings are crispy, sticky, and bursting with bold flavors, making them the perfect appetizer or main dish. Whether you bake, fry, or air-fry them, they’re guaranteed to be a hit at any gathering.
Give them a try and let me know how they turn out!
Sweet & Spicy Chicken Wings: The Ultimate Finger-Licking Good Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 pounds chicken wings
- 1 tablespoon baking powder (for crispy skin)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar (or lime juice)
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch (for thickening)
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch with 1 tablespoon water and stir it into the sauce
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/4 cup hot sauce
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with aluminum foil.
- In a large bowl, toss the chicken wings with baking powder, salt, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper until well coated.
- Arrange the wings in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, flipping halfway through, until wings are crispy and golden brown.
- In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat, then stir in honey, hot sauce, apple cider vinegar, and cornstarch mixed with water.
- Bring the sauce to a simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes until thickened.
- Once the wings are done, toss them in the sauce until evenly coated.
- Serve immediately and enjoy your delicious Sweet & Spicy Chicken Wings!
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