Sweet & Spicy Chicken Wings have always been a favorite of mine. Whenever I make them, I can almost hear the excitement from the family as the wings hit the table. The perfect balance of sweetness from the honey and a bit of heat from the chili sauce makes Sweet & Spicy Chicken Wings irresistible. This recipe is simple and quick, but the flavors are bold and satisfying. It’s the kind of dish that brings everyone together, and it never lasts long on the plate!
A Flavorful Coating
The magic of Sweet & Spicy Chicken Wings comes from the coating. A mix of honey, chili sauce, and garlic creates a sticky, savory glaze that coats each wing perfectly. I like to make sure every piece gets a generous dip into the sauce so that every bite bursts with flavor. After baking, the wings are crispy on the outside but tender inside. It’s hard not to keep going back for just one more bite!
Cooking Time and Perfecting the Wings
Cooking Sweet & Spicy Chicken Wings is easy. The key is to bake them at the right temperature so they cook through while getting that crispy skin. I always line my baking sheet with foil for easy cleanup, and the wings bake at 400°F for about 25 minutes. By the time they’re done, the sauce has thickened, and the wings are golden brown. You can even broil them for a minute or two to get them a little crispier if you prefer.
Sharing the Love
Sweet & Spicy Chicken Wings are perfect for any occasion—whether it’s a family dinner, game night, or a gathering with friends. The combination of sweet and spicy is always a crowd-pleaser, and they’re so easy to make that you’ll want to serve them every time. Once you’ve made these wings, they’ll become your go-to recipe for any time you crave something delicious and flavorful!
Table of Contents
Chef’s Notes- Sweet & Spicy Chicken Wings
- Crispy Wings: To get the perfect crispy texture, bake or fry your wings before tossing them in the sauce. For baking, preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C) and bake the wings for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through. This ensures they get golden and crispy.
- Sauce Consistency: If the sauce feels too thin after simmering, let it cook for a few more minutes to thicken. For a more BBQ-like consistency, you can add a tablespoon of tomato paste to the sauce.
- Heat Level Adjustments: Adjust the heat level by adding more gochujang for a spicier kick or reducing it for a milder flavor. For more heat, try adding a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
- Coating Tips: After frying or baking the wings, ensure they’re hot when you toss them in the sauce. This helps the sauce to coat evenly and stick better to the wings.
- Vegan Option: For a plant-based alternative, use crispy tofu or cauliflower wings instead of chicken and swap honey with maple syrup.
- Storage: Leftover sauce can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week. Reheat gently on the stovetop before using.
- Serving Ideas: These wings pair wonderfully with cooling sides like coleslaw or a refreshing cucumber salad to balance the heat. For a more authentic Korean twist, serve with a side of kimchi.
Sweet & Spicy Chicken Wings
4
wings5
minutes5
minutes60
kcal10
minutesDive into the irresistible flavors of Sweet & Spicy Chicken Wings! This recipe combines a perfect balance of sweetness, heat, tanginess, and savory notes that will tantalize your taste buds. In just 10 minutes, you can whip up a delectable sauce that clings beautifully to crispy wings, reminiscent of your favorite BBQ flavors. Ideal for game days, casual gatherings, or a quick weeknight dinner, these wings are sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection. Get ready to impress your guests with minimal effort and maximum flavor!
Ingredients
Main Ingredient
chicken
- Sauce Components
1/4 cup Korean chili paste (gochujang)
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 tablespoon low-sodium soy sauce
1 tablespoon finely chopped garlic
2 teaspoons freshly grated ginger
2 tablespoons natural honey
2 tablespoons rice wine or water
1 tablespoon rice vinegar
Butter: Substitute with coconut oil for a dairy-free option.
- Alternative Ingredients:
Butter: Substitute with coconut oil for a dairy-free option
Gochujang: Use sriracha mixed with a bit of miso paste if unavailable.
Soy Sauce: Tamari can replace soy sauce for a gluten-free version.
Honey: Maple syrup or agave nectar can be used as a vegan alternative.
Rice Wine: Substitute with dry white wine or additional water if preferred.
Directions
- Prepare Sauce Base: In a medium saucepan, combine the unsalted butter, Korean chili paste, low-sodium soy sauce, finely chopped garlic, freshly grated ginger, natural honey, and rice wine. Stir well to ensure all ingredients are thoroughly mixed.
- Simmer and Thicken: Place the saucepan over medium-high heat and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Allow it to cook for approximately 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens to a consistency similar to ketchup or BBQ sauce. Optional: Add a splash more honey for increased sweetness.
- Coat the Wings: Toss the freshly cooked chicken wings in the thickened sauce, ensuring each piece is evenly coated. Serve immediately while hot and glossy. Optional: Garnish with sliced scallions for added color and flavor.
Equipment
- saucepan
Nutrition Facts
- Calories: 60kcal
- Fat: 3g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
- Sodium: 240mg
- Potassium: 20mg
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Sugar: 6g
- Protein: 2g
- Vitamin A: 120IU
- Vitamin C: 1mg
- Calcium: 10mg
- Iron: 0.3mg
FAQ- Sweet & Spicy Chicken Wings
Can I use boneless chicken for this recipe?
Yes, you can use boneless chicken. Just adjust the cooking time based on the size of the chicken pieces. Boneless wings typically cook faster.
Can I make the sauce ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can make the sauce in advance and store it in the fridge for up to 5 days. Just reheat it on the stove when you’re ready to use it.
Can I use a different type of chili paste?
If you don’t have gochujang, you can substitute it with sriracha mixed with a bit of miso paste. The flavor will be slightly different but still delicious.
What if I don’t have rice wine?
If you don’t have rice wine, you can substitute it with dry white wine or simply use additional water for a milder flavor.
How can I make these wings spicier?
To make the wings spicier, increase the amount of gochujang or add red pepper flakes, hot sauce, or chili powder to the sauce for extra heat.
