Sweet and Savory Garlic Chicken Wings

Sweet and Savory Garlic Chicken Wings are one of my all-time favorite recipes to make when I’m craving something flavorful. The combination of honey and garlic creates the perfect balance of sweetness and savory goodness. When making Sweet and Savory Garlic Chicken Wings, the key is to let the wings marinate long enough for the flavors to soak in, ensuring every bite is packed with delicious. I love how the sauce sticks to the wings, giving them that irresistible glaze. It’s the perfect dish for a casual night in or a fun gathering with friends.

A Flavorful Glaze

The key to making Sweet and Savory Garlic Chicken Wings irresistible is the glaze. I start by combining fresh garlic, honey, soy sauce, and a touch of lemon juice in a bowl. The garlic gives it that savory punch, while the honey adds a sweet richness that complements the wings so well. The mixture is then cooked until it thickens slightly, turning into a glossy coating that clings perfectly to each wing. Sweet and Savory Garlic Chicken Wings are all about this flavorful glaze!

Baking for the Perfect Crisp

Once the wings are coated in the glaze, I bake them in the oven to get them crispy on the outside while staying juicy inside. The key is to make sure the wings are spaced out on the baking tray so they cook evenly. You can even flip them halfway through to ensure every side gets a golden brown crisp. Sweet and Savory Garlic Chicken Wings are best when you get that perfect balance of crispiness and tenderness with every bite.

An Easy Crowd-Pleaser

Sweet and Savory Garlic Chicken Wings are perfect for any occasion, from casual weeknight dinners to fun weekend gatherings. The beauty of this recipe is how quickly it comes together, but the flavor is what really makes it stand out. Whether served as an appetizer or a main dish, these wings will definitely disappear fast. Sweet and Savory Garlic Chicken Wings are a must-try for anyone who loves a mix of sweet and savory flavors!

Chef’s Notes- Sweet and Savory Garlic Chicken Wings

• Marinate for Extra Flavor: For even more depth of flavor, marinate the wings for at least 30 minutes or up to overnight. The longer the marinade, the more intense the garlic and ginger flavor will be.
• Crispy Exterior: Ensure your cast iron skillet is preheated properly before adding the wings. This helps achieve that crispy, golden-brown exterior.
• Adjust the Sweetness: Depending on your sweetness preference, you can adjust the amount of honey in the sauce. If you like it sweeter, feel free to add more honey.
• Customize the Heat Level: Adjust the heat level by varying the amount of fresh chili or by adding a pinch of red pepper flakes. If you prefer milder wings, skip the chili altogether.
• Cooking Time: Pay attention to the cooking time and ensure the wings are cooked through before adding the sauce. You want them crispy on the outside but fully tender on the inside.
• Toss Well: When adding the honey garlic sauce, toss the wings well to make sure every piece is coated with the sticky glaze. Don’t forget to let the sauce bubble and thicken for the perfect consistency.
• Leftovers: Leftover wings can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for 10-15 minutes for that crispy finish.
• Serve Smart: These wings go wonderfully with steamed vegetables or a fresh salad for a well-rounded meal. You can also serve them with a side of rice for a filling option.

Sweet and Savory Garlic Chicken Wings

Recipe by Kimmy

Course: Appetizer, Main CourseCuisine: KoreanDifficulty: Easy

Servings

4

wings

Prep time

15

minutes

Cooking time

15

minutes

Calories

450

kcal

Total time

30

minutes

Get ready to impress with these Sweet and Savory Garlic Chicken Wings! Bursting with rich flavors and a perfect balance of honey and garlic, these wings are a game-changer for any gathering. Whether you’re hosting a party, enjoying a casual meal, or craving a quick delight, this easy-to-make recipe ensures tender, flavorful chicken every time. Celebrity chefs agree—this dish is a must-try for its irresistible taste and simple preparation. Dive into the ultimate wing experience that’s sure to satisfy your taste buds and leave your guests asking for more!

Ingredients

• chicken wings

• 1 tsp ginger marinade

• A dash of salt

• A dash of cracked black pepper

• 1 tbsp vegetable oil

• 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds

• 1-2 sliced fresh chilies (optional)

• 1 tsp sesame oil (optional)

• Honey Garlic Sauce

• 3 cloves  finely chopped garlic

• 3 tablespoons soy sauce

• 2 tablespoons honey

• 2 tablespoons mirin (sweet rice wine)

• Alternative Ingredients:

• Honey: Substitute with agave nectar or maple syrup.

• Soy Sauce: Use tamari for a gluten-free option.

• Mirin: Replace with dry sherry or a mixture of rice vinegar and sugar.

• Sesame Oil: Use olive oil for a different flavor profile.

• Fresh Chili: Substitute with red pepper flakes or jalapeños.

Directions

• Preparing the Wings: Begin by trimming any excess loose skin from the wings using kitchen scissors. Place the wings into a large mixing bowl and season them with ginger marinade, salt, and pepper. Toss thoroughly to ensure even coating and set aside to marinate for 10 minutes.
• Making the Sauce: In a small bowl, combine the finely minced garlic, soy sauce, honey, and mirin. Mix well until the honey is fully integrated into the sauce and set aside for later use.
• Cooking the Wings: Heat the vegetable oil in a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated wings and brown them, cooking for about 2 minutes on each side to achieve a nice golden color. Cover the skillet with a lid and reduce the heat to low, allowing the wings to cook through for approximately 5 minutes.
• Finishing Touches: Remove the lid and use kitchen tongs to wipe away any excess oil and fat from the skillet with a piece of paper towel. Increase the heat to high and pour the prepared honey garlic sauce over the wings. Let the sauce bubble and thicken for about 2-3 minutes while tossing the chicken to ensure they are well-coated with the glaze.
• Garnishing and Serving: Once the sauce has thickened into a sticky glaze that coats the wings, remove the skillet from the heat. Sprinkle the wings with toasted sesame seeds and sliced fresh chili if desired. Drizzle with sesame oil for added flavor, if preferred. Serve the wings warm as a delicious appetizer or main course.

Equipment

• cast iron skillet

Nutrition Facts

• Calories: 450kcal
• Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Cholesterol: 90mg
• Sodium: 800mg
• Potassium: 300mg
• Carbohydrates: 25g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 18g
• Protein: 30g
• Vitamin A: 50IU
• Vitamin C: 4mg
• Calcium: 30mg
• Iron: 2mg

FAQ-  Sweet and Savory Garlic Chicken Wings

Can I make these wings ahead of time?

Yes! You can marinate the wings for up to 24 hours before cooking. If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge and reheat in the oven for the best result.

Can I use frozen chicken wings?

Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw them completely before marinating and cooking. If using frozen wings, the cooking time might be slightly longer, so be sure they are fully cooked inside.

How do I make these wings spicier?

You can add more fresh chili to the sauce, or incorporate a spicy seasoning like cayenne pepper or chili powder into the marinade. Adjust to your preferred heat level.

Can I substitute the sesame oil with something else?

Yes, you can use olive oil as an alternative, but sesame oil brings a unique nutty flavor that enhances the dish. Olive oil will still work, just with a different taste profile.

Can I make these wings in the oven instead of a skillet?

Yes! Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C), place the wings on a baking sheet, and bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through. Then, toss them in the honey garlic sauce in a pan or bowl for the sticky glaze.