Crispy Baked Honey Garlic Chicken Wings Recipe: Perfectly Sauced and Finger-Licking Good

If you're looking for the ultimate combination of crispy, savory, and sweet, this Honey Garlic Chicken Wings recipe is going to be your new favorite. Each bite of these perfectly baked wings is coated in a luscious honey garlic sauce that will leave you reaching for seconds (and probably thirds!). Whether you’re making these for a family dinner, a casual get-together, or a game day spread, these wings are always a crowd-pleaser.

Photo byInsanelyGoodRecipes

I first came across this recipe from Insanely Good Recipes and have made it countless times since. The balance between the sweet honey, the bite of garlic, and a touch of soy sauce creates an unforgettable flavor that will have your friends begging for the recipe. Now I’m thrilled to share this amazing dish with you!

A Little Backstory

Growing up, wings were always a weekend staple in my house. My family was obsessed with trying different sauces, but once we stumbled upon the honey garlic combo, it was game over. There’s something about the sticky sweetness of honey paired with the savory kick of garlic that makes these wings stand out from the typical buffalo or BBQ variety. The best part? These wings are baked, not fried, so you get all the crispiness with a healthier twist.

The Cultural Origins of Honey Garlic Sauce

Honey garlic sauce is a popular flavor combo that spans across cultures, from Asian-inspired dishes to classic American wings. The sweet-savory pairing is often used in Asian cuisine, where honey and soy sauce combine for an umami-packed experience. What makes this version unique is the added kick of fresh ginger and optional red pepper flakes, which create layers of flavor and warmth.

Now, let’s dive into the details so you can create your own batch of these crispy baked wings with a honey garlic glaze!

Ingredients

For the Chicken Wings:

• 2 lbs chicken wings
• ½ cup all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• Cooking spray

For the Honey Garlic Sauce:

• ½ cup honey
• ¼ cup soy sauce
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
• 1 tbsp cornstarch
• ¼ cup water
• ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1 tsp sesame seeds for garnish

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 425°F. Line a large baking sheet with foil and place a wire rack on top. Lightly spray the rack with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
2. Prepare the wings: Pat the chicken wings dry with paper towels—this step is key to achieving maximum crispiness. In a large bowl, combine the flour, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Toss the wings in the mixture until evenly coated.
3. Bake the wings: Arrange the wings in a single layer on the prepared wire rack. Lightly spray the wings with cooking spray. Bake for 45-50 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the wings are golden brown and crispy.
4. Make the sauce: While the wings are baking, whisk the cornstarch and water in a small bowl to make a slurry. In a small saucepan, combine the honey, soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes (if you want some heat). Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat.
5. Thicken the sauce: Stir the cornstarch slurry into the simmering sauce, whisking constantly. Simmer for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens and can coat the back of a spoon.
6. Toss the wings: Once the wings are done, transfer them to a large bowl. Pour the honey garlic sauce over the wings and toss until they're evenly coated.
7. Garnish and serve: Transfer the wings to a serving platter and sprinkle with sesame seeds. Serve immediately while hot, and watch them disappear in minutes!

Pro Tips for Perfect Wings:

• For extra crispy wings, make sure to pat them completely dry before coating them in flour. Moisture is the enemy of crispiness!
• Feel free to adjust the spice level: If you like your wings with a bit more heat, add a little more red pepper flakes to the sauce.
• Want a gluten-free version? Swap out the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend, and make sure your soy sauce is gluten-free as well.

Pairing Suggestions

These Honey Garlic Chicken Wings pair perfectly with a fresh side salad, some crispy fries, or even a simple coleslaw for that cool contrast to the sticky, sweet sauce. For beverages, a cold glass of iced tea or a light beer would complement the rich flavors of the wings without overpowering them.

Final Thoughts

These wings are not just easy to make but deliver an explosion of flavor with every bite. I’d love to know what you think—did you make any tweaks or try out a new pairing? Let me know in the comments! And don’t forget to hit that follow button for more mouth-watering recipes like this one. Share this recipe with your friends and family, and let the honey garlic goodness spread!