If you are looking for a dish that blends sweet, spicy, and savory flavors with crispy skin and juicy meat, this Honey Glazed Chicken Wings Recipe is an absolute must-try. Every bite delivers that perfect balance of sticky honey glaze, a touch of heat from red pepper flakes, and the freshness of lime and cilantro. Whether you’re hosting a game day or craving a flavorful snack, these wings promise to steal the show with their irresistible aroma and mouthwatering finish.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are simple but essential, working together to create wings with fantastic texture, a beautiful golden color, and layers of bold flavor. Each item plays a specific role in getting your wings just right.
- 2 pounds skin-on chicken wings bone-in: The star of the dish; skin-on ensures crispiness while baking.
- 3 egg whites: Helps the glaze stick while providing a light, crispy exterior.
- ¼ tsp salt: Balances flavor and enhances the natural taste of the chicken.
- ½ tsp paprika: Adds subtle smoky warmth and a rich color to the wings.
- ½ tsp black pepper: Introduces gentle heat and depth to the seasoning.
- ½ cup honey: The backbone of the glaze, giving sweetness and that shiny finish.
- ¼ cup soy sauce: Brings savory umami that complements the honey perfectly.
- 1 inch knob fresh ginger, grated: Adds bright, zesty notes and a subtle spice.
- 1 tsp red pepper flakes: Introduces a kick of heat to balance the sweetness.
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce: Layers in tangy complexity and depth.
- Juice of 1 lime: Provides freshness and acidity to lighten the richness.
- 1 tsp ground coriander: Adds a warm, citrusy flavor to the glaze.
- 1 tbsp sesame seeds: For a nutty crunch and visual appeal.
- 1 tbsp sesame oil: Contributes a fragrant toasted note that balances the glaze.
- 1 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped: A bright, herbal finish to garnish and enhance aroma.
How to Make Honey Glazed Chicken Wings Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Rack
Start by preheating your oven to a sizzling 400°F. To ensure your wings cook evenly and develop that coveted crispiness, line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and place an oven-safe cooling rack on top. Give the rack a quick spray with non-stick cooking spray to keep the wings from sticking during baking.
Step 2: Prep the Wings
Give your chicken wings a good rinse and dry them thoroughly—this step is key to getting that skin crispy rather than soggy. Arrange them on your prepared cooling rack, spacing them out to make sure the heat circulates beautifully around each piece.
Step 3: Whisk the Egg White Coating
In a medium bowl, whisk together the egg whites, salt, black pepper, and paprika until frothy. This mixture not only seasonings the wings but also helps the glaze stick later, while contributing to a light, crispy texture once baked.
Step 4: Brush Wings with Egg White Mixture
With a brush or spoon, generously coat both sides of every wing with the frothy egg white mixture. Take your time here; every wing deserves a nice, even coating to ensure perfect glaze adhesion.
Step 5: Bake to Crispy Perfection
Place your tray in the oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes. Halfway through cooking, flip the wings to let each side get that golden-brown finish. The result will be wings that crackle with crispiness and are cooked through with juicy meat inside.
Step 6: Make the Irresistible Honey Glaze
While the wings are baking, it’s glaze time. Combine honey, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, freshly grated ginger, lime juice, ground coriander, red pepper flakes, and sesame oil in a small saucepan. Bring it to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer gently until the sauce thickens to a sticky, shiny glaze that’s bursting with flavor.
Step 7: Coat the Wings in Glaze
Once your wings come out of the oven, give them about five minutes to cool. Then transfer them into a large bowl and toss them lovingly in the warm honey glaze. Make sure every wing is coated with that glossy, flavorful goodness before moving on to the final touches.
Step 8: Add Final Toppings
Sprinkle sesame seeds and freshly chopped cilantro over your glazed wings to add a delightful crunch and herbaceous brightness that elevate the whole dish to new heights.
How to Serve Honey Glazed Chicken Wings Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkling toasted sesame seeds and fresh cilantro not only adds texture and a pop of color but also gives a nutty flavor and herbaceous lift that make every bite interesting and inviting.
Side Dishes
These wings pair wonderfully with simple sides like crisp coleslaw, cooling cucumber salad, or even steamed jasmine rice to soak up extra glaze. Fresh veggies like carrot sticks or celery add a crunchy contrast and balance out the richness of the wings.
Creative Ways to Present
For a crowd-pleaser, arrange the wings on a large platter surrounded by lime wedges, extra cilantro sprigs, and small bowls of dipping sauces like ranch or spicy mayo. You could also skewer a few wings together for easy finger food at your next gathering, adding a fun twist to your presentation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself lucky enough to have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This keeps the wings flavorful while maintaining enough moisture to enjoy them again without drying out.
Freezing
To freeze your honey glazed chicken wings, let them cool completely before placing them in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bags. They will keep well for up to 2 months. Just be sure to separate layers with parchment paper to avoid sticking.
Reheating
For best results, reheat the wings in the oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes, turning once to keep the glaze sticky and the skin crispy. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the skin soggy and the glaze less fragrant.
FAQs
Can I use boneless chicken wings instead?
Absolutely! Boneless wings work great with this Honey Glazed Chicken Wings Recipe. Just adjust the baking time slightly as they cook a little faster than bone-in wings.
Is there a way to make this recipe less spicy?
Definitely. You can reduce or omit the red pepper flakes to make the glaze milder. The honey and other flavors still shine through beautifully without the heat.
Can I prepare the glaze in advance?
Yes! You can make the glaze a day ahead and store it in the refrigerator. Warm it gently before tossing with the baked wings to keep that sticky, glossy texture.
What’s the best way to ensure crispy skin?
Drying the wings well before baking and using a cooling rack to allow air circulation are both critical. Also, brushing with egg whites helps give the skin a light, crisp finish.
Can I grill these wings instead of baking?
You can. Grill the wings over medium heat, turning often to prevent burning, then toss them in the glaze during the last few minutes until sticky and caramelized. It adds a lovely smoky flavor.
Final Thoughts
This Honey Glazed Chicken Wings Recipe is truly a crowd-pleaser that combines vibrant flavors, the perfect amount of sweetness and spice, and that crave-worthy crispy texture we all love. I promise once you try it, these wings will become your go-to for any occasion. So grab those ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and get ready for some seriously delicious fun in your kitchen!
Print
Honey Glazed Chicken Wings Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 4 to 4 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Honey Glazed Chicken Wings recipe offers a perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and savory flavors with a crispy baked texture. Marinated with a frothy egg white mix and baked to golden perfection, the wings are then coated in a sticky, aromatic honey glaze featuring ginger, soy sauce, lime, and spices. Topped with toasted sesame seeds and fresh cilantro, these wings make a delightful appetizer or main dish for any occasion.
Ingredients
Chicken Wings
- 2 pounds skin-on chicken wings, bone-in
- 3 egg whites
- ¼ tsp salt
- ½ tsp paprika
- ½ tsp black pepper
Honey Glaze
- ½ cup honey
- ¼ cup soy sauce
- 1 inch knob fresh ginger, grated
- 1 tsp red pepper flakes
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- Juice of 1 lime
- 1 tsp ground coriander
- 1 tbsp sesame seeds
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Rack: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil for easy cleanup, then place an oven-safe cooling rack on top. Lightly spray the rack with non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Prepare Chicken Wings: Wash the chicken wings thoroughly and pat them dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. Arrange the wings evenly on the prepared cooling rack.
- Mix Egg White Coating: In a medium bowl, whisk together the egg whites, salt, black pepper, and paprika until the mixture is frothy. This helps the wings develop a crispy surface when baked.
- Coat Wings with Egg Mixture: Using a brush or spoon, evenly apply the egg white mixture to both sides of each chicken wing to ensure an even coating.
- Bake the Wings: Place the baking sheet with wings in the preheated oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes, flipping the wings halfway through the cooking time to ensure even browning and crispiness.
- Prepare Honey Glaze: While the wings bake, combine the honey, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, grated ginger, lime juice, ground coriander, red pepper flakes, and sesame oil in a saucepan. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer until the sauce thickens to a sticky glaze consistency.
- Coat Baked Wings: Once the wings are cooked and crispy, let them cool slightly for 5 minutes. Transfer them to a large bowl, pour the prepared honey glaze over, and toss gently to coat each wing uniformly.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle the coated wings with toasted sesame seeds and freshly chopped cilantro for added flavor and presentation. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
- Be sure to pat wings dry thoroughly to ensure crispiness during baking.
- If you prefer less spice, reduce the amount of red pepper flakes.
- The glaze can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- For extra crunch, broil the glazed wings for 2-3 minutes after coating, watching closely to avoid burning.
- Use fresh ginger for the best flavor impact in the glaze.
