These honey garlic chicken wings are baked in the oven until perfectly crispy, then tossed in a sticky, sweet-and-savory honey garlic sauce that clings to every bite. No frying required, minimal prep, and made with simple pantry ingredients — this is an easy chicken wing recipe you’ll want on repeat.
Whether you’re making wings for game day, a party, or a casual weeknight dinner, these baked honey garlic chicken wings deliver big flavor with very little effort. They’re crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and coated in a glossy sauce that’s hard to resist.
Why You’ll Love These Honey Garlic Chicken Wings
- Crispy oven-baked wings without deep frying
- Sticky honey garlic sauce with the perfect sweet-salty balance
- Simple ingredients and easy prep
- Great for parties, game day, or family dinners
- Easy to customize with spice or extra garlic
Benefits of Key Ingredients in Honey Garlic Chicken Wings
- Chicken Wings: A great source of high-quality protein and essential amino acids, which help build and repair muscle. Wings also contain minerals like phosphorus and selenium, supporting bone and immune health.
- Honey: Adds natural sweetness and a sticky glaze while providing antioxidants and trace vitamins. Honey also has mild antibacterial properties, making it a healthier alternative to refined sugar.
- Garlic: Packed with sulfur compounds and antioxidants, garlic may support heart health and immunity. It also gives these wings their bold, savory flavor.
- Soy Sauce (or Tamari): Provides umami depth and richness. Low-sodium versions help control salt intake while still adding savory flavor. Tamari is a gluten-free alternative.
- Butter (or Dairy-Free Alternative): Adds richness and helps create a glossy, flavorful sauce. Using a plant-based substitute keeps the recipe dairy-free while still maintaining a creamy texture.
- Vinegar (Rice or Apple Cider): Balances sweetness with acidity, enhancing flavor. Vinegar may also aid digestion and help stabilize blood sugar when used in moderation.
- Cornstarch: Helps thicken the sauce so it clings to the wings, creating that irresistible sticky coating.
How These Honey Garlic Chicken Wings Are Made
These honey garlic chicken wings in the oven are baked at high heat to achieve crispy skin without frying. Patting the wings dry and tossing them with baking powder helps remove excess moisture, while baking them on a rack allows hot air to circulate evenly around each wing.
Once the wings are golden brown and crisp, they’re tossed in a warm honey garlic sauce made with honey, soy sauce, garlic, butter, and a splash of vinegar. The sauce thickens just enough to coat the wings without making them soggy.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe uses everyday ingredients you likely already have on hand.
For the wings:
- Chicken wings (drumettes and wingettes)
- Aluminum-free baking powder
- Garlic powder, salt, and black pepper
For the honey garlic sauce:
- Honey
- Low-sodium soy sauce
- Fresh garlic
- Butter
- Rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar
- Cornstarch (for thickening)
👉 Exact measurements and step-by-step instructions are in the recipe card below.
How to Make Crispy Baked Honey Garlic Chicken Wings
These wings come together in three easy steps:
- Dry and season the wings – Patting them dry is key for crispiness.
- Bake until golden and crispy – High heat + airflow from a rack = perfect texture.
- Toss in honey garlic sauce – Warm, sticky, and irresistibly good.
No frying, no flipping every five minutes, and no splattering oil all over your kitchen.
Pro Tips & Notes for Perfect Honey Garlic Chicken Wings
- Dry the Wings: Pat the wings completely dry before seasoning — this is key for crispy skin.
- Use Baking Powder: Aluminum-free baking powder helps crisp the wings without affecting flavor.
- Don’t Overcrowd: Leave space between wings on the baking rack so they roast instead of steam.
- Flip Halfway: Turn the wings once during baking for even browning.
- Extra Crispy Option: Refrigerate the seasoned wings uncovered for 1–2 hours before baking.
Sauce Tips & Variations
- Less Sweet: Reduce the honey slightly or add extra vinegar for balance.
- Spicy: Add red pepper flakes, chili paste, or sriracha for heat.
- Extra Garlic: Stir in 1–2 more cloves of minced garlic for bold flavor.
- Thicker Sauce: Simmer a bit longer to make the sauce extra sticky.
- Gluten-Free: Swap soy sauce for tamari or coconut aminos.
- Dairy-Free: Use a butter substitute like vegan margarine or coconut oil.
Serving Tip: One serving is about 4–5 medium wings. These wings pair perfectly with fries, slaw, rice, or steamed veggies, and drinks like beer, sparkling water, or a crisp white wine.
This honey garlic sauce for chicken wings is versatile and works just as well on drumsticks, thighs, or even grilled chicken.
What to Serve With Honey Garlic Chicken Wings
These wings pair well with both classic and fresh sides.
Food Pairings
- French fries or sweet potato fries
- Coleslaw or Asian-style slaw
- Steamed rice or fried rice
- Roasted broccoli or green beans
- Corn on the cob
- Asian cucumber salad
Drink Pairings
- Beer: Lager, pale ale, or wheat beer
- Wine: Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc, or chilled rosé
- Cocktails: Whiskey sour, ginger beer, or honey margarita
- Non-alcoholic: Lemonade, iced tea, or sparkling water
The sweetness of the honey garlic sauce pairs best with crisp, refreshing drinks.
Make-Ahead, Storage & Reheating
- Make ahead: Bake the wings in advance and store them without sauce. Reheat and toss with sauce before serving.
- Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat in the oven or air fryer to bring back the crispiness. Avoid the microwave if possible.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make honey garlic chicken wings in the oven?
Yes! This recipe is designed specifically for oven-baked wings and delivers crispy results without frying.
Why use baking powder on chicken wings?
Baking powder helps draw moisture out of the skin, allowing the wings to crisp up in the oven.
Can I make these wings in the air fryer?
Yes. Air fry at 380°F (190°C) for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway, then toss with the sauce.
Are these wings spicy?
No, they’re sweet and savory. Add chili flakes or hot sauce if you want heat.
Can I use frozen wings?
Yes, but thaw them completely and pat them very dry before baking.
These honey garlic chicken wings are crispy, sticky, and packed with flavor — all without frying. Whether you’re hosting friends, feeding your family, or just craving a plate of saucy wings, this easy oven-baked recipe delivers every time.
Don’t forget to save this recipe for later — once you try it, it’ll be in your regular rotation. 🍯🍗
If you try these honey garlic chicken wings, let me know how they turned out! Leave a comment below and don’t forget to rate the recipe — it really helps others find and enjoy it too.
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Recipe Name: Honey Garlic Chicken Wings
Equipment
- Baking sheet
- Aluminum foil or parchment paper
- Oven-safe wire rack
- Large mixing bowl
- Small saucepan
- Whisk or spoon
- Tongs
Ingredients
For the wings:
- 2 lb 900 g chicken wings, separated into drumettes and wingettes
- 1 tablespoon aluminum-free baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- Green onions and sesame seeds for garnish (optional)
For the honey garlic sauce:
- ⅓ cup honey
- ¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 5 –6 garlic cloves finely minced
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon cold water
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with foil or parchment paper and place an oven-safe rack on top.
- Pat the chicken wings very dry with paper towels and place them in a large bowl. In a small bowl, mix together the baking powder, salt, garlic powder, and black pepper. Toss the wings with the seasoning until evenly coated.
- Arrange the wings skin-side up on the rack, leaving space between each piece. Bake for 40–45 minutes, flipping once halfway through, until crisp and evenly browned.
- While the wings bake, make the sauce. In a small saucepan, combine the honey, soy sauce, garlic, butter, and vinegar. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for 3–4 minutes, stirring frequently.
- Stir in the cornstarch slurry and cook for another 30–60 seconds, until the sauce thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon.
- Transfer the baked wings to a large bowl and toss with the honey garlic sauce until evenly coated.
- Serve immediately, garnished with green onions and sesame seeds if desired.
Notes
For extra crispy wings, let them rest uncovered in the fridge for 1–2 hours before baking.
You can adjust sweetness by reducing honey slightly or adding a splash of extra vinegar for more tang.
These wings are best served immediately, but leftovers can be reheated in the oven or air fryer to restore crispiness.
Nutrition
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