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Sweet and Spicy Chicken Wings

Sweet and Spicy Chicken Wings

Sweet and Spicy Chicken Wings feature a perfect balance of bold, fiery heat and natural sweetness, delivering a crispy exterior with tender, juicy meat inside. This easy-to-make recipe is ideal for game days, casual dinners, or anytime you want a satisfying appetizer or main dish. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can customize the heat level and cooking method to make this crowd-pleaser uniquely yours.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken Wings

  • 2 pounds fresh or thawed chicken wings with skin-on

Sauce

  • 1/4 cup honey
  • 1/4 cup hot sauce or chili sauce (adjust to heat preference)
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free option)
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil or avocado oil (plus extra for cooking)

Seasonings

  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

  1. Prepare the wings: Pat the chicken wings dry thoroughly with paper towels to remove excess moisture. This step is key for achieving crispy skin. Season the wings generously with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika, ensuring each wing is evenly coated to build a flavorful base.
  2. Mix the sweet and spicy sauce: In a medium bowl, whisk together honey, hot sauce, soy sauce, and a splash of vegetable oil until you have a smooth, glossy sauce. Adjust the amount of hot sauce to control the spice level according to your taste.
  3. Cook the wings: For frying, heat oil in a deep skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the wings in batches for about 8-10 minutes each, turning occasionally, until golden and crispy. If baking, preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Arrange the wings on a lined baking sheet and roast for 35-40 minutes, turning halfway through for even crisping.
  4. Toss wings in sauce: Once cooked, transfer the wings to a clean bowl and pour the prepared sauce over them. Toss thoroughly to ensure each wing is coated with the vibrant sweet and spicy glaze.
  5. Serve immediately: Serve the wings hot, garnished as desired, alongside your favorite sides for a complete and satisfying meal.

Notes

  • Dry wings completely before cooking to maximize crispiness.
  • Use a meat thermometer to ensure wings reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.
  • Toss wings in sauce immediately after cooking to preserve the crisp texture and enhance flavor absorption.
  • Cook wings in batches to avoid overcrowding, which can prevent even cooking and reduce crispiness.
  • Allow wings to rest a few minutes after tossing to let the glaze set without becoming soggy.

Nutrition

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