Welcome to Daily Life Recipe, where I post only quick recipes that are easy to make. If you are a fan of sticky and crispy wings, then this honey garlic chicken wings recipe is a must-try for you. I usually make this recipe for my son once a month. But this can be a time-saving main dish on any busy night. If you want the best flavor without spending long hours in the kitchen, then this is your dish. This is a sweet, ready, fast, and garlicky meal for your weeknights or casual dinners at home.
Honey Garlic Chicken Wings Recipe
This homemade crispy honey garlic chicken wings recipe is all about flavor and simplicity. It is possible to prepare with basic ingredients and an easy oven method. You will get perfectly crispy wings coated with a rich honey garlic glaze. It has no complicated steps, is easy to cook, and comes with a delicious result in under 50 minutes. It can be a great meal for first-time cooks, students, and working bachelors.
Honey Garlic Chicken Wings Recipe
Equipment
- Oven
- Large rimmed baking sheet
- Wire rack (fits inside baking sheet)
- Aluminum foil or parchment paper (for easy cleanup)
- Paper towels (to dry wings)
- Large mixing bowl
- Small saucepan
- Whisk
- Measuring spoons + measuring cup
- Tongs
- Instant-read thermometer (recommended for perfect doneness)
- Knife + cutting board (for prepping garlic)
Ingredients
Wings
- 1.5 lb Chicken wings, split (680g, drumettes/flatettes)
- 1 tsp Baking powder
- ½ tsp Kosher salt
- ¼ tsp Black pepper
Honey Garlic Sauce
- 3 tbsp Honey
- 1.5 tbsp Soy sauce (low-sodium preferred)
- 1 tbsp Unsalted butter
- 4 cloves Garlic, finely minced (or 1 ½ tsp garlic paste)
- 1 tbsp Rice vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
- 1 tsp Sesame oil (optional but adds great aroma)
- ¼ tsp Red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
Optional garnish
- Sliced green onion
- Sesame seeds
Instructions
Heat the oven and set up the pan
Before getting started with the process, preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Now line a rimmed baking sheet with foil for quick cleanup and put a wire rack on top. This airflow is a key factor for crispy skin in this honey garlic chicken wings recipe.Dry and season the wings
To get the crispiest chicken, pat the wings very dry with paper towels. Take a large bowl, toss wings with salt, black pepper, and baking powder until coated evenly. Now, arrange the wings on the rack in a single layer. Keep a little space between each piece. It's important for cooking.Bake until crisp and cooked through
Bake them for 35-40 minutes and flip once after 20 minutes. When the skin looks browned and crisp, the wings are done. The thickest part reaches 165°F (74°C) on a thermometer.Make the glossy honey garlic sauce
You need to do this part when the wings are baking. Take a small saucepan and put butter, honey, garlic, soy sauce, and vinegar. Combine and simmer for 2-3 minutes over medium heat. When it looks shiny and lightly thickened, stir in sesame oil and chili flakes if you are using them. Remember, this part is the heart of the honey garlic chicken wings recipe. It adds a great fragrance and is deeply savory-sweet in the dish.Toss, glaze, and serve
Take a clean bowl and transfer the hot wings there, pour over the sauce, and toss until coated. If you want extra stickiness, return sauced wings to the rack for 2 more minutes. Then garnish if you like to, and serve immediately. Your restaurant-level honey garlic chicken wings are ready to enjoy.
Notes
Calories & Nutrition (estimated)
Total calories (entire recipe): ~1,650 kcal
Per serving (1/2 recipe): ~825 kcal
Estimated nutrition per serving:
- Calories: ~825 kcal
- Protein: ~55 g
- Fat: ~55 g
- Carbohydrates: ~30 g
- Sugar: ~22 g
- Sodium: ~1,050 mg
Note: Nutrition varies by wing size, brand of soy sauce, and exact honey amount.
More Chicken-Based Recipes
Ingredient Roles & Health Benefits in Honey Garlic Chicken Wings Recipe
Chicken Wings
Chicken wings are responsible for muscle repair and energy intake. They play a vital role in this recipe. But it is higher in fat, and moderation is important when you want a balanced diet.
Honey
In this recipe, honey helps to create a sticky glaze and adds natural sweetness. It has energy, sugars, and antioxidants, but it has higher calories. That’s why portion control is the key to making the recipe healthier.
Garlic
Garlic is well-known for its support of heart health and immunity. But an excessive amount may cause a little digestive discomfort for a group of people. This recipe, it adds a signature bold aroma and a depth of flavor.
Soy Sauce (Low-Sodium Preferred)
Soy sauce balances honey’s sweetness in this meal with its saltiness. It contains mineral which is very good for health. But it is high in sodium. Low sodium version is highly recommended, and that is healthier for blood pressure.
Unsalted Butter
Butter has fat-soluble vitamins and adds a smooth texture to the sauce. It’s a key player in this honey garlic chicken wings recipe. But it contains saturated fat, making moderation for heart-conscious diets.
Rice Vinegar / Apple Cider Vinegar
Vinegar may aid blood sugar control and digestion. In the recipe, it brightens the sauce.
Baking Powder
It has no nutritional value, and it’s safe in small amounts. In the recipe, it helps the dry skin for crispier wings.
Black Pepper
Black pepper is good for digestion, but it can be irritating for some people’s stomachs. It adds complexity and mild heat to the recipe.
Sesame Oil (Optional)
Sesame oil is a good source of healthy fats. In the recipe, it adds a nutty aroma and a depth of flavor. It has dense calories, and that’s why small amounts are ideal.
Red Pepper Flakes (Optional)
Red pepper flakes boost metabolism. But it’s an optional ingredient, because it can be sensitive for some people.
Green Onion (Optional Garnish)
Green onion is rich in vitamins and low in calories. That’s why it’s the best option for a healthy finishing touch in this honey garlic chicken wings recipe. It adds a mild crunch and freshness to the dish.
Sesame Seeds (Optional Garnish)
Sesame seeds are great for adding visual appeal to your meal. They are a source of minerals and healthy fats, too. But it is calorie-dense, so use it lightly if you want to.
Balanced Protein-Rich Honey Garlic Chicken Wings Recipe
This honey garlic chicken wings recipe delivers a great balance of flavor and protein at the same time. It makes it satisfying without being too heavy. Chicken wings are a good source of essential amino acids, which help repair muscle and boost energy. At the same time, garlic works to improve your heart health and support immunity. If you bake the honey garlic chicken wings recipe instead of deep-frying, it will be much lighter. It also reduces excess oil and delivers a rich taste and crispy texture.
Homemade Honey Garlic Chicken Wings Recipe with Smart Ingredients
This homemade honey garlic chicken wings recipe will allow you to control all the ingredients and portion sizes. That’s how you can find many alternatives and control the nutrient outcomes. In this dish, honey is the biggest supplier of antioxidants and quick energy, while vinegar helps to balance blood sugar response and digestion. You can manage your salt intake using low-sodium soy sauce. This is a perfect recipe for your active lifestyle. Even you can include this as an everyday balanced diet without sacrificing comfort-food satisfaction.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can make this recipe ahead of time. Bake the wings and refrigerate them, reheat and put the sauce before serving.
Are these wings spicy?
No, this recipe is savory and mildly sweet. You can adjust the usage of red pepper flakes based on your heat preference, as this is just an optional ingredient here.
Can I use an air fryer instead of an oven?
Yes, you can use an air fryer instead of an oven. You need to air fry it at 380°F for 18-22 minutes to get the best result of this easy honey garlic chicken wings recipe.
How do I keep the wings crispy after saucing?
To keep your wings crispy, return them to a hot oven after saucing and heat for 2-3 minutes. It helps the glaze to set properly and prevents it from being soggy.
Is this recipe good for beginners?
Yes, this recipe is a very easy step-by-step process using basic ingredients. Almost anybody can do it at home.
Can I make this recipe healthier?
To make this recipe healthier, you should use low-sodium soy sauce and reduce the amount of honey slightly, and finally serve it with fresh vegetables.
What makes this a homemade recipe?
This is a pure homemade recipe with restaurant-level taste, because you can control every ingredient and cooking method. That’s the biggest advantage of this homemade honey garlic chicken wings recipe.
What should I serve with these wings?
Wings pair well with steamed rice, salads, or roasted vegetables. You can get any of them for a casual meal.
Try this honey garlic chicken wings recipe at home and be a part of our Daily Life Recipe family. Let us know how you feel after tasting this meal.
About the photos: The images in this post are AI-generated illustrations created to help visualize the recipe.