Nora
Finger-licking and irresistibly glazed, these Sweet and Spicy Chicken Wings are the ultimate crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re hosting game night or just craving a saucy snack, this recipe brings the perfect balance of heat and sweetness that keeps everyone reaching for just one more wing.
Baked until crisp, then tossed in a glossy homemade sauce that clings to every crevice, these wings come together easily with simple pantry staples. No deep frying required, just pure flavor magic straight from your oven.
What Is the Sweet and Spicy Chicken Wings Recipe?
Sweet and Spicy Chicken Wings are oven-baked chicken wings coated in a thick, sticky glaze made with ingredients like honey, soy sauce, garlic, and chili flakes. The result is a deeply caramelized, flavorful bite that delivers both a sugary tang and a pleasant kick of heat. This dish is ideal for parties, appetizers, or indulgent dinners.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Baked, Not Fried: Healthier and easier, with no greasy mess.
- Balanced Flavors: Sweet, spicy, savory, and tangy in one bite.
- Perfect Texture: Crispy on the outside, juicy inside, with a glaze that coats beautifully.
- Versatile: Serve for gatherings, movie nights, or even as a main course with sides.
Ingredients for Sweet and Spicy Chicken Wings
- 2 lbs chicken wings (drums and flats)
- 1 tbsp baking powder (aluminum-free)
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
For the Sauce:
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/4 cup soy sauce (low sodium)
- 2 tbsp ketchup
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/4 tsp chili flakes (adjust to taste)
- 1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 1 tbsp water (slurry)
How To Make the Sweet and Spicy Chicken Wings
Step 1: Prep the Wings
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Pat the chicken wings dry with paper towels. Toss them in baking powder, salt, and pepper to coat evenly.
Step 2: Bake Until Crisp
Place wings on a wire rack over a baking sheet lined with foil. Bake for 40-45 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crisp.
Step 3: Make the Sauce
In a saucepan over medium heat, combine honey, soy sauce, ketchup, vinegar, garlic powder, onion powder, and chili flakes. Bring to a gentle simmer.
Step 4: Thicken It Up
Stir in the cornstarch slurry and cook until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy, about 2-3 minutes.
Step 5: Coat the Wings
Toss baked wings in the hot glaze until fully coated. Serve immediately, garnished with fresh chopped parsley or green onions if desired.
What to Serve with Sweet and Spicy Chicken Wings
These wings play well with a range of sides. Try pairing them with crispy sweet potato fries, a crunchy coleslaw, or a simple cucumber salad to cool down the heat. For a heartier spread, include mac and cheese or buttery cornbread.
Top Tips for Perfecting Sweet and Spicy Chicken Wings
- Dry Wings = Crispy Wings: Pat them dry thoroughly to help that crispiness develop.
- Use a Wire Rack: Elevating the wings ensures even air circulation for better browning.
- Customize Heat: Dial the chili flakes up or down to match your spice tolerance.
- Don’t Skip the Slurry: This step ensures the sauce clings perfectly to every wing.
Storage Instructions
Let any leftovers cool completely before storing. Keep wings in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through to maintain their crisp texture. Avoid microwaving to prevent sogginess.
FAQs
It’s often referred to as General Tso’s chicken or Szechuan chicken. Both are popular Chinese-American dishes known for their balance of sweetness and heat.
Sweet and spicy chicken can go by different names depending on the region. Common names include General Tso’s, Gangjung, or Sweet Chili Chicken.
The Korean version is usually called Dakgangjeong, a crispy, glazed fried chicken. Another variation is Yangnyeom chicken, which also features a spicy-sweet glaze.
Yes, KFC has had sweet and spicy options on its menu like Honey BBQ or Spicy BBQ wings. However, availability may vary by location and time.
Many Chinese dishes balance sweet and spicy flavors, including General Tso’s, Kung Pao Chicken, and Orange Chicken with chili sauce.
Dakgangjeong is pronounced: dahk-gahn-jung. It’s a Korean fried chicken dish coated in a sweet and spicy sticky glaze that’s typically garnished with sesame seeds.
Want More Chicken Appetizer Ideas?
You might also like the Garlic Parmesan Cheeseburger Bombs, a melty, savory pocket that’s fun to eat and easy to prep. Or check out these Crispy Fried Mushrooms, a vegetarian option with that same golden crunch.
For more spice-forward bites, Taco Ranch Bites bring bold Southwestern flavors to the table. And if you’re planning a full spread, Deep Dish Pizza Cupcakes are a sure-fire crowd hit.
Save and Share This Sweet and Spicy Chicken Wings Recipe
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If you try these Sweet and Spicy Chicken Wings, let me know how spicy you went! Did you keep the glaze mild or kick it up a notch?
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Sweet and Spicy Chicken Wings
Equipment
- Baking sheet
- Wire rack
- Mixing bowls
- Saucepan
- Tongs
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 2 pounds chicken wings separated into flats and drums
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 0.5 teaspoon smoked paprika
Sauce
- 0.5 cup honey
- 0.25 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons sriracha adjust to taste
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon water for slurry
Instructions
- Pat wings dry. Toss with oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Preheat oven to 400°F.
- Place wings on wire rack over a baking sheet. Bake 40-45 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Combine honey, soy sauce, sriracha, brown sugar, and vinegar in a saucepan. Simmer.
- Add cornstarch slurry to sauce. Cook until thickened.
- Toss baked wings in sauce. Return to oven 5 minutes for extra caramelization.
- Serve hot. Garnish with green onions or sesame seeds if desired.