The bold marriage of honey and sriracha in these wings creates a crave-worthy glaze that’s sweet, tangy, and fiery in all the right ways. Whether you’re hosting a game day party or just want to upgrade your weeknight dinner, these sticky wings deliver restaurant-level flavor with minimal effort.
They’re baked instead of fried for a slightly healthier take, but still come out incredibly crispy thanks to the wire rack method. Slather them in the thickened chili-honey glaze, pop them back in the oven to caramelize, and you’ve got wings that will steal the show at any gathering.
Full Recipe
Ingredients:
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2 pounds chicken wings
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1 tablespoon olive oil
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1/2 teaspoon salt
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1/2 teaspoon black pepper
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1 teaspoon garlic powder
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1 teaspoon onion powder
For the Sauce:
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1/2 cup honey
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1/4 cup soy sauce
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2 tablespoons sriracha
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2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
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1 tablespoon ketchup
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2 teaspoons cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water
Directions:
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Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with foil and place a wire rack on top.
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Pat chicken wings dry with paper towels. Toss them in a bowl with olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
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Arrange wings on the rack in a single layer and bake for 40-45 minutes, flipping halfway through.
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Meanwhile, in a small saucepan over medium heat, combine honey, soy sauce, sriracha, vinegar, and ketchup. Bring to a simmer.
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Stir in the cornstarch slurry and cook until the sauce thickens, about 2-3 minutes. Remove from heat.
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Once wings are cooked and crispy, remove them from the oven and toss them in the sweet and spicy sauce.
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Return sauced wings to the oven and bake for an additional 5-7 minutes for a sticky, caramelized finish.
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Serve hot with a sprinkle of sesame seeds or chopped scallions if desired.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 50 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour
Kcal: 390 kcal per serving | Servings: 4 servings
The Irresistible Appeal of Sweet and Spicy Chicken Wings
When it comes to crowd-pleasing appetizers or finger foods, few dishes rival the universal love for chicken wings. And among the many variations out there, Sweet and Spicy Chicken Wings hold a special place in the hearts (and stomachs) of food lovers. The combination of a golden, crispy wing with a thick, glossy glaze made from honey, soy sauce, and sriracha creates the ultimate harmony of sweet, tangy, and spicy flavors. It’s the kind of bite that keeps you coming back for more—one wing at a time.
These wings are oven-baked to perfection and then tossed in a homemade sticky glaze that caramelizes beautifully in the final moments of cooking. Not only does this reduce the mess and grease of traditional deep-frying, but it also keeps the wings juicy on the inside and crisp on the outside. This recipe is all about balance: the sweetness of the honey, the umami richness of soy sauce, the zing of vinegar, and the heat of sriracha all playing together in one perfect bite.
Why These Wings Work for Every Occasion
One of the biggest reasons people love these wings is their versatility. Planning a Super Bowl party? Make a big batch and watch them disappear. Hosting a casual dinner with friends? These wings are a guaranteed hit. Need a fun family-friendly dinner option? Pair them with rice and a simple veggie stir-fry for a complete meal. Their adaptability makes them ideal for everything from relaxed weekends to special occasions.
These wings are not only delicious, but they’re also incredibly easy to prepare. The sauce comes together quickly on the stovetop with pantry staples, and the baking process allows you to focus on other dishes or entertaining while they crisp up in the oven. Plus, cleanup is a breeze when you use a foil-lined baking sheet and wire rack.
The Perfect Sauce: A Flavor Bomb
The true magic of this dish lies in the sauce. It’s a beautiful blend of sticky sweetness and sharp heat, made with ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen. Honey adds a rich, syrupy base that not only sweetens but also thickens the glaze naturally. Soy sauce contributes saltiness and umami depth, while sriracha brings the heat. Apple cider vinegar adds a touch of brightness and acidity to balance the flavors, and a bit of ketchup gives the sauce body and color.
The use of a cornstarch slurry ensures the sauce becomes thick enough to cling to every wing, coating it in a shiny, lacquer-like finish that looks as good as it tastes. Once baked again after saucing, the wings achieve that crave-worthy, slightly sticky texture that defines a great wing experience.
Baking vs. Frying: A Healthier Alternative
Traditionally, chicken wings are deep-fried to achieve that crispy skin, but this recipe opts for oven-baking as a lighter alternative. By baking the wings on a wire rack, hot air circulates around each piece, crisping the skin evenly without the need for excess oil. The result? Wings that are every bit as crunchy as their fried counterparts, but with fewer calories and less mess.
This approach also allows the natural flavor of the chicken to shine through, enhanced by the seasonings and the final sticky glaze. For those looking to enjoy their favorite indulgent foods with a little less guilt, this method is a game-changer.
Tips for Making the Best Sweet and Spicy Chicken Wings
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Pat the Wings Dry: This step is crucial to achieving crispy skin. Removing excess moisture before baking ensures a better texture.
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Don’t Skip the Wire Rack: Elevating the wings allows air to circulate, helping them cook evenly and get that crispiness all around.
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Use High-Quality Honey: The better the honey, the better the flavor. Look for raw or local honey if possible.
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Customize the Heat: Not a fan of too much spice? You can reduce the sriracha or add more honey. Want more kick? Add crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
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Garnish for Presentation: Sprinkle the wings with toasted sesame seeds or chopped green onions for a pop of color and extra flavor.
Pairing Suggestions
These wings are bold in flavor and pair well with a variety of sides and drinks. Try serving them alongside:
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Crispy fries or sweet potato wedges for a classic combo.
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Asian slaw with a vinegar-based dressing for a refreshing contrast.
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Steamed rice or fried rice to make it a complete meal.
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Cool dipping sauces like ranch or blue cheese to mellow out the heat.
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Chilled beverages such as a citrusy beer, hard cider, or iced tea to complement the sticky, spicy glaze.
Why Everyone Needs a Go-To Wing Recipe
Having a reliable, crowd-pleasing wing recipe in your arsenal is a game-changer for any home cook. These Sweet and Spicy Chicken Wings check all the boxes: they’re easy to prepare, wildly flavorful, and adaptable for any gathering. Whether you’re a wing purist or someone who enjoys trying global twists on classics, this recipe brings something exciting to the table.
It’s also a fun way to explore bold flavor profiles without needing specialty ingredients. From the sweet base to the spicy zing, every bite feels like an adventure—and the sticky fingers you’re left with at the end? That’s just part of the fun.
Storage and Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers (which is rare!), these wings store well. Place them in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop them in the oven at 350°F until warmed through—this helps preserve their crispy texture. Avoid microwaving if you want to maintain that crisp skin, though they’ll still taste delicious.
You can also repurpose leftovers in creative ways: chop up the wings and toss the meat into a salad, wrap it in lettuce or tortillas, or even use it as a pizza topping for a spicy kick.
A Recipe You’ll Come Back to Again and Again
This recipe isn’t just for wing night—it’s for every night you want something comforting, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying. The ease of preparation and irresistible taste make it a top contender for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or party menus. Once you’ve tried them, these wings are bound to earn a permanent spot in your regular meal rotation.
Conclusion
Sweet and Spicy Chicken Wings are more than just a tasty treat—they’re a celebration of bold flavors, effortless cooking, and shared joy around the table. From their irresistible glaze to the crispy texture of the wings, every bite delivers an experience that’s both comforting and exciting. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or treating yourself to a flavorful night in, this recipe delivers every single time.
It’s no wonder these wings are a fan-favorite: they’re easy to make, packed with flavor, and completely customizable to your taste. Make them once, and you’ll understand why they’ve earned their place as a staple in kitchens everywhere.