Crispy Baked Honey Chicken Wings: 1 Must-Try

Baked Honey Chicken Wings have this incredible ability to be both comforting and exciting, don’t you think? I’ve discovered that the magic really happens when you combine that sticky-sweet honey glaze with the aromatic warmth of Chinese five spice. It’s a flavor combination that’s truly irresistible! What I love most is achieving that perfect balance: a delightfully crispy exterior that gives way to a wonderfully juicy interior. If you’re looking for a truly satisfying dish that’s surprisingly easy to whip up, these sweet honey baked chicken wings are it. Let’s dive in and learn how to make them!

Why You’ll Love This Baked Honey Chicken Wings Recipe

These aren’t just any wings; they’re a flavor explosion you’ll adore. Here’s why this oven baked honey chicken wings recipe is a winner:

  • Incredibly Flavorful: The blend of honey, soy, and Chinese five spice creates a depth of flavor that’s simply amazing.
  • Perfectly Crispy Texture: We’ve got the secrets to crispy skin that stays satisfyingly crunchy.
  • Effortlessly Easy to Make: You’ll find these are truly simple baked honey chicken wings that require minimal fuss.
  • Party Perfect: They are always a huge hit at gatherings, whether it’s a game day or a dinner party.
  • Customizable Spice Level: Easily adjust the chili flakes to make them as mild or as spicy as you like.
  • Impressive Presentation: With a beautiful glaze and optional garnishes, they look as good as they taste.
  • Juicy Inside, Crispy Outside: We’ve mastered the technique for that ideal contrast.

Ingredients for Best Baked Honey Chicken Wings

Gathering these simple ingredients is the first step to creating the most delicious honey baked chicken wings. You’ll need about 2 ½ pounds of chicken wings, specifically the drumettes and flats, for the perfect bite. To get that amazing crispy skin, we’ll use 1 tablespoon of baking powder, along with 1 teaspoon of kosher salt and ½ teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper. For the irresistible glaze, which really forms the heart of the honey baked chicken wings marinade, you’ll need ⅓ cup of honey, 1 tablespoon of soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free), 2 teaspoons of Chinese five spice powder for that unique aroma, 1 tablespoon of rice vinegar, and 1 tablespoon of sesame oil. We’ll also add 2 cloves of finely minced garlic and 1 teaspoon of grated fresh ginger for a flavor boost. If you like a little heat, toss in 1 teaspoon of chili flakes. Sometimes, if the glaze is too thick, a tablespoon of water helps thin it out.

Crispy Baked Honey Chicken Wings - Baked Honey Chicken Wings - additional detail

How to Make Oven Baked Honey Chicken Wings

Let’s get started on making these amazing oven baked honey chicken wings! It’s a straightforward process that guarantees delicious results. First things first, you need to preheat your oven to a nice hot 425°F (220°C). This high heat is crucial for getting that crispy skin we all love.

  1. Step 1: Take your chicken wings and pat them completely dry with paper towels. Seriously, get them as dry as possible – this is a key step in how to bake honey chicken wings and achieve that perfect crispiness!
  2. Step 2: Place the dry wings in a large bowl. Add the baking powder, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Toss everything together gently until the wings are evenly coated.
  3. Step 3: Prepare a baking sheet by lining it with foil or parchment paper for easy cleanup. Place a wire rack on top of the prepared baking sheet. This allows air to circulate around the wings, helping them crisp up beautifully.
  4. Step 4: Arrange the seasoned wings in a single layer on the wire rack. Make sure they aren’t overlapping, as this can lead to steaming instead of crisping.
  5. Step 5: Bake for 40–45 minutes. About halfway through, flip the wings to ensure they brown and crisp up on all sides.
  6. Step 6: While the wings are in the oven, let’s make that glorious glaze! Combine the honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, Chinese five spice powder, minced garlic, grated ginger, and chili flakes (if you’re using them) in a small saucepan.
  7. Step 7: Simmer this glaze mixture over medium heat for about 3–5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens slightly. If it seems too thick, you can add a tablespoon of water to reach your desired consistency.
  8. Step 8: Once the wings are golden and crispy, remove them from the oven and let them rest for a few minutes.
  9. Step 9: Transfer the hot wings to a large bowl. Pour the warm honey five spice glaze all over them and toss gently until every wing is coated in that sweet, sticky goodness.
  10. Step 10: For an extra sticky glaze, you can return the glazed wings to the oven for another 5 minutes. This really locks in that delicious flavor and makes how to make honey baked chicken wings even more rewarding.

Garnish with toasted sesame seeds, sliced green onions, or crushed red pepper flakes if you like, and serve immediately. Enjoy your perfectly baked honey chicken wings!

Crispy Baked Honey Chicken Wings - Baked Honey Chicken Wings - additional detail

Pro Tips for Crispy Baked Honey Chicken Wings

Achieving that perfect crispy exterior and juicy interior is totally doable with a few insider secrets. Trust me, these tips will elevate your wings game!

  • Dry is Key: Always, always pat your chicken wings completely dry. Moisture is the enemy of crispiness, so don’t skip this step!
  • Baking Powder Power: Don’t confuse it with baking soda! Baking powder creates a slightly alkaline surface on the wings, which helps draw out moisture and promotes browning and crispiness. Learn more about the science behind baking powder here.
  • Airflow is Everything: Using a wire rack on your baking sheet is non-negotiable. It allows hot air to circulate evenly around each wing, ensuring all sides get beautifully crispy.
  • Don’t Crowd the Pan: Give your wings space! Overcrowding will cause them to steam rather than bake, leading to soggy skin. Work in batches if necessary.

What’s the secret to perfect Baked Honey Chicken Wings?

The absolute secrets are patting the wings completely dry and using baking powder. The baking powder helps create a dry surface for maximum crispiness. Plus, using a wire rack allows for crucial air circulation all around the wings.

Can I make Baked Honey Chicken Wings ahead of time?

While these wings are best enjoyed fresh for ultimate crispiness, you can definitely make the honey five spice glaze ahead of time. Store it covered in the fridge. For the wings themselves, they’re best baked just before serving. Leftovers can be stored and reheated, but they won’t be quite as crispy.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Baked Honey Chicken Wings?

The biggest mistake is not drying the wings thoroughly, which leads to soggy results. Another common error is overcrowding the baking sheet; this prevents proper air circulation and results in uneven cooking. Always use a wire rack and give your wings plenty of space!

Best Ways to Serve Baked Honey Chicken Wings

These delectable baked honey chicken wings are incredibly versatile. They make an absolutely show-stopping appetizer for game days or parties, guaranteed to disappear fast! For a more substantial meal, serve them as a main course alongside fluffy white rice or some perfectly steamed broccoli and carrots. If you’re feeling adventurous, try a side of stir-fried vegetables to complement the flavors. You can also think of them as a base for other delicious variations—imagine them as honey garlic baked chicken wings with a side of extra garlic sauce, or as honey soy baked chicken wings served with a refreshing Asian slaw. They’re truly a crowd-pleaser no matter how you serve them! For more chicken recipe inspiration, check out these honey lime chicken crockpot recipes.

Nutrition Facts for Baked Honey Chicken Wings

When enjoying these delicious baked honey chicken wings, it’s helpful to know what you’re consuming. While exact figures can vary based on your specific ingredients and portion sizes, here’s a general estimate per serving (assuming about 1/4 of the recipe):

  • Calories: Around 350-450
  • Fat: Approximately 20-30g
  • Saturated Fat: Roughly 6-10g
  • Protein: About 25-35g
  • Carbohydrates: Typically 15-25g
  • Sugar: Around 10-20g (mostly from the honey)
  • Sodium: Around 400-600mg

Keep in mind that these are just estimates. By being mindful of your portion sizes and perhaps using less honey or lower-sodium soy sauce, you can certainly make these healthy baked honey chicken wings fit your dietary needs. Enjoy them guilt-free! For other flavorful chicken dishes, explore these garlic honey lime chicken recipes.

How to Store and Reheat Baked Honey Chicken Wings

Got some delicious leftover baked honey chicken wings? That’s fantastic! To keep them tasting great, make sure they cool down completely before you store them. Once cooled, place them in an airtight container and pop them into the refrigerator. They should stay fresh and tasty for about 3 to 4 days. If you find yourself with a lot of wings and want to save them for later, freezing is a great option. Wrap them securely, perhaps in plastic wrap then foil, and they can be frozen for up to 3 months.

When it’s time to enjoy them again, forget the microwave – it tends to make them soggy! Your best bet for restoring that lovely crispiness is to reheat them in a preheated oven at around 375°F (190°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until they’re heated through and crispy again. An air fryer is also a fantastic method; just a few minutes at a similar temperature should do the trick! If you’re interested in other ways to prepare chicken, consider trying these spicy honey lime chicken recipes.

Frequently Asked Questions About Baked Honey Chicken Wings

What are the best baked honey chicken wings for a crowd?

For serving a crowd, these baked honey chicken wings are perfect because they’re so easy to make in large batches and always a guaranteed hit. Their sweet and savory flavor appeals to almost everyone, from kids to adults. Plus, the visual appeal with the glossy glaze and optional garnishes makes them look extra special on any buffet table.

Why are my baked honey chicken wings not crispy?

The most common reason for baked honey chicken wings not being crispy is not drying them thoroughly before seasoning. Moisture is the enemy of crispiness! Another culprit is overcrowding the baking sheet, which causes the wings to steam instead of bake. Ensure you’re using a wire rack for air circulation and giving each wing plenty of space.

Can I use different spices in my honey chicken wings oven recipe?

Absolutely! While the Chinese five spice blend is fantastic, feel free to experiment. You could try a mix of paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and a pinch of cayenne for a smoky, slightly spicy profile. Or, for a more savory kick, try adding a touch of smoked paprika and black pepper. The honey glaze is quite forgiving and pairs well with many spice combinations, creating delicious variations of your honey chicken wings oven recipe.

Are these gluten-free baked honey chicken wings?

Yes, these baked honey chicken wings are naturally gluten-free as long as you use tamari instead of soy sauce, as soy sauce typically contains wheat. All the other ingredients like honey, Chinese five spice, rice vinegar, and sesame oil are generally gluten-free. If you’re concerned about cross-contamination or specific brands, always check the labels to ensure they are certified gluten-free. For more gluten-free options, explore carnivore diet recipes.

Variations of Baked Honey Chicken Wings You Can Try

Once you’ve mastered the basic baked honey chicken wings, why not get creative? There are so many fun ways to tweak this recipe to suit your tastes and dietary needs. For a lighter option, consider using a sugar-free honey substitute or a touch of stevia in your glaze to create sugar-free glazed honey baked chicken wings. If you’re short on time or want an even crispier result, try making these in your air fryer! They cook up beautifully. For a brighter flavor profile, add a tablespoon of fresh lemon zest to the glaze, or swap out the Chinese five spice for a blend of smoked paprika, garlic powder, and a pinch of cayenne for a smoky, savory kick. These variations ensure you always have a delicious way to enjoy baked honey chicken wings!

Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Baked Honey Chicken Wings

Crispy Baked Honey Chicken Wings: 1 Must-Try


  • Author: basmer1517
  • Total Time: 1 hour
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Description

Enjoy these sticky-sweet baked honey chicken wings with a fragrant Chinese five spice blend. They are crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and perfect for any occasion.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 ½ lbs chicken wings, drumettes and flats
  • 1 tablespoon baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • ⅓ cup honey
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce or tamari
  • 2 teaspoons Chinese five spice powder
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, finely minced
  • 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
  • 1 teaspoon chili flakes (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon water (if needed)
  • Toasted sesame seeds (optional garnish)
  • Thinly sliced green onions (optional garnish)
  • Crushed red pepper flakes (optional garnish)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
  2. Pat the chicken wings completely dry with paper towels.
  3. In a large bowl, toss the dry wings with baking powder, salt, and pepper.
  4. Line a baking sheet with foil or parchment paper. Place a wire rack on top.
  5. Arrange the seasoned wings in a single layer on the wire rack, ensuring they do not touch.
  6. Bake for 40–45 minutes, flipping the wings halfway through, until golden and crispy.
  7. While the wings bake, combine honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, Chinese five spice, minced garlic, grated ginger, and chili flakes (if using) in a small saucepan.
  8. Simmer the glaze mixture over medium heat for 3–5 minutes, until slightly thickened. Add water if the glaze is too thick.
  9. Remove the baked chicken wings from the oven and let them rest for a few minutes.
  10. Transfer the wings to a large bowl and pour the honey five spice glaze over them. Toss to coat evenly.
  11. For extra stickiness, return the glazed wings to the oven for an additional 5 minutes.
  12. Garnish with toasted sesame seeds, sliced green onions, and crushed red pepper flakes if desired. Serve hot.

Notes

  • Patting the chicken wings dry is essential for achieving a crispy texture.
  • Using a wire rack allows for better air circulation, contributing to crispier wings.
  • Baking powder is key to drawing out moisture for crispiness; do not confuse it with baking soda.
  • Adjust chili flakes to your preference for heat.
  • The glaze can be made ahead of time.
  • These wings are delicious served warm or at room temperature.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 45 minutes
  • Category: Appetizer, Main Course
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American, Chinese

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: Approximately 1/4 of the recipe
  • Calories: Varies based on exact ingredients and portion size
  • Sugar: Varies based on exact ingredients and portion size
  • Sodium: Varies based on exact ingredients and portion size
  • Fat: Varies based on exact ingredients and portion size
  • Saturated Fat: Varies based on exact ingredients and portion size
  • Unsaturated Fat: Varies based on exact ingredients and portion size
  • Trans Fat: Varies based on exact ingredients and portion size
  • Carbohydrates: Varies based on exact ingredients and portion size
  • Fiber: Varies based on exact ingredients and portion size
  • Protein: Varies based on exact ingredients and portion size
  • Cholesterol: Varies based on exact ingredients and portion size

Keywords: Baked Honey Chicken Wings, Honey baked chicken wings recipe, Oven baked honey chicken wings, Easy honey baked chicken wings, How to bake honey chicken wings, Best baked honey chicken wings, Crispy baked honey chicken wings, Sweet honey baked chicken wings, Honey garlic baked chicken wings, Simple baked honey chicken wings, Honey soy baked chicken wings, Healthy baked honey chicken wings, Glazed honey baked chicken wings, Juicy baked honey chicken wings, Honey baked chicken wings marinade, How to make honey baked chicken wings, What are the best baked honey chicken wings, Why are my baked honey chicken wings not crispy, Honey chicken wings baked without oil, Baked chicken wings with honey glaze, Honey chicken wings oven recipe

Leave a Comment

Recipe rating