If you love finger-licking, saucy wings as much as I do, then you’re in for a treat with this Honey Garlic Chicken Wings Recipe. I absolutely love how these wings come out perfectly crispy with a sticky, sweet, and garlicky glaze that keeps everyone coming back for more. Whether you’re hosting a game day, a casual dinner, or just craving something delicious, this recipe will quickly become your go-to favorite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Perfectly Crispy Texture: The secret flour coating makes every wing crispy on the outside while staying juicy inside.
- Balanced Sweet & Savory Flavor: The honey and brown sugar blend with soy sauce and garlic for a flavor bomb you’ll crave.
- Easy to Make at Home: No complicated steps or fancy tools – just real ingredients and straightforward instructions.
- Flexible & Customizable: Adjust the spice or sweetness to your taste and try different garnishes for a personalized twist.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Honey Garlic Chicken Wings Recipe is all in the simple, complementary ingredients that create layers of flavor. Once you have these basics down, you’ll see it’s super easy to pull off a crowd-pleaser any day of the week.

- Chicken wings: Aim for fresh wings and be sure to pat them dry—a dry surface is key to getting them crispy.
- All-purpose flour or gluten-free flour: This helps achieve that crispy exterior; I’ve used gluten-free flour with great results for friends with dietary needs.
- Ground pepper: Just enough to add a little bite without overwhelming the sweetness.
- Granulated garlic: This packs a gentle, savory punch and makes the wings truly sing.
- Onion powder: Adds depth that works perfectly with the garlic and honey.
- Salt: Essential for balancing flavors and enhancing the natural taste of the chicken.
- Honey: The star of the show—its sweetness caramelizes beautifully for that luscious glaze.
- Light brown sugar: Adds a subtle molasses hint that rounds out the honey’s sweetness.
- Sweet chili sauce: Brings a little heat and tang that contrasts perfectly with the sweet elements.
- Soy sauce: I always use gluten-free soy sauce when needed, and it adds that savory umami kick.
- Optional garnishes: Chopped spring onion and sesame seeds bring a fresh crunch and nutty note—perfect finishing touches!
Variations
I love that this Honey Garlic Chicken Wings Recipe is so adaptable. Over time, I’ve played around with different sauces and spice levels depending on the occasion—and each version has its own charm. Feel free to customize it to whatever vibe you’re going for!
- Spicy Kick Variation: When I want a spicy punch, I add a teaspoon of sriracha or some red pepper flakes to the sauce. It wakes up the sweetness beautifully.
- Sticky Citrus Twist: A squeeze of fresh lime juice or orange zest added last-minute brightens things up. My family loves this citrusy touch in summer!
- Oven-Baked or Air-Fried: You can make these wings in the oven or air fryer. I use the oven for a larger batch and air fryer when I’m short on time, with equally tasty results.
- Gluten-Free Option: Simply swap regular flour for a gluten-free blend to make this recipe friendly for gluten-sensitive folks.
How to Make Honey Garlic Chicken Wings Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Wings for Maximum Crisp
Start by patting your chicken wings dry really well with paper towels—that’s a step I never skip because moisture is the enemy of crispiness! Then, mix your flour with pepper, granulated garlic, onion powder, and salt in a big bowl. One at a time, toss each wing into the flour mixture, making sure they’re thoroughly coated all over. Give each wing a little shake to get rid of any excess flour; too much coating can lead to clumps instead of crisp crunch.
Step 2: Cook the Wings Until Crispy and Golden
I bake the wings in a preheated oven at 425°F (220°C) for about 20-23 minutes, turning them once halfway through. This high heat is the secret to a crispy exterior without drying out the meat. If you want to air fry instead, 18 minutes at 400°F works great, shaking the basket halfway through for even cooking.
Step 3: Make the Luscious Honey Garlic Sauce
While the wings cook, whisk together honey, brown sugar, sweet chili sauce, and soy sauce in a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir until everything has melted and the sauce thickens slightly—it usually takes about 4-5 minutes. The aroma is incredible, and it’s at this point you realize why this recipe has people hooked!
Step 4: Toss and Serve Warm
When your wings are crispy and out of the oven, transfer them to a large bowl, pour in that sticky honey garlic sauce, and toss until each wing is gloriously coated. For a finishing touch, sprinkle chopped spring onions and sesame seeds right before serving—I promise it elevates the dish to next-level delicious.
Pro Tips for Making Honey Garlic Chicken Wings Recipe
- Dry Wings For Crispiness: Patting wings dry before flouring is a game-changer I learned after many soggy batches.
- Even Coating: Coat one wing at a time and shake off excess flour to prevent clumping and help achieve that perfect crunch.
- Sauce Consistency: Don’t rush when thickening the sauce—it needs a few minutes on medium heat to properly glaze the wings without being runny.
- Avoid Overcrowding: Give your wings enough space on the baking sheet or air fryer basket to cook evenly and crisp up nicely.
How to Serve Honey Garlic Chicken Wings Recipe

Garnishes
I love the fresh crunch and burst of color from chopped spring onions—it adds a nice contrast to the sticky wings. Sesame seeds give a nutty aroma and a tiny crunch that feels fancy without extra effort. Sometimes I’ll add thinly sliced red chili for a pop of heat and color just for fun.
Side Dishes
To balance the richness of these sticky wings, I usually serve them alongside a fresh cucumber salad or some crunchy carrot sticks with a light yogurt dip. Crispy fries or even steamed jasmine rice work wonderfully too, soaking up any extra sauce. My family also loves pairing this with simple roasted vegetables for a wholesome plate.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties, I like arranging the wings on a platter lined with banana leaves or large lettuce leaves and grouping the garnishes on the side so guests can customize their bites. Mini bamboo skewers help make these easier to pick up, especially when serving as appetizers. Another fun trick is serving the wings with small bowls of extra honey garlic sauce for dipping.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I usually pop leftover wings in an airtight container and store them in the fridge for up to 3 days. Keeping the wings separate from the sauce until reheating helps preserve their crispness better. Re-tossing in sauce right before serving freshens them up perfectly.
Freezing
I’ve frozen cooked wings before by laying them flat on a sheet pan to freeze individually, then transferring them to freezer bags. They hold up well for about 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge for best results, then reheat in the oven to regain crispiness.
Reheating
To reheat, I preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and place wings on a baking sheet lined with foil or parchment paper. Bake for 8-10 minutes until heated through and crispy again. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep that satisfying crunch.
FAQs
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Can I use frozen chicken wings for this Honey Garlic Chicken Wings Recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before coating with the flour mixture. Excess moisture can prevent crisping, so drying is key.
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Is there a way to make these wings spicier?
Yes! You can add chili flakes to the flour coating or mix sriracha into the honey garlic sauce for extra heat. Adjust according to your spice tolerance.
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Can this recipe be adapted for boneless wings or chicken tenders?
Definitely! Just reduce the cooking time since smaller or boneless pieces cook faster. Keep an eye on them to avoid drying out, and you’ll get deliciously sticky bites.
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What’s the best way to make these wings extra crispy?
Using a mix of cornstarch with your flour can boost crispiness, and baking at a high temperature without overcrowding the pan will help. Also, letting the wings rest on a wire rack while baking allows air circulation to crisp all sides.
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Can I make the honey garlic sauce ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the sauce a day ahead and reheat gently before tossing with the wings. It stores well in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Final Thoughts
This Honey Garlic Chicken Wings Recipe holds a special place in my recipe rotation because it combines simplicity with such addictive flavor. Every time I make it, my family goes crazy, and I love how it brings everyone together over a shared plate of sticky, crunchy wings. Don’t hesitate to make it your own and enjoy the comforting, irresistible goodness that these wings deliver. Give it a try—you won’t regret it!
Print
Honey Garlic Chicken Wings Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 23 minutes
- Total Time: 38 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Asian-inspired
Description
These Honey Garlic Chicken Wings are crispy, flavorful, and coated in a sticky, sweet, and savory sauce. Perfect as a snack or appetizer, they combine the crunch of seasoned flour-dusted wings with a luscious honey and garlic glaze, garnished with sesame seeds and spring onions for an extra burst of flavor and texture.
Ingredients
Chicken Wings
- 10 chicken wings
Coating
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour or gluten-free flour (see notes)
- 1/4 teaspoon ground pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon granulated garlic
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
Sauce
- 3 tablespoons honey
- 3 tablespoons light brown sugar
- 3 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce (use gluten-free, if needed)
Optional Garnish
- 1 chopped spring onion
- 1 teaspoon sesame seeds
Instructions
- Pat Dry the Wings: Use paper towels to thoroughly dry the chicken wings. This step is crucial for ensuring the coating sticks well and the wings crisp up properly during cooking.
- Prepare the Coating Mix: In a large bowl, combine the flour, ground pepper, granulated garlic, onion powder, and salt. For an extra crispy texture, you can refer to additional notes.
- Coat the Wings: One by one, add each wing to the flour mixture and toss thoroughly to evenly coat all sides. Shake off any excess flour to prevent clumping or heavy battering.
- Cook the Wings: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Arrange the coated wings evenly on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a wire rack. Bake for approximately 23 minutes, turning once halfway through, until the wings are golden brown and crispy.
- Make the Honey Garlic Sauce: While the wings bake, whisk together honey, light brown sugar, sweet chili sauce, and soy sauce in a small bowl until smooth and combined.
- Toss Wings in Sauce: When wings are fully cooked and crispy, transfer them to a large bowl. Pour the prepared sauce over the wings and toss gently until each wing is well coated in the sticky glaze.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle chopped spring onion and sesame seeds on top for added flavor and presentation. Serve immediately while hot and enjoy!
Notes
- For extra crispy wings, you can double dredge by dipping wings once in a beaten egg before coating in flour mixture.
- Use gluten-free flour and tamari or gluten-free soy sauce to make this recipe gluten-free.
- Adjust honey and sugar amounts if you prefer a less sweet glaze.
- Oven temperature and timing may vary; wings should be cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- When baking, using a wire rack allows air circulation for crisper wings.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 3 wings
- Calories: 290 kcal
- Sugar: 12 g
- Sodium: 680 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 27 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 17 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg

