Honey Garlic Chicken Wing Bliss

Name: Honey Garlic Chicken Wing Bliss
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 2 pounds chicken wings; 1/2 cup honey; 1/4 cup soy sauce; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tablespoon vegetable oil; 1 teaspoon ground ginger; 1 teaspoon black pepper; 1/4 teaspoon salt; Sesame seeds, for garnish (optional); Green onions, sliced for garnish (optional)

Highlighted under: Comfort Recipes

I absolutely love making Honey Garlic Chicken Wings for gatherings. The combination of sweet honey and savory garlic creates a mouthwatering glaze that perfectly coats each wing. The best part is that these wings are surprisingly simple to make, yet they always impress my friends and family. I often whip up a batch for game day or just a fun dinner, and they disappear in no time. Every bite is a crunchy, sticky, and savory delight that keeps me coming back for more.

Created by

Emily

Last updated on 2026-01-17T14:42:27.723Z

When I first tried my hand at making Honey Garlic Chicken Wings, I was amazed at how easy it was to yield such incredible flavor. The trick lies in the marinade—using soy sauce for saltiness, honey for sweetness, and garlic for that aromatic punch. I love letting the wings marinate for at least an hour, as this allows the flavors to penetrate and shine through with each crispy bite.

One tip I’ve picked up over time is to bake the wings at a high temperature for the first part of cooking and then broil them at the end. This method not only ensures they get that beautiful golden exterior but also allows the glaze to become wonderfully sticky. Trust me, it’s the key to achieving that restaurant-quality finish right at home!

        Why You Will Love This Recipe
        The perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors
Easy to prepare with minimal ingredients
Great for parties, game day, or dinner
Crispy on the outside, tender on the inside

      

Mastering the Marinade

The marinade is the star of this Honey Garlic Chicken Wings recipe. Honey not only sweetens the sauce but also helps create that irresistible sticky glaze as it caramelizes during baking. Soy sauce adds depth, enhancing the wings with a savory umami flavor. When mixing, ensure all ingredients are thoroughly combined to create a harmonious blend. I recommend giving it a taste test; if you prefer a touch more sweetness, feel free to adjust the honey to your liking.

Marinating the wings is crucial for infusing flavor. While an hour can suffice, I highly recommend letting the wings soak in the marinade overnight in the refrigerator. This allows the garlic and ginger to permeate the meat, resulting in a more flavorful and succulent bite. If you're short on time, consider at least flipping the wings halfway through marinating to ensure even coating.

Achieving Perfect Texture

Getting the right texture for your wings is key. Baking at 400°F (200°C) ensures they cook through while allowing the exterior to crisp up beautifully. The use of a wire rack elevates the wings, promoting even airflow and preventing them from sitting in their own juices. Do keep an eye on them, as oven variations can result in different cooking times. Aim for a golden-brown color on the tips, which indicates that those caramelized edges are developing.

Broiling at the end adds that final touch of crunch. Watch closely while broiling, as the wings can go from perfectly crisp to burnt in a matter of moments. A good visual cue is when the wings achieve a deep golden color and the glaze becomes bubbly and slightly caramelized. This contrast between the tender meat inside and the crispy exterior creates a delightful eating experience.

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to prepare your delicious Honey Garlic Chicken Wings:

Ingredients

2 pounds chicken wings
1/2 cup honey
1/4 cup soy sauce
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1 teaspoon ground ginger
1 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon salt
Sesame seeds, for garnish (optional)
Green onions, sliced for garnish (optional)

Make sure to have all your ingredients ready before you start for a smooth cooking process.

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create your Honey Garlic Chicken Wings:

Prepare the Marinade

In a large mixing bowl, combine honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, vegetable oil, ground ginger, black pepper, and salt. Whisk until well mixed.

Marinate the Wings

Add the chicken wings to the marinade, ensuring they are well coated. Cover and let them marinate for at least 1 hour, or preferably overnight in the refrigerator.

Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil for easy cleanup and place a wire rack on top.

Bake the Wings

Arrange the marinated wings on the wire rack. Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes.

Broil for Crispiness

After baking, switch to the broiler setting and broil the wings for an additional 5 minutes, or until they are crispy and caramelized.

Garnish and Serve

Remove wings from the oven, garnish with sesame seeds and sliced green onions if desired. Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauce.

Enjoy your delicious Honey Garlic Chicken Wings with friends and family!

Pro Tips

For extra flavor, consider adding a dash of chili flakes to the marinade for a spicy kick.

Flavor Variations

While this honey garlic sauce is already fantastic, consider experimenting with other flavors. For a spicy kick, add sriracha or chili flakes to the marinade for a sweet and heat combination. Alternatively, you can swap out soy sauce for coconut aminos for a gluten-free option that still packs in umami. I love the experimentation—especially with lemon or lime juice for a zesty twist, balancing the honey's sweetness.

For a different flavor note, incorporate fresh herbs into the marinade. Chopped cilantro or even basil can add a refreshing element to the wings. Just remember to keep your herbs to a minimum so they complement, rather than overpower, the key honey garlic flavor.

Storage and Reheating Tips

If you have leftovers, they can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just make sure they’re completely cooled before sealing to avoid moisture build-up, which can make the wings soggy. When reheating, I recommend using the oven instead of the microwave; this will help retain their crispy texture. Simply place them on a baking sheet and reheat at 375°F (190°C) for about 10-15 minutes.

For longer storage, these wings can be frozen for up to 3 months. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze them individually before transferring to a freezer-safe bag. When you're ready to enjoy, thaw them in the refrigerator overnight and use the reheating method mentioned above to get that crispiness back before serving.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen chicken wings?

Yes, but make sure to thaw them completely before marinating.

→ How can I make these wings spicier?

Add more minced garlic or include some hot sauce in the marinade.

→ Can I grill these wings instead of baking?

Absolutely! Grill them over medium heat for about 25-30 minutes, turning frequently.

→ What's the best way to store leftovers?

Store leftover wings in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.