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Sweet and Spicy Chicken Wings – Sticky, Crispy, and Finger-Licking Good!

Adam
When game day, party night, or snack cravings hit, nothing satisfies quite like a plate of Sweet and Spicy Chicken Wings. These wings are crispy, juicy, sweet, and sticky with just the right kick of heat, thanks to a mouthwatering glaze made with honey, hot sauce, brown sugar, and a touch of soy and vinegar.Whether you’re firing up a platter for a weekend gathering or just need a midweek meal that makes you lick your fingers clean, these wings deliver big-time flavor with minimal effort.The balance of sweet, savory, and spicy flavors makes these wings absolutely addictive. Think crispy golden skin coated in a glossy, caramelized glaze, sprinkled with sesame seeds, fresh cilantro, and green onions for the perfect finish.Love bold flavors and easy entertaining? Don’t miss Sticky Asian Chicken Wings or Honey Garlic Chicken Bites.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings 6 as an appetizer

Equipment

  • Large mixing bowl
  • Baking sheet or air fryer
  • Wire rack (optional, for baking)
  • Small saucepan
  • Basting brush or spoon
  • Tongs
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Knife and cutting board (for garnishes)

Ingredients
  

Chicken:

  • 2 lbs chicken wings split into drumettes and flats
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp paprika smoked
  • ½ tsp cayenne pepper
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • 1 tsp salt
  • Glaze:
  • ¼ cup honey
  • ¼ cup hot sauce like Frank’s RedHot or Sriracha
  • ¼ cup brown sugar
  • 1 tbsp soy sauce
  • 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar

Garnish:

  • Fresh cilantro chopped
  • Green onions thinly sliced
  • Sesame seeds

🌶️ Adjust hot sauce and cayenne to control the spice level.

Instructions
 

Step 1: Prep the Wings

  • Pat wings dry with paper towels — this helps them crisp up.
  • In a large bowl, toss the wings with:
  • Garlic powder
  • Paprika
  • Cayenne pepper
  • Black pepper
  • Salt

✅ Dry seasoning gives the wings flavor without adding extra moisture before baking or air frying.

    Step 2: Cook the Wings

      Option 1: Bake

      • Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
      • Line a baking sheet with foil and place a wire rack on top. Spray with oil.
      • Arrange wings in a single layer.
      • Bake for 40–45 minutes, flipping halfway, until crispy and golden.
      • Option 2: Air Fry
      • Preheat air fryer to 400°F.
      • Arrange wings in a single layer (cook in batches if needed).
      • Cook for 20–22 minutes, shaking halfway through.

      Step 3: Make the Glaze

      • In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine:
      • Honey
      • Hot sauce
      • Brown sugar
      • Soy sauce
      • Apple cider vinegar
      • Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for 4–5 minutes, until the glaze thickens slightly.
      • Remove from heat and let cool for 2 minutes.

      Step 4: Toss the Wings in Sauce

      • Once wings are crispy and cooked through, transfer to a clean bowl.
      • Pour the glaze over the wings and toss to coat thoroughly.
      • 🍯 Use a spoon or brush to coat evenly if needed.

      Step 5: Garnish and Serve

      • Sprinkle with sesame seeds, chopped cilantro, and green onions.

      Serve hot with:

      • Ranch or blue cheese dressing
      • Celery and carrot sticks

      Notes

      🔁 Variations
      1. Extra Spicy
      Use extra cayenne or switch to a ghost pepper sauce if you're brave!
      2. Sweet BBQ Wings
      Replace hot sauce with BBQ sauce and double the honey.
      3. Asian-Inspired Wings
      Add 1 tsp grated ginger and a splash of sesame oil to the glaze.
      4. Sticky Garlic Soy
      Add 2 minced garlic cloves to the glaze and reduce hot sauce.
      5. Lemon-Honey Wings
      Swap hot sauce for lemon juice + zest and increase honey.
      🧊 Storage & Reheating
      Refrigerator:
      Store leftover wings in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
      Freezer:
      Freeze glazed or unglazed wings for up to 2 months.
      Reheating:
      Oven: 375°F for 10–15 minutes
      Air Fryer: 375°F for 5–7 minutes
      Avoid microwave if possible (it softens the skin)
      ❓ 10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
      1. Can I use frozen wings?
      Yes — just thaw completely and pat dry before seasoning and cooking.
      2. Are these wings super spicy?
      They’re mild to medium spicy with a sweet balance. Adjust to your taste!
      3. What hot sauce works best?
      Frank’s, Cholula, Sriracha, or even homemade hot sauce work great.
      4. Can I grill these wings?
      Yes! Grill on medium-high heat for 20–25 minutes, flipping occasionally. Glaze at the end.
      5. What can I serve with them?
      Try:
      Rice
      Potato wedges
      Cornbread
      Fresh veggie sticks
      6. Can I make them ahead?
      Yes — bake the wings ahead, and reheat + glaze just before serving.
      7. What’s the best way to keep them crispy?
      Use a wire rack when baking and don’t overcrowd the pan or fryer.
      8. Can I use chicken drumsticks instead?
      Absolutely — just increase cooking time accordingly.
      9. Is this recipe gluten-free?
      Swap soy sauce for tamari to make it gluten-free.
      10. How do I make the sauce stick better?
      Toss wings in sauce while hot, and let them rest a few minutes before serving.
      ✅ Conclusion
      These Sweet and Spicy Chicken Wings are everything you want in a finger food — crispy, sticky, sweet, and hot with a punch of flavor in every bite. Whether baked, air fried, or grilled, they’re easy to prep, crowd-pleasing, and perfect for every occasion.
      Make a big batch and watch them disappear faster than you can say "pass the napkins!" Pair them with cold drinks and your favorite sides for an unforgettable meal or snack.
      Looking for more crowd-pleasers?
      Crispy Honey Garlic Chicken
      Sticky Teriyaki Wings
      Buffalo Chicken Bites