There’s a reason why Honey Garlic Chicken Wings are always the first to disappear at the party. That glistening glaze—equal parts sweet, savory, and garlicky—coats the crispy wings in pure magic. Whether you’re making them for game day, a backyard BBQ, or a cozy winter dinner, this Honey Garlic Chicken Wings Recipe delivers bold flavor with minimal fuss.
For me, this dish brings back memories of family get-togethers. I vividly remember my uncle setting out a massive tray of honey garlic wings at every cookout. He’d always “forget” to tell us they were coming out of the oven so he could sneak a few first. Eventually, he passed the recipe down to me—with a few of my own tweaks added since.
This recipe uses simple pantry staples, works beautifully in the oven, air fryer, or on the grill, and guarantees crispy, saucy perfection every single time.
Why You’ll Love This Honey Garlic Chicken Wings Recipe
- Crispy Outside, Juicy Inside – Thanks to a baking powder trick and proper cooking method.
- That Sauce! – Sweet honey, savory soy, and punchy garlic combine into an unforgettable glaze.
- Versatile Cooking Methods – Oven-baked, air-fried, or grilled—all yield mouthwatering results.
- Perfect for All Seasons – Glazed wings are great at summer parties or paired with mashed potatoes in winter.
- Family-Friendly – Not too spicy, but easy to heat up with a pinch of chili flakes if you want!
Ingredients (Serves 8)
For the Chicken Wings:
- 2½ pounds chicken wings, split into drumettes and flats
- 1 tbsp baking powder (aluminum-free)
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp paprika (optional, for extra color)
For the Honey Garlic Sauce:
- ½ cup honey
- ¼ cup soy sauce (low sodium recommended)
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar or rice vinegar
- 1 tsp cornstarch + 1 tbsp water (optional, for thickening)
For Garnish:
- Sesame seeds
- Chopped green onions
- Optional: red pepper flakes for heat
Tools You’ll Need
- Baking sheet + wire rack (for oven)
- Saucepan for the glaze
- Large mixing bowl
- Tongs
- Air fryer or grill (optional)
Step-by-Step Instruction
1. Prep the Wings
Pat wings completely dry with paper towels. This is crucial for crispiness! Toss them in baking powder, salt, pepper, and paprika until evenly coated. Let them rest uncovered in the fridge for 30 minutes (optional, but enhances texture).
2. Bake or Air Fry the Wings
Oven Method:
Preheat oven to 425°F (218°C). Place wings on a wire rack over a foil-lined baking sheet. Bake for 40–45 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Air Fryer Method:
Preheat to 400°F (204°C). Place wings in a single layer. Air fry for 20–25 minutes, shaking halfway through for even browning.
Grill Method:
Preheat grill to medium-high. Grill wings for 20–25 minutes, flipping occasionally until nicely charred and cooked through.
3. Make the Honey Garlic Sauce
In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt butter. Add garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in honey, soy sauce, and vinegar. Let simmer for 3–4 minutes. For a thicker sauce, stir in cornstarch slurry and cook 1–2 more minutes until glossy.
4. Toss & Serve
Remove wings from the oven or fryer and immediately toss in the warm sauce until well coated. Garnish with sesame seeds, chopped green onions, and chili flakes if desired.
Serving Ideas by Season
🌞 Summer:
- Serve wings alongside crisp cucumber salad or Creamy Cowboy Caviar.
- Pair with grilled corn, watermelon, and lemonade at BBQs.
❄️ Winter:
- Serve hot over buttery mashed potatoes or rice.
- Pair with cozy sides like roasted Brussels sprouts or a bowl of Chicken Corn Noodle Soup for a comforting meal.
Flavor Variations
- Spicy Honey Garlic Wings – Add 1 tsp sriracha or red pepper flakes to the glaze.
- Maple Garlic Wings – Substitute half the honey with real maple syrup.
- Asian-Inspired Twist – Add a splash of sesame oil and grated ginger to the sauce.
- Lemon Honey Garlic – Add lemon zest and a splash of lemon juice for brightness.
Pro Tips for Perfect Wings
- Use Baking Powder (Not Soda): It raises the pH and helps crisp the skin.
- Dry Your Wings Well: Moisture is the enemy of crispy skin.
- Sauce After Cooking: Glazing too early softens the skin. Toss after baking or air frying.
- Double the Sauce: It’s freezer-friendly and amazing on shrimp or veggies, too!
Make Ahead & Storage Tips
- Make Ahead: Cook the wings and refrigerate up to 2 days ahead. Reheat and glaze just before serving.
- Store Leftovers: Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freeze: Freeze un-sauced wings for up to 2 months. Thaw, reheat, and glaze.
- Reheat: Oven at 375°F for 10 minutes keeps them crisp. Avoid microwaving.
Nutrition Snapshot (Per Serving, Approximate)
- Calories: 320
- Protein: 22g
- Fat: 18g
- Carbs: 14g
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 450mg
Note: Values vary based on wing cuts and amount of sauce used.
Final Thoughts
These Honey Garlic Chicken Wings are sticky, sweet, garlicky, and finger-licking good. They’re elegant enough for a game night appetizer and cozy enough for a comfort-food dinner. The balance of honey, soy, and garlic is bold but family-friendly—and there’s no wrong way to serve them.
Serve them with summer salads, warm winter sides, or pile them on a platter with dipping sauces and toothpicks. Once you master the base recipe, the flavor variations are endless.
So go ahead—get messy. These wings are worth it.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How to make honey garlic sauce for chicken wings?
Simmer honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, and a splash of vinegar or lemon juice until thick. Optional: add cornstarch slurry for a stickier texture.
2. What is honey garlic sauce made of?
It typically includes honey, soy sauce, garlic, and vinegar. Some versions add ginger, chili flakes, or cornstarch for thickness.
3. What is the secret ingredient to crispy wings?
Baking powder (not baking soda) is the key—it dries the skin, making wings extra crispy when baked or fried.
4. How to make garlic and honey chicken?
Cook chicken pieces until golden, then pour in a mix of honey, soy sauce, and garlic. Simmer until the sauce thickens and coats the chicken.