Crispy Baked Chicken Wings with Honey Garlic Sauce
If you’re craving the perfect game day snack or a crowd-pleasing party appetizer, these Crispy Baked Chicken Wings with Honey Garlic Sauce are an irresistible choice. Juicy on the inside, golden and crispy on the outside, and drenched in a sticky, sweet, and garlicky glaze—these wings are everything you want and more. Best of all, they’re baked, not fried, which makes them a healthier option without sacrificing that crave-worthy crunch.
Why You’ll Love These Crispy Baked Chicken Wings
Chicken wings are iconic for a reason—but baking them instead of deep-frying means less mess, fewer calories, and all the flavor. Here’s why these wings stand out:
- Super crispy skin without deep frying
- Sticky honey garlic sauce that’s finger-lickin’ good
- No special equipment needed—just your oven and a baking rack
- Perfect for parties, game nights, or quick dinners
Ingredients
Here’s everything you’ll need for both the wings and the honey garlic sauce:
For the Chicken Wings:
- 2 ½ pounds chicken drumettes or wings
- 1 tablespoon baking powder (NOT baking soda)
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- Cooking spray (for baking rack)
For the Honey Garlic Sauce:
- ½ cup honey
- ¼ cup soy sauce (low sodium preferred)
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 5 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch + 1 tablespoon cold water (for thickening)
- Fresh chopped parsley (for garnish, optional)
How to Make Crispy Baked Chicken Wings
Step 1: Prep Your Wings
Start by patting your wings completely dry with paper towels—this step is essential for achieving that crispy skin. Then toss them in a large bowl with baking powder, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. The baking powder helps the skin dry out and crisp up in the oven.
Step 2: Arrange and Bake
Preheat your oven to 425°F (218°C). Line a large baking sheet with foil for easy cleanup, and place a wire rack on top. Spray the rack with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
Arrange the wings in a single layer on the rack. Bake for 20 minutes, flip them, and bake for another 25–30 minutes, or until the skin is golden brown and crisp.
Step 3: Make the Honey Garlic Sauce
While the wings bake, prepare the sauce. In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, lemon juice, and minced garlic. Bring it to a simmer, then stir in the cornstarch slurry (cornstarch mixed with cold water) to thicken. Let it simmer for another 2–3 minutes until it’s glossy and coats the back of a spoon.
Step 4: Toss and Serve
Once the wings are done, transfer them to a large bowl and pour the hot honey garlic sauce over them. Toss to coat every piece evenly.
Sprinkle with chopped parsley if you want a fresh touch, then serve immediately.
Tips for Maximum Crispiness
- Use baking powder: This is the secret ingredient. It raises the pH level of the skin and helps it crisp up beautifully.
- Dry the wings thoroughly: Moisture is the enemy of crispiness. Pat them dry with paper towels before seasoning.
- Use a wire rack: This allows hot air to circulate around the wings, helping them bake evenly and get that fry-like texture.
What to Serve with Honey Garlic Chicken Wings
These wings go great with a wide range of sides and dips. Here are a few ideas:
- Celery and carrot sticks with ranch or blue cheese
- Garlic parmesan fries
- Coleslaw or potato salad
- Cornbread or mac & cheese
- Crispy oven-roasted potatoes
Make It a Meal or Serve as a Snack
These Crispy Baked Chicken Wings with Honey Garlic Sauce work just as well for dinner as they do for entertaining. Serve them over steamed rice or alongside roasted veggies for a full meal. Or double (or triple!) the recipe for your next party or game day hangout.
Storage and Reheating
If you happen to have leftovers (unlikely!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
To reheat and retain crispiness:
- Bake at 375°F for 10–12 minutes or until heated through.
- Avoid the microwave—it’ll make the skin soggy.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re a die-hard wing lover or just looking for a killer appetizer, these Crispy Baked Chicken Wings with Honey Garlic Sauce will absolutely hit the spot. With their crunchy texture and sweet-savory glaze, they’re sure to become a go-to favorite.
Next time you’re planning a party, prepping for the big game, or just satisfying a wing craving—skip the deep fryer and let your oven do the magic.
