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Spicy Glazed Chicken Wings Recipe

These Spicy Glazed Chicken Wings are crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and coated in a sticky, sweet-heat glaze—perfect for parties, game day, or an easy crowd-pleasing appetizer.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Course Appetizer, Main Course, Snack
Cuisine American
Servings 6
Calories 420 kcal

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken Wings

  • 2.5 –3 lb chicken wings drumettes and flats
  • 1½ tsp kosher salt
  • 1 tsp black pepper
  • 1 tsp baking powder aluminum-free, optional for extra crispiness
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • ½ tsp onion powder
  • ½ tsp smoked paprika
  • 1 –2 tbsp neutral oil optional

For the Spicy Glaze

  • 6 tbsp honey
  • 3 tbsp soy sauce or tamari for gluten-free
  • 3 tbsp hot sauce adjust to taste
  • 2 tbsp rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tbsp tomato paste or ketchup
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 tsp fresh ginger grated (optional)
  • 1 tbsp unsalted butter

Optional Garnish

  • Toasted sesame seeds
  • Chopped green onions
  • Lime wedges

Instructions
 

Prep the wings:

  • Pat the chicken wings completely dry with paper towels. In a large bowl, toss wings with salt, pepper, baking powder, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and oil (if using).

Preheat oven:

  • Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with foil and place a wire rack on top.

Bake the wings:

  • Arrange wings in a single layer on the rack. Bake for 20–25 minutes, flip, then bake another 15–20 minutes until golden brown and crispy. Internal temperature should reach at least 165°F (74°C).

Prepare the glaze:

  • While wings bake, combine honey, soy sauce, hot sauce, vinegar, tomato paste, garlic, and ginger in a small saucepan. Simmer gently for 2–3 minutes, stirring until smooth. Remove from heat and whisk in butter.

Glaze the wings:

  • Transfer baked wings to a large bowl. Pour glaze over wings and toss until evenly coated.

Set the glaze:

  • Return glazed wings to the oven for 2–4 minutes to caramelize the sauce (watch closely to prevent burning).

Serve:

  • Garnish with sesame seeds and green onions. Serve hot with lime wedges or extra sauce on the side.

Notes

  • Air fryer option: Cook wings at 400°F (200°C) for 22–28 minutes, shaking occasionally. Glaze and air-fry 1–2 minutes more.
  • Heat control: Reduce hot sauce for mild wings or add chili paste for extra heat.
  • Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
  • Reheating: Reheat in oven or air fryer at 375–400°F to restore crispiness.
  • Make-ahead: Wings can be baked ahead and glazed just before serving.