These honey garlic wings are sticky, crispy, sweet, and savory all at once. They’re baked in the oven until golden, then tossed in a glossy honey garlic sauce that clings to every bite. Easy ingredients, big flavor, and no frying mess.
Why I Love This Recipe
This recipe came from one of those nights when I wanted something comforting but still bold. I mixed honey and garlic, baked the wings instead of frying, and the smell alone told me it was a keeper. The sauce is sweet but not too sweet, garlicky without being overpowering, and it sticks beautifully to crispy wings.
- Sweet and savory in every bite
- Baked, not fried
- Sauce uses simple pantry staples
- Feels special but is easy to make
- Always disappears fast
Makes: 4 servings
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 50 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
What You’ll Need
- 2 pounds chicken wings (split, tips removed)
- 1 tablespoon baking powder (NOT baking soda)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Honey Garlic Sauce
- ⅓ cup honey
- ¼ cup soy sauce
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons water
Pro Tips
- Dry wings well so the skin crisps up
- Use baking powder only for the best texture
- Bake wings first, sauce later for crispiness
- Simmer sauce until thick so it sticks
- Toss wings while hot so they soak up flavor
Tools You’ll Need
- Large mixing bowl
- Paper towels
- Wire rack
- Foil-lined baking tray
- Saucepan
- Whisk
- Tongs
- Oven
Substitutions and Variations
- Soy sauce: Use low-sodium if needed
- Honey: Maple syrup works but will taste different
- Extra heat: Add ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- Garlic: Use garlic paste if you don’t want to mince
Make Ahead Tips
Bake the wings ahead of time and refrigerate. Reheat in the oven until crispy, then toss in freshly warmed sauce before serving.
Recipe & Instructions
Step 1: Dry the Wings
Pat 2 pounds of chicken wings (split, tips removed) completely dry using paper towels.
Step 2: Season the Wings
In a large bowl, toss wings with 1 tablespoon baking powder, 1 teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon garlic powder, ½ teaspoon onion powder, and ½ teaspoon black pepper until evenly coated.
Step 3: Arrange on Rack
Place seasoned wings skin-side up on a greased wire rack set over a foil-lined baking tray, leaving space between each wing.
Step 4: Bake Until Crispy
Bake at 425°F (220°C) for 45–50 minutes, flipping halfway, until wings are golden brown and crispy.
Step 5: Make Honey Garlic Sauce
In a saucepan, whisk together ⅓ cup honey, ¼ cup soy sauce, minced garlic, melted butter, cornstarch, and water. Simmer over medium heat until thick and glossy.
Step 6: Toss and Serve
Transfer hot crispy wings to a bowl and pour thickened honey garlic sauce over them. Toss until fully coated and serve immediately.
Leftovers & Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat wings in the oven at 375°F for 10–15 minutes, then add extra warmed sauce if needed.
Macros (Per Serving – Approximate)
- Calories: 360
- Protein: 27g
- Fat: 20g
- Carbs: 18g
Why This Recipe Works (Quick Science)
Baking powder dries out the skin and raises its pH, helping it crisp in the oven. Baking the wings before adding sauce keeps them crunchy. Cornstarch thickens the sauce so it coats the wings instead of sliding off.
Common Mistakes
- Using baking soda instead of baking powder
- Skipping the drying step
- Saucing wings before baking
- Not thickening the sauce enough
- Overcrowding the tray
What to Serve With
- Steamed rice
- Roasted broccoli
- Garlic noodles
- Simple side salad
- Corn on the cob
FAQ
Can I make these less sweet?
Yes, reduce honey to ¼ cup and add more soy sauce.
Can I use frozen wings?
Yes, thaw completely and dry very well before seasoning.
Do these reheat well?
Yes, especially in the oven or air fryer.
Final Thoughts
These oven baked honey garlic wings are crispy, sticky, and packed with flavor. They’re easy enough for a weeknight and impressive enough for guests. Once you make them, they’ll be on repeat. Give them a try and enjoy every saucy bite.