Sticky Honey Chicken Wings

Sharing is caring!

Sticky Honey Chicken Wings

These Sticky Honey Chicken Wings have become an all-time favorite in my household—perfect for game nights, casual get-togethers, and those evenings when you just crave something irresistibly sweet and savory. The inspiration for this recipe came from a trip to a family barbecue, where I tasted the most incredible honey-glazed wings. I knew I had to recreate that same caramelized, crispy skin with a rich, flavorful sauce at home.

What I love about this recipe is how it strikes the perfect balance: a crispy, golden exterior with a sticky, flavorful glaze that clings to every bite. The honey gives it a deep, caramelized sweetness, while a touch of garlic, soy sauce, and a hint of spice add layers of savory goodness. My kids love how messy and fun these wings are to eat, and my husband swears they taste better than any takeout version. The best part? They’re incredibly easy to make—just a simple marinade, a quick bake (or grill), and a final toss in a glossy, sticky glaze. Whether you’re making them for a big crowd or just a fun weeknight treat, these wings always disappear in record time!

Questions I Often Get Asked About This Recipe

Can I make these wings in an air fryer?
Yes! Air frying is a fantastic way to get crispy wings without deep-frying. Cook at 380°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes, shaking halfway through, then toss them in the sticky glaze.

Can I prepare the wings ahead of time?
Absolutely. You can marinate the wings for up to 24 hours in the fridge. If needed, you can also bake them ahead and reheat them with the glaze before serving.

How can I make these wings spicier?
For a bit of heat, add a teaspoon of sriracha or crushed red pepper flakes to the sauce. You can also drizzle them with hot honey before serving!

Can I use boneless chicken instead?
Yes! Boneless chicken thighs or tenders work great—just adjust the cooking time accordingly.

What You Need to Make Sticky Honey Chicken Wings

Ingredients:

2 lbs (900g) chicken wings, split into flats and drumettes

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon paprika

2 tablespoons cornstarch

For the Sauce:

1/3 cup honey

1/4 cup soy sauce

1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar

1 teaspoon sesame oil

1 tablespoon garlic, minced

1/2 teaspoon ginger, grated

1 tablespoon butter

1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water (slurry)

Equipment:

Large mixing bowl

Baking sheet lined with parchment paper

Saucepan

Basting brush (optional)

How to Make Sticky Honey Chicken Wings

Preheat & Prep: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Pat the chicken wings dry with paper towels, then season with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Toss them in cornstarch for extra crispiness.

Bake the Wings: Arrange the wings in a single layer on a lined baking sheet. Bake for 40-45 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crispy.

Make the Sticky Honey Glaze: In a saucepan, combine honey, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, sesame oil, garlic, and ginger. Simmer for 5 minutes, then stir in the cornstarch slurry and butter. Let the sauce thicken slightly.

Toss & Serve: Remove wings from the oven and toss them in the sticky glaze until fully coated. Serve immediately with celery sticks and extra sauce for dipping!

Tips for Making the Best Sticky Honey Chicken Wings

Pat the wings dry before seasoning to remove excess moisture for extra crispiness.

Broil for 2-3 minutes at the end for that delicious caramelized finish.

Double the sauce if you love extra glaze for dipping!

For a smoky twist, grill the wings instead of baking them.

Reader Reviews

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “These wings were AMAZING! The perfect balance of sweet, savory, and sticky. My family devoured them!” – Lisa M.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “Easy to make and absolutely delicious! I added a little sriracha for heat, and they turned out perfect.” – Daniel W.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “The flavors were incredible, but I might try air frying next time for even crispier wings!” – Rachel K.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “So simple and tasty! I used boneless thighs, and they worked beautifully.” – Marco P.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “Perfect for game night! My husband is obsessed with these wings now.” – Emily R.

Printable Recipe

Before you print the recipe, could I ask you a favor? Please consider sharing this recipe on Facebook or pin to a group on Pinterest? This would really help us out. Thank you so much <3

If you enjoyed this recipe, please share it on your social media! I would love for more people to try this delicious and easy-to-make recipe. If you have any questions or feedback, please feel free to leave a comment below. I would love to hear from you! Shhh… Join our secret foodie group on Facebook

Crockpot White Russians

Crockpot Meatballs In Onion Gravy

Crockpot Apple Cider

Sharing is caring!