Sticky Glazed Chicken Wings (Oven or Grill)

Sticky Glazed Chicken Wings (Oven or Grill)

Serves: 4
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: ~45–55 minutes
Flavor: Sweet, savory, garlicky, lightly smoky


Ingredients

Chicken

  • 2½–3 lbs chicken wings (drumettes & flats)

  • 1 tbsp baking powder (for crispiness — trust this)

  • 1 tsp salt

  • 1 tsp black pepper

  • 1 tsp smoked paprika

  • ½ tsp garlic powder

  • ½ tsp onion powder


Sticky Glaze

  • ½ cup honey (or brown sugar for deeper caramel flavor)

  • ¼ cup soy sauce

  • 2 tbsp ketchup

  • 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar

  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce

  • 3 cloves garlic, minced

  • 1 tsp smoked paprika

  • ½ tsp chili flakes (optional)

  • 1 tbsp butter


Instructions

1. Prep the Wings (Very Important)

  1. Pat wings completely dry with paper towels.

    • Moisture = soggy skin.

  2. Place wings in a large bowl.

  3. Toss with:

    • Baking powder

    • Salt

    • Pepper

    • Smoked paprika

    • Garlic & onion powder

  4. Let sit uncovered in the fridge 30 minutes if you have time (extra crisp).


2. Cook the Wings

Oven Method (Recommended)

  1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).

  2. Place wings on a wire rack over a foil-lined baking sheet.

  3. Bake 25 minutes, flip, then bake 20–25 more minutes.

  4. Wings should be golden, crispy, and rendered.

For extra char: broil 2–3 minutes at the end.

Grill Option

  • Grill over medium-high heat, turning often, 20–25 minutes total.


3. Make the Sticky Glaze

  1. In a saucepan over medium heat, add:

    • Honey

    • Soy sauce

    • Ketchup

    • Vinegar

    • Worcestershire

    • Garlic

    • Paprika

    • Chili flakes

  2. Simmer 5–7 minutes, stirring often.

  3. Add butter and stir until glossy and thick enough to coat a spoon.

  4. Remove from heat.


4. Glaze & Caramelize

  1. Toss hot wings in the glaze until fully coated.

  2. Return wings to oven (or grill) for 5–8 minutes.

    • This step creates that dark, sticky crust.

  3. Watch closely — sugar burns fast!


Final Touch

  • Rest wings 5 minutes.

  • Serve hot, sticky, and unapologetically messy.


Pro Tips for That Photo-Perfect Look

  • Dark pan glaze = flavor — don’t shy away from caramelization.

  • Baking powder makes skin crispy without tasting it.

  • Want deeper color? Add 1 tsp molasses to the glaze.


Optional Variations

  • Spicy: Add 1–2 tbsp hot sauce

  • BBQ-style: Replace ketchup with BBQ sauce

  • Asian-inspired: Add grated ginger + sesame oil

  • Air fryer: 380°F for 24–26 minutes, toss in glaze, air fry 3 more minutes

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