Sticky Garlic Chicken Wings Recipe

Finger-Licking Sticky Garlic Chicken Wings Recipe for Game Day

Crafting mouthwatering sticky garlic chicken wings can transport you straight to flavor paradise.

Crispy edges and a glossy coating promise an irresistible culinary adventure.

Tender meat beneath caramelized skin tells a delicious story of simple ingredients dancing together.

Home cooks adore this crowd-pleasing dish that brings everyone around the table.

Fragrant garlic and sweet-savory glaze create a sensational combination that’ll make taste buds sing.

Each bite promises a perfect balance of textures and bold flavors.

Why Sticky Garlic Chicken Wings Are a Favorite

  • Unlock Flavor-Packed Goodness: Dive into a mouthwatering explosion of sweet, tangy, and garlicky flavors that will make your taste buds dance with excitement.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Party Starter: Perfect for game nights, potlucks, or family gatherings where everyone craves something deliciously addictive and shareable.
  • Master Simple Gourmet Cooking: Create restaurant-quality wings at home with minimal cooking skills, using basic ingredients and straightforward techniques that guarantee impressive results.
  • Quick Weeknight Dinner Solution: Transform ordinary chicken wings into an extraordinary meal that comes together quickly, satisfying hungry families without complicated preparation steps.

Ingredients for Sticky Garlic Chicken Wings

Chicken Protein:
  • Chicken Wings: Crispy and flavorful base protein for the dish.
Seasoning Base:
  • Salt, Black Pepper: Essential flavor enhancers for the wings.
  • Vegetable Oil: Helps create crispy exterior and promotes even cooking.
Sticky Garlic Sauce Ingredients:
  • Soy Sauce, Rice Vinegar: Provides tangy and umami foundation for the sauce.
  • Honey, Brown Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create glossy sticky texture.
  • Minced Garlic, Grated Ginger: Delivers bold and aromatic flavor profile.
  • Cornstarch: Thickens the sauce and creates glossy consistency.
Garnish:
  • Sesame Seeds, Green Onions: Adds visual appeal and fresh flavor accent.

How to Make Sticky Garlic Chicken Wings

Step 1: Prepare for Baking

Preheat the oven to 400F (200C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil. Grab the chicken wings and coat them with:
  • Vegetable oil
  • Salt
  • Black pepper

Spread the wings in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they aren’t touching each other.

Step 2: Roast to Golden Perfection

Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven. Roast the wings for 40-45 minutes, flipping them halfway through cooking. Look for a crispy, golden-brown exterior that promises crunch and flavor.

Step 3: Craft the Magical Sauce

In a saucepan over medium heat, combine:
  • Soy sauce
  • Honey
  • Brown sugar
  • Minced garlic
  • Grated ginger
  • Rice vinegar

Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sugar dissolves and the sauce starts to thicken. Add a cornstarch slurry to create a glossy, rich coating that will cling perfectly to the wings.

Step 4: Glaze and Garnish

Remove the wings from the oven and transfer them to a large mixing bowl. Pour the hot garlic sauce over the wings, tossing carefully to ensure every wing gets a beautiful, even coating. Sprinkle with sesame seeds and chopped green onions for an extra pop of flavor and color. Serve immediately while hot and incredibly delicious.

Pro Tips for Sticky Garlic Chicken Wings

  • Crisp Wing Technique: Pat chicken wings completely dry before seasoning to ensure maximum crispiness and better sauce adherence.
  • Sauce Thickness Management: Adjust cornstarch mixture gradually to control sauce consistency, preventing it from becoming too thick or thin.
  • Temperature Control Trick: Use a meat thermometer to check wings reach internal temperature of 165F for safe consumption while maintaining juiciness.
  • Low-Sodium Option: Replace regular soy sauce with low-sodium version to reduce salt content without compromising flavor profile.
  • Gluten-Free Adaptation: Substitute soy sauce with tamari and use gluten-free cornstarch to make recipe suitable for gluten-sensitive individuals.

Variation Ideas for Sticky Garlic Chicken Wings

  • Low-Sodium Wing Option: Replace regular soy sauce with low-sodium soy sauce or coconut aminos to reduce salt content while maintaining flavor complexity.
  • Spicy Garlic Wing Variation: Add red pepper flakes or sriracha sauce to the sticky garlic sauce for an extra kick of heat and bold flavor profile.
  • Gluten-Free Wing Alternative: Use tamari instead of soy sauce and ensure cornstarch is certified gluten-free. Substitute brown sugar with coconut sugar for a clean dietary option.
  • Air Fryer Wing Method: Cook wings in air fryer at 380F for 20-25 minutes, turning halfway, then coat with sticky garlic sauce for a crispy, healthier preparation technique.

Pairing Suggestions for Sticky Garlic Chicken Wings

  • Pair with Crisp Rice Pilaf: Light, fluffy rice with subtle herbs perfectly balances the sticky, bold garlic wing flavors, providing a refreshing counterpoint to the rich chicken.
  • Complement with Cold Asian Lager: A crisp, clean beer like Sapporo or Tsingtao cuts through the sauce's sweetness and helps cleanse the palate between bites.
  • Match with Tangy Asian Slaw: Crunchy cabbage salad with rice vinegar dressing adds bright acidity and texture, enhancing the wings' complex garlic-honey profile.
  • Select Sparkling Citrus Mocktail: Zesty, effervescent non-alcoholic drink with lime and ginger creates a vibrant, refreshing accompaniment that echoes the wing's flavor notes.

Storage Advice for Sticky Garlic Chicken Wings

  • Store leftover wings in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Keep them away from other foods to prevent cross-contamination.
  • Wrap wings individually in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. Freeze for maximum 2 months. Label the bag with the date to track freshness.
  • Preheat oven to 350F. Spread wings on a baking sheet, cover with foil to prevent drying. Warm for 10-15 minutes until heated through.
  • Place wings on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel. Heat in 30-second intervals, checking temperature to avoid overcooking. Add a splash of water to maintain moisture.

FAQs About Sticky Garlic Chicken Wings

  • Why do I need to turn the wings halfway through baking?

Turning the wings ensures even cooking and helps achieve a crispy, golden-brown exterior on all sides of the chicken wings.

  • Can I use a different type of vinegar instead of rice vinegar?

Yes, you can substitute rice vinegar with apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar, though the flavor profile might slightly change.

  • How do I know the wings are fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature of the wings reaches 165°F (74°C), which indicates they are safe to eat.

  • Is cornstarch necessary for the sauce?

Cornstarch helps thicken the sauce and gives it a glossy, sticky texture. If you don’t have cornstarch, you can reduce the sauce longer to achieve a similar consistency.

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Sticky Garlic Chicken Wings Recipe

Sticky Garlic Chicken Wings Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 19 reviews

  • Total Time: 60 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Irresistible sticky garlic chicken wings deliver Asian-inspired flavor explosions with crispy, caramelized edges and rich umami notes. Glazed perfection beckons hungry diners to savor each succulent bite of this crowd-pleasing dish.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 2 pounds (907 grams) chicken wings
  • 2 pounds (907 grams) chicken wing drumettes
  • 2 pounds (907 grams) chicken wing flats

Seasoning:

  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare the culinary canvas by heating the oven to a precise 400F (200C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil to prevent sticking and ease cleanup.
  2. Massage chicken wings with vegetable oil, then season generously with salt and pepper. Distribute wings evenly across the prepared baking sheet, ensuring no overlap for optimal crispiness.
  3. Roast the wings for 40-45 minutes, performing a mid-cooking flip to guarantee even browning and crisp exterior. Wings should emerge golden and sizzling.
  4. Craft the glossy garlic elixir by combining soy sauce, honey, brown sugar, minced garlic, grated ginger, and rice vinegar in a saucepan over medium heat. Allow ingredients to meld and simmer for approximately 5 minutes.
  5. Introduce the cornstarch mixture to the sauce, stirring consistently until the liquid transforms into a luxurious, glossy coating. Continue cooking for 2-3 minutes until the sauce reaches a perfect viscosity.
  6. Extract wings from the oven and transfer to a spacious mixing bowl. Cascade the aromatic garlic sauce over the crisp wings, tossing meticulously to ensure complete and even coverage.
  7. Optional: Sprinkle with sesame seeds and chopped green onions for a final flourish of flavor and visual appeal. Serve immediately while piping hot and irresistibly glossy.

Notes

  • Choose wings with even sizes to ensure consistent cooking and crispy texture.
  • Pat chicken wings dry before seasoning to maximize browning and crispiness.
  • Use a wire rack inside the baking sheet for extra crispiness and better air circulation.
  • Adjust sauce sweetness by reducing honey or brown sugar for low-sugar diets.
  • Replace soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos for gluten-free version.
  • Check internal wing temperature reaches 165°F for food safety.
  • Marinate wings in sauce for deeper flavor if time allows before baking.
  • Use cast iron skillet for extra caramelization and restaurant-style finish.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 50 minutes
  • Category: Appetizer, Snacks, Dinner
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 280 kcal
  • Sugar: 0 g
  • Sodium: 250 mg
  • Fat: 18 g
  • Saturated Fat: 4.5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 13.5 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 1 g
  • Fiber: 0 g
  • Protein: 25 g
  • Cholesterol: 90 mg
Sarah Mitchell

Sarah Mitchell

Content Specialist & Home Cooking Enthusiast

Expertise

  • Making healthy, comforting meals that fit into real-life schedules
  • Planning balanced, single-serving meals for individuals and small families
  • Writing clear, practical food content with a focus on wellness and ease
  • Using seasonal ingredients to bring variety and freshness to everyday meals

Education

Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College – Asheville, NC

  • Program: Diploma in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Trained in the basics of professional cooking, with a strong focus on home-style meals, seasonal recipe development, and time-saving kitchen techniques for everyday use.

American Fitness Professionals & Associates – Online

  • Program: Nutrition and Wellness Consultant Certification
  • Focus: Studied how to make healthy eating simple, enjoyable, and accessible

Sarah’s passion for food was sparked by weekend trips to the farmers’ market and her belief that healthy meals should never feel boring.
After earning her culinary diploma and becoming a certified Nutrition and Wellness Consultant, she set out to help others fall in love with simple, wholesome cooking.
She’s all about celebrating the small wins in the kitchen: a colorful yogurt bowl, a new twist on a classic dish, or a homemade snack that feels just a little extra special.
Outside the kitchen, Sarah is a gardener at heart, a yoga enthusiast, and a believer that fresh herbs can brighten any meal, and any day.

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