Craving a flavorful and satisfying meal that's quick to prepare? Look no further! These chicken wings with homemade sweet chili sauce are the perfect solution for a weeknight dinner, a game-day gathering, or any occasion calling for delicious, finger-licking goodness. This recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, combining crispy, juicy chicken wings with a vibrant, sweet, and subtly spicy chili sauce. Get ready to experience homemade cooking at its finest!
Ingredients:
For the Chicken Wings:
- 2 lbs chicken wings, separated into drumettes and flats
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder
For the Sweet Chili Sauce:
- 1/2 cup chili garlic sauce
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp water
- 1 tsp sesame oil
Instructions:
Preparing the Chicken Wings:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
- In a large bowl, toss the chicken wings with olive oil, salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder until evenly coated.
- Arrange the chicken wings in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Avoid overcrowding to ensure even cooking and crispy skin.
Baking the Chicken Wings:
- Bake for 30-40 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the chicken wings are golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F/74°C).
Making the Sweet Chili Sauce:
- While the chicken wings are baking, whisk together all the sweet chili sauce ingredients in a small saucepan.
- Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened (about 5-7 minutes).
Combining and Serving:
- Once the chicken wings are cooked, transfer them to a large bowl.
- Pour the sweet chili sauce over the chicken wings and toss gently to coat evenly.
- Serve immediately and enjoy! These are fantastic served with your favorite dipping sides, like celery sticks and carrot sticks.
Tips for Perfect Chicken Wings:
- Pat the wings dry: Before seasoning, pat the chicken wings dry with paper towels. This helps them crisp up nicely in the oven.
- Don't overcrowd the pan: Ensure the wings are in a single layer for even cooking. If necessary, use two baking sheets.
- Adjust the spice level: If you prefer a less spicy sauce, reduce the amount of chili garlic sauce. For extra heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- Make it ahead: The sweet chili sauce can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Variations:
- Honey Garlic Wings: Replace the chili garlic sauce with a combination of honey and soy sauce for a sweeter and less spicy flavor.
- Spicy Buffalo Wings: Add a dash of hot sauce to the sweet chili sauce for an extra kick.
- BBQ Wings: Use your favorite BBQ sauce instead of the sweet chili sauce.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 250-300
- Protein: 20-25g
- Fat: 15-20g
- Carbohydrates: 5-10g
This recipe provides a healthy and balanced meal option, providing a good source of protein while keeping the carbohydrate and fat content moderate. Enjoy this delicious and easy recipe – perfect for any occasion! These easy recipes and quick dinner ideas are sure to become a staple in your healthy meals repertoire. Remember to check out more of our best recipes on the site!