Craving delicious, finger-licking good food but short on time? These Garlic Honey Wings are the perfect solution! This easy recipe delivers incredible flavor with minimal effort, making it an ideal choice for a quick weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing appetizer. Get ready to experience the perfect blend of sweet, savory, and garlicky goodness in every bite!
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs chicken wings, separated into drumettes and flats
- 1/4 cup soy sauce (low sodium preferred)
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a touch of heat)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (for thickening the sauce)
- 2 tablespoons water (for slurry)
- Sesame seeds, for garnish (optional)
- Fresh green onions, chopped, for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Wings
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Pat the chicken wings dry with paper towels. This helps them crisp up nicely.
Step 2: Make the Garlic Honey Sauce
In a medium bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, honey, olive oil, minced garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes (if using). This is where the magic happens!
Step 3: Marinate (Optional but Recommended)
For maximum flavor, let the chicken wings marinate in the sauce for at least 30 minutes, or even up to 2 hours in the refrigerator. The longer they marinate, the more flavorful they'll be.
Step 4: Bake the Wings
Arrange the chicken wings in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 35-40 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the wings are golden brown and cooked through. Internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
Step 5: Thicken the Sauce (Optional)
While the wings are baking, prepare a cornstarch slurry by whisking together the cornstarch and water in a small bowl until smooth. In the last 5-7 minutes of baking, pour the slurry into the remaining sauce in the bowl and whisk until it thickens slightly.
Step 6: Glaze and Serve
Once the wings are cooked, toss them gently with the thickened garlic honey sauce. Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions, if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Cooking Tips for Perfect Garlic Honey Wings:
- Don't overcrowd the baking sheet: Ensure the wings are in a single layer for even cooking and browning.
- Adjust the spice level: If you prefer milder wings, omit the red pepper flakes or use a smaller amount. Feel free to experiment with other spices too!
- Broil for extra crispiness: For extra crispy wings, broil them for the last 2-3 minutes, keeping a close eye to prevent burning.
Variations:
- Spicy Garlic Honey Wings: Add more red pepper flakes or a dash of your favorite hot sauce.
- Sweet and Sour Garlic Honey Wings: Add a tablespoon of rice vinegar to the sauce for a tangy twist.
- Teriyaki Garlic Honey Wings: Replace soy sauce with teriyaki sauce for a different flavor profile.
Nutritional Information (per wing, approximate):
Calories: Approximately 100-120 Fat: 6-8g Protein: 8-10g Carbohydrates: 5-7g
These Garlic Honey Wings are a fantastic addition to your healthy meal repertoire, making for a delicious and easy homemade dish. They’re perfect for game day, parties, or a satisfying weeknight dinner – you'll be making these again and again!