These Sweet and Spicy Chicken Wings are the perfect balance of crunchy, sticky, tangy, and fiery. Each bite delivers juicy meat wrapped in a golden crispy crust, drenched in a glossy glaze made from honey, soy sauce, garlic, and chili. Whether you’re planning a game-day snack, a party appetizer, or a bold weeknight dinner, these wings are sure to fly off the plate!

Perfect for people who love bold flavor combinations, these wings hit all the right notes. They deliver just enough heat to tingle your tongue, offset beautifully by a caramelized sweetness that clings to the skin. Plus, they’re oven-baked or air-fried—no deep frying required!

What Kind of Chicken Wings Should I Use?

You can use fresh or frozen chicken wings, just be sure to thaw completely and pat them dry before seasoning. I recommend a mix of flats and drumettes so you get a variety of textures. For extra crispy wings, opt for wings with the skin on and avoid overcrowding during baking.

Ingredients for the Sweet and Spicy Chicken Wings

Chicken Wings
The heart of this recipe—juicy, tender, and perfect for soaking up all that bold flavor.

Cornstarch
Helps create that golden, crispy exterior without the need for deep frying.

Soy Sauce
Adds umami depth and saltiness to balance the sweetness.

Honey
This natural sweetener caramelizes during baking, coating the wings in a sticky glaze.

Garlic (minced)
Essential for savory richness in the glaze.

Chili Flakes or Hot Sauce
Brings the heat! Adjust based on your spice preference.

Rice Vinegar or Apple Cider Vinegar
Adds just enough acidity to cut through the richness and brighten the flavor.

Salt & Pepper
Simple but vital for bringing the whole flavor profile together.

How To Make the Sweet and Spicy Chicken Wings

Step 1: Prep and Dry the Wings

Pat your chicken wings dry with a paper towel. This is key for crispiness. Preheat your oven to 400°F (or prep your air fryer).

Step 2: Coat for Crispiness

In a large bowl, toss the wings with cornstarch, salt, and pepper until evenly coated. Spread them out on a parchment-lined baking sheet or air fryer basket.

Step 3: Bake or Air Fry

Bake in the oven for 40-45 minutes, flipping halfway through. If using an air fryer, cook at 400°F for 25-30 minutes until crispy and golden.

Step 4: Make the Glaze

While wings are cooking, combine soy sauce, honey, minced garlic, chili flakes (or hot sauce), and vinegar in a saucepan over medium heat. Let it simmer until thickened, about 5-7 minutes.

Step 5: Toss in Sauce

Once the wings are done, toss them in the sauce while they’re still hot so the glaze sticks beautifully.

How to Serve and Store These Wings

Serve these wings hot and sticky right after tossing in the sauce for the ultimate flavor punch. If you have leftovers (though that’s rare!), store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or air fryer at 375°F to bring back that crisp.

What to Serve With Sweet and Spicy Chicken Wings?

Creamy Coleslaw

The coolness and crunch cut through the bold flavors of the wings.

Buttermilk Ranch Dip

Perfect for dipping and soothing the heat.

Garlic Butter Corn on the Cob

Sweet corn and savory butter complement the glaze.

Roasted Parmesan Green Beans

Crispy, cheesy, and just the right contrast in texture. Try them here

Seasoned Waffle Fries

Crispy and perfect for soaking up extra sauce.

Pickled Red Onions

Bright and tangy—they refresh your palate between bites.

Cheesy Loaded Beef Fries

Comfort food to the max. Check out this irresistible side.

Easy Asian Slaw

Crunchy, zingy, and made to go with spicy dishes. Make a batch.

Want More Chicken Appetizer Ideas?

If you love these Sweet and Spicy Chicken Wings, here are some bold and saucy favorites from ChefAlchemy:

Save This Pin For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can revisit it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you go heavier on the heat or dial it back? Did you try a dip pairing?

I love seeing how others bring these recipes to life! Questions welcome too—let’s keep the kitchen conversation going.

Explore beautifully curated health-boosting snacks and comfort food classics on ChefAlchemy Recipes on Pinterest and discover your next weeknight favorite!

Sweet and Spicy Chicken Wings

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

Author: Lorenzo Devereaux
Total Time: 50 minutes
Yield: 4 servings

Print Recipe

Description

Craving a bold, addictive appetizer? These Sweet and Spicy Chicken Wings deliver on flavor and texture with their crispy baked coating and sticky honey-chili glaze. Perfect for game nights, casual dinners, or party platters, this easy recipe brings together the perfect mix of heat, sweetness, and umami. Whether you’re after quick dinner ideas, spicy food recipes, or finger-licking snacks, these wings have you covered.