Sweet & Spicy Chicken Wing Bake

Name: Sweet & Spicy Chicken Wing Bake
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h
Yield: 4-6 servings
Ingredients: 2 pounds chicken wings; 1/4 cup honey; 1/4 cup sriracha sauce; 2 tablespoons soy sauce; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 tablespoon garlic powder; Salt and pepper to taste; Green onions for garnish

Highlighted under: Homemade Sweets Recipes

When I first tried my hand at making Sweet & Spicy Chicken Wing Bake, the kitchen instantly filled with mouthwatering aromas that made my stomach rumble. I love the balance of sweet and spicy flavors that coat each wing, making them the perfect appetizer or game-day treat. This recipe is effortless and lets the oven do most of the work, ensuring crispy skin without the need for deep-frying. Trust me, once you serve these wings, you'll wish you made a double batch!

Created by

Anna Johnson

Last updated on 2026-01-17T16:36:27.519Z

My Sweet & Spicy Chicken Wing Bake began as an experiment in flavor combination, blending honey and sriracha for a sticky glaze that keeps you coming back for more. I remember the first time I served these; everyone couldn't believe how delicious they were without the extra frying. I love that I can make these wings with just a handful of pantry staples. The key to achieving the perfect bake is preheating the oven well and using a baking rack to allow the fat to drip away.

As I continued to refine the recipe, I discovered that marinating the wings for a couple of hours or overnight maximizes the flavor. It’s impressive how such simple ingredients can create an irresistible dish. I often pair them with ranch dressing and fresh vegetables, enhancing the meal's balance. It's a crowd-pleaser for sure, and I'm thrilled to share this gem with you!

        Why You Will Love This Recipe
        Irresistible sweet and spicy glaze that caramelizes beautifully
Simple preparation, perfect for any occasion
Crispy, tender wings without the guilt of frying

      

Perfecting the Marinade

The marinade for these Sweet & Spicy Chicken Wings is the secret to their incredible flavor. Honey brings a natural sweetness that balances the heat from the sriracha. When whisking the marinade, ensure the honey is fully integrated with the other ingredients to avoid any clumping. If you prefer a bit more heat, feel free to increase the sriracha quantity, but I recommend doing so gradually, testing as you go to avoid overpowering the wings.

Marinating the chicken wings is crucial for flavor development. While 30 minutes will impart some taste, letting them sit overnight in the refrigerator allows the flavors to penetrate deeply into the meat. Use a resealable plastic bag to make this process easier; just ensure you remove as much air as possible before sealing to promote even marination.

Achieving Crispiness

For crispy skin without frying, it’s important to bake the wings at a steady 400°F (200°C). Elevating the wings on a cooking rack allows air to circulate around them, which helps achieve that coveted crunch. Be sure to line your baking sheet with aluminum foil for easy cleanup; the glaze can get quite sticky as it caramelizes.

During baking, turning the wings halfway through is essential to ensure uniform cooking and browning. You'll know they're ready when they are golden and the glaze has a thick, sticky texture. If they need extra crisping, feel free to broil them for a couple of minutes at the end, watching closely to avoid burning.

Serving Suggestions and Variations

Serving these Sweet & Spicy Chicken Wings with a refreshing dipping sauce can enhance the experience. A cooling ranch or blue cheese dressing works wonderfully to balance out the spiciness of the wings. You can also try a tangy cucumber yogurt sauce for a unique twist. Don’t forget to keep some fresh veggie sticks on the side for added crunch and color on your serving platter.

For those looking to switch things up, consider tossing the wings in different glazes after they come out of the oven. A sweet barbeque sauce or a zesty lemon pepper seasoning can transform the flavor profile entirely. Additionally, you can expand this recipe to include additional proteins, such as drumsticks or thighs, simply adjusting the cooking time as needed.

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients to make your Sweet & Spicy Chicken Wing Bake:

Ingredients

2 pounds chicken wings
1/4 cup honey
1/4 cup sriracha sauce
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 tablespoon garlic powder
Salt and pepper to taste
Green onions for garnish

Make sure all ingredients are fresh for the best flavor!

Instructions

Follow these steps to create your Sweet & Spicy Chicken Wing Bake:

Prepare the Marinade

In a large bowl, whisk together honey, sriracha sauce, soy sauce, olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.

Marinate the Chicken Wings

Add the chicken wings to the bowl, ensuring they're evenly coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or overnight for best results.

Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with aluminum foil. Place a cooking rack on top.

Bake the Wings

Arrange the marinated chicken wings on the rack and bake for 40-45 minutes, turning halfway through, until they are crispy and caramelized.

Garnish and Serve

Once cooked, remove the wings from the oven and garnish with chopped green onions. Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce.

Enjoy your delicious, homemade chicken wings!

Pro Tips

For extra crispy wings, broil them for the last 2-3 minutes of cooking, keeping a close eye to avoid burning.

Storage and Reheating

If you have leftovers, storing them properly is key to maintaining their texture and flavor. Allow the wings to cool completely before placing them in an airtight container, where they can be stored in the refrigerator for up to three days. For even longer storage, freeze the wings in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag once frozen. They will keep well for about three months.

Reheating is best done in an oven to preserve their crispiness. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C), place the wings in a single layer on a baking sheet, and heat for about 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through. If you're short on time, a microwave works too, but be aware that the wings may lose some of their crunch.

Troubleshooting Tips

If your wings come out soggy, it might be due to too much marinade left on them before baking. Be sure to shake off excess marinade before placing them on the baking rack. Additionally, if you find that they are not browning as expected, make sure your oven is properly preheated and consider increasing the baking time to achieve a deeper caramelization.

For those who experience uneven cooking, always check the internal temperature of the wings. They should reach at least 165°F (74°C) to be safely enjoyed. Sometimes, resizing the wings can help; larger wings may need a few extra minutes while smaller ones may require less time. Using a thermometer ensures consistent results every time.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you're looking to modify the heat level, consider swapping sriracha with a milder sauce like sweet chili sauce or using a blend of BBQ sauce with a touch of cayenne for a smoky flavor. For a healthier alternative, agave syrup can replace honey for a similar sweetness while being lower on the glycemic index.

For those following soy-free diets, coconut aminos is an excellent alternative to soy sauce that maintains a similar umami flavor. Additionally, to add an interesting twist, experimenting with different spices like smoked paprika or cumin can further enhance the flavor profile of the wings, creating a unique taste experience.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen chicken wings?

Yes, but make sure to thaw them completely before marinating and cooking.

→ What can I serve with these wings?

They pair well with ranch or blue cheese dressing and a side of celery and carrots.

→ How do I make them less spicy?

You can reduce the amount of sriracha or substitute it with a mild hot sauce.

→ Can I bake these wings in advance?

You can prepare the wings and marinate them ahead of time, but it's best to bake them just before serving for optimal crispiness.