Step-by-step instructions
Season the wings: Start by tossing the chicken wings in a bowl with salt, black pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and oil until well coated.
Bake: Preheat your oven to 400°F (205°C). Spread the seasoned wings on a baking sheet and bake for 35 to 45 minutes until they turn beautifully browned and crispy.
Make the glaze: In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Then add the honey, soy sauce, brown sugar, ketchup, and optional chili flakes. Let it simmer for about 3 minutes until it’s nicely combined.
Coat the wings: Once the wings are baked, toss them in the prepared glaze, making sure they’re all coated and glossy.
Caramelize: Return the glazed wings to the oven and bake for an additional 5 to 7 minutes to achieve that irresistible caramelized finish.
How to serve Southern Sticky Honey-Glazed Wings
Presentation matters, even with such finger-licking goodness! Serve these wings hot, garnished with chopped green onions or sesame seeds for a pop of color. Pair them with a refreshing coleslaw or crisp vegetable sticks to balance the richness. Pair with your favorite dipping sauce—ranch or blue cheese dressing works wonders.
Storage and reheating tips
Leftovers? No problem! Store any uneaten wings in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply pop them back in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. If you have more leftovers than you can handle, you can also freeze them. Just make sure they’re well-sealed in a freezer bag or container, and they’ll last up to three months.
Helpful cooking tips
For those looking to get the best results, here are a few tips:
- Dry the wings: Pat them dry with paper towels before seasoning and baking for extra crispiness.
- Don’t crowd the pan: Make sure to give the wings enough space on the baking sheet, allowing for even cooking and crisping.
- Glaze them twice: For an extra layer of flavor, consider glazing the wings before and after the final bake.
Creative twists
Feel like changing things up? You can experiment with this recipe by trying different flavor profiles. For a tropical twist, add pineapple juice to the glaze. If you’re feeling adventurous, consider a spicy Asian flavor by adding ginger and hoisin sauce. You could even make a BBQ version by substituting honey with barbecue sauce!
FAQs
What is the prep time for these wings?
The prep time is about 10-15 minutes, with a total cooking time of approximately 50-60 minutes, including the baking and caramelizing.
Can I use frozen chicken wings?
Yes, you can! Just make sure to fully thaw them before seasoning and baking to ensure they cook evenly.
Are there any substitutions for soy sauce?
For a gluten-free version, feel free to use tamari instead of soy sauce. If you prefer a low-sodium option, there are also low-sodium soy sauces available.
With this recipe, you’re well on your way to creating the most delightful Southern Sticky Honey-Glazed Wings that are not only easy to make but sure to impress your friends and family! Enjoy every sticky, flavorful bite!
