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Sweet and Spicy Glazed Wings

Featured in: Finger Foods and Party Snacks

These Sweet and Spicy Glazed Wings offer the perfect balance of heat and sweetness. The wings are seasoned with a blend of spices including garlic powder and smoked paprika, then cooked until perfectly crispy either by baking or frying. The signature glaze combines honey and brown sugar for sweetness with hot sauce and cayenne for heat, all balanced by soy sauce and apple cider vinegar. The result is a sticky, flavorful coating that clings to every wing. Versatile cooking methods allow for either baking or frying, making these wings adaptable to any kitchen setup. The finished wings can be garnished with fresh green onions, sesame seeds, or cilantro for added flavor and presentation.
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Updated on Wed, 19 Feb 2025 01:17:19 GMT
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Sweet and Spicy Chicken Wings | quickierecipe.com

Imagine biting into a perfectly crispy wing where sticky sweet glaze meets fiery spice, creating an explosion of flavors that makes it impossible to eat just one. These wings develop a gorgeous lacquered finish as the glaze reduces, creating a shiny coating that beckons you to lick your fingers after every bite. The perfect balance of heat and sweet creates an addictive combination that will have your guests reaching for 'just one more' all evening long.

Essential Building Blocks

  • Fresh Chicken Wings: Need to be thoroughly dried, select plump wings with unblemished skin, avoiding any with dark spots or off odors.
  • Quality Honey: Adds natural sweetness, local honey provides complex floral notes and perfect consistency.
  • Brown Sugar: Deepens sweetness, dark brown offers richer molasses flavor than light.
  • Premium Hot Sauce: Forms our heat base, choose based on your preferred spice level.
  • Fresh Garlic Powder: Provides aromatic depth, check for strong aroma without clumping.
  • Smoked Paprika: Brings color and warmth, Spanish paprika offers the richest flavor.
  • Apple Cider Vinegar: Balances sweetness raw, unfiltered provides best tang.
  • Soy Sauce: Adds umami depth, choose naturally brewed for superior taste.
  • Fresh Cilantro: Brightens finish, look for vibrant bunches without yellowing.
  • Green Onions: Add fresh bite, select firm stalks with bright color.

Creating Perfect Wings

Preparation Phase:
Pat wings completely dry with paper towels, ensuring no moisture remains. Season generously with spice mixture, massaging it into every surface. Arrange wings on a rack with space between each piece for proper air circulation.
Mastering Crispiness:
Whether baking or frying, maintain a consistent temperature throughout cooking. Watch for golden brown color and crispy skin before glazing. Test one wing to ensure meat is fully cooked near the bone.
Glaze Creation:
Combine sauce ingredients in a heavy-bottomed pan. Simmer gently until mixture thickens slightly and coats the back of a spoon. Let cool briefly to achieve perfect coating consistency.
Easy Sweet and Spicy Chicken Wings Pin it
Easy Sweet and Spicy Chicken Wings | quickierecipe.com

Perfect Pairings

Serve alongside crisp celery and carrot sticks with blue cheese or ranch dressing. Offer both mild and spicy sauce options. Consider providing napkins and wet wipes for sticky fingers.

Making It Your Own

Adapt heat levels by adjusting cayenne and hot sauce amounts. Try different honey varieties for unique flavor profiles. Add ginger and sesame oil for Asian-inspired wings. Create Caribbean style with pineapple juice and jerk seasoning.

Storage Wisdom

Keep cooked wings separate from sauce if preparing ahead. Reheat wings in a hot oven to restore crispiness before glazing. Make extra sauce to keep on hand for quick preparation next time.

Delicious Sweet and Spicy Chicken Wings Pin it
Delicious Sweet and Spicy Chicken Wings | quickierecipe.com

Through years of perfecting these wings, they've become more than just a recipe, they're a guarantee of happy guests and memorable gatherings. The way conversation stops mid-bite as people savor each wing, then resumes with enthusiastic praise, makes all the attention to detail worthwhile. Whether served at casual game day parties or dressed up for entertaining, these wings never fail to bring people together and create lasting memories around the table.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Which cooking method yields crispier wings?
Frying typically yields crispier wings, but baking on a wire rack also produces excellent results with less oil and easier cleanup.
→ Can I make the wings ahead of time?
Cook the wings ahead of time and reheat in a hot oven, but make the glaze fresh and toss just before serving for best results.
→ How can I adjust the spiciness level?
Adjust the amount of hot sauce and omit the cayenne pepper for milder wings, or increase both for extra heat.
→ What type of hot sauce works best?
Any vinegar-based hot sauce works well - Franks RedHot, Sriracha, or Tabasco are all good options depending on your heat preference.
→ How do I keep the wings crispy after glazing?
Toss the wings in the glaze just before serving, and avoid letting them sit in the sauce for too long to maintain crispiness.

Sweet and Spicy Glazed Wings

Crispy chicken wings tossed in a sticky-sweet and spicy glaze made with honey, brown sugar, and hot sauce, garnished with green onions.

Prep Time
15 Minutes
Cook Time
45 Minutes
Total Time
60 Minutes
By: Meryem


Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: Asian-American Fusion

Yield: 4 Servings (20-24 wing pieces)

Dietary: Low-Carb, Dairy-Free

Ingredients

→ Wings and Seasoning

01 2 pounds chicken wings, split into flats and drumettes
02 1 teaspoon kosher salt
03 ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
04 1 teaspoon garlic powder
05 1 teaspoon smoked paprika

→ Sweet and Spicy Glaze

06 ¼ cup pure honey
07 ¼ cup brown sugar
08 ¼ cup hot sauce of your choice
09 1 tablespoon soy sauce
10 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
11 ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for extra heat)

→ Garnishes

12 Fresh green onions, thinly sliced
13 Toasted sesame seeds
14 Fresh cilantro, chopped

Instructions

Step 01

Start with clean, dry wings - pat them thoroughly with paper towels to remove any moisture (this is crucial for achieving that crispy skin we're after). Toss them in a bowl with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika until evenly coated.

Step 02

You've got two delicious options here! For baking: arrange wings on a wire rack over a foil-lined baking sheet and cook at 400°F for 40-45 minutes, flipping halfway. For frying: heat oil to 375°F and fry in batches for 8-10 minutes until golden and crispy. Either way, you're looking for that perfect crispy exterior!

Step 03

While your wings are cooking, combine honey, brown sugar, hot sauce, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, and cayenne (if using) in a saucepan. Heat over medium, stirring occasionally, until the mixture starts bubbling and thickens slightly, about 3-5 minutes.

Step 04

Toss your hot, crispy wings in the sweet and spicy glaze until they're thoroughly coated. Garnish with sliced green onions, a sprinkle of sesame seeds, and fresh cilantro if desired.

Notes

  1. Thoroughly drying the wings is crucial for achieving crispy skin
  2. The glaze can be made ahead and reheated when needed
  3. Adjust the amount of hot sauce and cayenne to control the heat level

Tools You'll Need

  • Wire rack and baking sheet OR deep fryer
  • Large mixing bowl
  • Small saucepan
  • Paper towels
  • Measuring cups and spoons

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Contains soy (soy sauce)