Sweet and Spicy Wings

🕒 Prep: 10 min
🔥 Cook: 40 min
🍽 Serves: 4
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Get ready to elevate your chicken wing game with this Sweet and Spicy Wings recipe. It's the perfect balance of heat and sweetness, making it an irresistible dish for game nights, parties, or just a fun family dinner.

Ingredients for Sweet and Spicy Wings

Chicken wings are the star here, offering a great canvas for our flavorful sauce. The combination of honey and sriracha sauce creates that perfect sweet-heat balance. Soy sauce adds depth and umami, while apple cider vinegar cuts through the richness with a subtle tang. Olive oil helps everything adhere, and the spices — garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika — bring aromatic warmth. Finish with a sprinkle of sesame seeds and fresh cilantro for a nutty, fresh finish.

Tips & Tricks

  • For extra crispy skin, pat the wings dry with a paper towel before marinating.
  • Feel free to adjust the sriracha level if you're sensitive to heat.
  • If you have time, let the wings marinate for 30 minutes to 2 hours for even deeper flavor.
  • Reheat leftovers in the oven to maintain crispiness.

Serving Suggestions

These wings pair wonderfully with a crisp, refreshing slaw or a simple cucumber salad. For a hearty meal, serve alongside some fluffy jasmine rice or roasted vegetables. A cold beer or a sparkling soda can complement the spice nicely.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen wings?
Yes, just make sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before marinating.
Is there a substitute for sriracha?
You can use any hot sauce you prefer, but note that flavors may vary slightly.
Can these be made on a grill?
Absolutely! Grill over medium heat, using the same marinade and flipping occasionally.

Sweet and Spicy Wings Recipe Walkthrough

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This temperature ensures the wings will cook through and develop a nice crispy skin. Line a baking sheet with foil to make cleanup easier — trust me, you'll be grateful later.

In a large bowl, combine the honey, soy sauce, sriracha, apple cider vinegar, olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Whisk until everything's smooth and well combined.

Add the chicken wings to the bowl. Using tongs or your hands, toss them until they're evenly coated with the marinade. This is where you'll see the magic start to happen — the wings absorbing all that flavor.

Arrange the wings in a single layer on your prepared baking sheet. This ensures they cook evenly and get that desired crispiness. Pop them in the oven for 35-40 minutes, flipping them halfway through. This flip is crucial for even cooking and crispy skin.

While the wings are baking, toast your sesame seeds in a small pan over low heat. Keep an eye on them, as they can go from golden to burnt quickly. Once golden, set them aside.

Once your wings are done, let them cool slightly. This rest helps them firm up a bit. Sprinkle with those toasted sesame seeds and fresh cilantro before serving, adding a pop of flavor and color.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Perfect balance of sweet and spicy flavors that dance on your palate.
  • Simple ingredients that pack a punch without overwhelming your senses.
  • Easy to prepare, making it an ideal choice for both beginners and seasoned cooks.
  • Crispy, oven-baked wings that are healthier than fried options.

Ingredients

2 lbs chicken wings
1/2 cup honey
1/4 cup soy sauce
1/4 cup sriracha sauce
2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
1/2 tsp smoked paprika
Salt and pepper to taste
1 tbsp sesame seeds
2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with foil.
2. In a large bowl, mix honey, soy sauce, sriracha, apple cider vinegar, olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
3. Add chicken wings to the bowl and toss to coat evenly.
4. Arrange the wings in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.
5. Bake for 35-40 minutes, flipping halfway, until crispy and cooked through.
6. In a small pan, toast sesame seeds over low heat until golden brown.
7. Remove wings from oven, let cool slightly, and sprinkle with sesame seeds and fresh cilantro before serving.

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