Honey garlic chicken wings are a delightful fusion of sweet and savory flavors, originating from the blend of Asian and American culinary traditions. The sticky, caramelized glaze of honey and garlic is a perfect match for the crispy, juicy wings, making this dish a favorite for gatherings and casual dinners alike. The appeal of these wings lies in their simplicity and the rich, indulgent taste that comes from just a few key ingredients. Whether you're hosting a game day party or simply craving a flavorful treat, honey garlic chicken wings are sure to satisfy.
These honey garlic chicken wings pair wonderfully with a variety of sides. For a balanced meal, consider serving them with a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables to add a touch of freshness. If you're aiming for a more indulgent spread, classic sides like coleslaw, potato wedges, or even a creamy mac and cheese can complement the sweet and savory notes of the wings. A side of ranch or blue cheese dressing can also provide a cool contrast to the warm, sticky wings.
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Honey Garlic Chicken Wings
Servings: 4
Ingredients
2 pounds chicken wings
1/2 cup honey
1/4 cup soy sauce
1/4 cup unsalted butter
1 tablespoon minced garlic
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon sesame seeds (optional)
2 tablespoons chopped green onions (optional)
1/2 cup honey
1/4 cup soy sauce
1/4 cup unsalted butter
1 tablespoon minced garlic
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon sesame seeds (optional)
2 tablespoons chopped green onions (optional)
Directions
Optional (for crispier wings):
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place wings on a foil-lined baking sheet with a wire rack and bake for 20 minutes, turning once. This step helps render fat and gives better texture but can be skipped if you’re short on time.
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place wings on a foil-lined baking sheet with a wire rack and bake for 20 minutes, turning once. This step helps render fat and gives better texture but can be skipped if you’re short on time.
Make the glaze:
In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine honey, soy sauce, butter, garlic, apple cider vinegar, salt, and pepper. Stir until butter melts and the sauce is well blended. Simmer for 5 minutes until slightly thickened.
In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine honey, soy sauce, butter, garlic, apple cider vinegar, salt, and pepper. Stir until butter melts and the sauce is well blended. Simmer for 5 minutes until slightly thickened.
Transfer to slow cooker:
Place wings in a 5- to 6-quart slow cooker. Pour the glaze over the wings and toss to coat evenly.
Place wings in a 5- to 6-quart slow cooker. Pour the glaze over the wings and toss to coat evenly.
Cook:
Cover and cook on:
Cover and cook on:
Low for 3 to 4 hours, or
High for 2 to 2.5 hours,
until wings are tender and cooked through.
until wings are tender and cooked through.
Optional caramelization step:
For sticky, caramelized wings, transfer the cooked wings to a foil-lined baking sheet, brush with extra glaze from the slow cooker, and broil on high for 3–5 minutes per side until slightly crisp and sticky.
For sticky, caramelized wings, transfer the cooked wings to a foil-lined baking sheet, brush with extra glaze from the slow cooker, and broil on high for 3–5 minutes per side until slightly crisp and sticky.
Serve:
Sprinkle with sesame seeds and chopped green onions, if desired.
Sprinkle with sesame seeds and chopped green onions, if desired.
Tips & Variations
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Spicy version? Add 1 tsp crushed red pepper flakes to the glaze.
Tangier glaze? Bump up the apple cider vinegar to 2 tablespoons.
Smoky twist? After slow cooking, finish the wings on a hot grill for 5 minutes per side.