These Easy Balsamic Glazed Chicken Wings are sticky, sweet, and packed with flavor! The balsamic glaze gives them a shiny finish that’s hard to resist.
Making wings is a breeze, and I love how they disappear at parties. Just coat them in the glaze and bake! They’re perfect for game day or a cozy dinner in. 🍗✨
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Wings: Fresh chicken wings are great for this recipe, but you could also use drumsticks if that’s what you have. Just adjust the cooking time since they might take a bit longer to cook through.
Balsamic Vinegar: The balsamic vinegar is key for the glaze’s tangy flavor. If you don’t have it on hand, you can substitute it with apple cider vinegar, but the flavor won’t be exactly the same.
Honey: Honey adds sweetness and helps the glaze stick. If you need a substitute, maple syrup works well too. For a sugar-free option, you could use agave nectar.
Garlic: Fresh minced garlic is the best for flavor! If you run out, garlic powder can work as an alternative—just use about 1/8 teaspoon per clove.
How Do I Make The Perfect Balsamic Glaze?
The balsamic glaze is what gives these wings their incredible flavor! To make it perfect, follow these key steps:
- Combine all glaze ingredients in a saucepan and heat over medium.
- Simmer until it thickens, about 8-10 minutes. Watch closely so it doesn’t burn.
- Once thickened, remove from heat and let cool slightly to thicken more.
- Don’t skip brushing the glaze on both sides of the wings while baking for maximum flavor!
These steps will help ensure your glaze is rich and delicious, enhancing the wings beautifully!
How to Make Easy Balsamic Glazed Chicken Wings
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 pounds chicken wings, tips removed and wings separated
- 1/2 cup balsamic vinegar
- 1/4 cup honey
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)
- Lemon wedges, for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe takes about 15 minutes of prep time and around 40 minutes of cooking time in total. You’ll be enjoying these tasty wings in about an hour!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures that your wings will cook evenly and get nice and crispy. Line a baking sheet with foil for easier cleanup, and place an oven-safe wire rack on top to allow the heat to circulate around the chicken wings.
2. Prepare the Chicken Wings:
Next, pat the chicken wings dry using paper towels. This helps them to get crispier! Season the wings lightly with salt and pepper on both sides to enhance their flavor.
3. Make the Balsamic Glaze:
In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the balsamic vinegar, honey, minced garlic, soy sauce, olive oil, and red pepper flakes if you like a little kick. Bring this mixture to a simmer and let it cook for about 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens into a delicious glaze. Once done, remove it from heat and set aside.
4. Bake the Wings:
Arrange the chicken wings on the wire rack in a single layer. Place them in the oven and bake for 25 minutes. This step gets them nice and cooked.
5. Brush with Glaze:
After 25 minutes, take the wings out of the oven. Generously brush them with the balsamic glaze you’ve made, then flip them over and brush the other side as well. This ensures that every bite is packed with flavor!
6. Finish Baking:
Return the wings to the oven and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until they are fully cooked through and caramelized. Keep an eye on them to avoid burning!
7. Toss with Remaining Glaze:
Once done, remove the wings from the oven. Toss them lightly with any remaining glaze for an extra burst of flavor.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Transfer the wings to a serving plate, sprinkle with chopped green onions, and serve with lemon wedges on the side for a zesty touch. Enjoy your sticky, flavorful balsamic glazed chicken wings!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken Wings for This Recipe?
Yes, you can! Just make sure to fully thaw them first before cooking. The best way to thaw chicken wings is to place them in the refrigerator overnight. If you’re short on time, you can submerge them in cold water in a sealed bag for about 1-2 hours.
What If I Don’t Have Balsamic Vinegar?
If balsamic vinegar is unavailable, you can substitute it with apple cider vinegar or red wine vinegar. Keep in mind that the flavor will differ slightly, but it will still produce a tasty glaze!
Can I Make the Glaze Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the balsamic glaze in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to a week. Just reheat it in the microwave or on the stove before using it to brush on the wings.
How Should I Store Leftover Wings?
To store leftovers, place the chicken wings in an airtight container and refrigerate them for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply bake them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes or until heated through. Enjoy it again!
