These Honey Sriracha Chicken Wings are a fun mix of sweet and spicy! With honey for sweetness and Sriracha for a punch, each bite is full of flavor.
Making these wings is a blast! They’re perfect for game day or a cozy night in. I love serving them with crunchy veggies for a fresh crunch! 🥕
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Wings: These are the star of your dish. You can use party wings, drumettes, or even boneless chicken pieces if preferred! Chicken drumsticks are a great alternative if you like more meat on your wings.
Honey: Honey adds sweetness and helps with that tasty sticky glaze. If you’re looking for a substitute, maple syrup or agave syrup works well too, giving you a different flavor profile while still being sweet.
Sriracha Sauce: This sauce gives heat and depth to the wings. If you’re after something milder, consider using a sweet chili sauce or a milder hot sauce. On the flip side, if you love more heat, add extra Sriracha or a dash of cayenne pepper!
Soy Sauce: Adds a salty umami flavor. If you need a gluten-free option, tamari is a great substitute. Coconut aminos can also work, providing a slightly sweeter taste.
Rice Vinegar: This adds a nice kick of acidity. If you don’t have it, you can use apple cider vinegar or white vinegar as a substitute, but adjust the amount to taste since they can be tangier.
How Can I Make Sure My Chicken Wings are Crispy?
Getting crispy chicken wings, whether baking or frying, can be tricky but totally achievable! Here are some helpful steps:
- Dry the chicken wings well with paper towels before marinating to remove excess moisture. Moisture prevents crispiness.
- When baking, lining the baking sheet with parchment paper helps prevent sticking and makes clean-up easy.
- Flipping the wings halfway through cooking is crucial; this ensures all sides get nice and crispy.
- If frying, do not overcrowd the pot. Fry in batches for even cooking and crispiness.
- For extra crunch, consider giving the wings a light dusting of cornstarch before baking or frying. It really enhances the texture!
How to Make Honey Sriracha Chicken Wings
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken Wings:
- 2 pounds chicken wings
For the Marinade:
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/4 cup Sriracha sauce
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Garnish (Optional):
- Sesame seeds
- Chopped green onions
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare the marinade and wings, plus at least 30 minutes of marinating time. If you want the best flavor, let the wings marinate for 2 hours or up to overnight. Baking will take around 40-45 minutes, and frying will take about 8-10 minutes.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven or Prepare the Fryer:
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). If you’re using a deep fryer, set it up according to the manufacturer’s instructions. This ensures that everything is ready for cooking shortly after marinating.
2. Make the Marinade:
In a large mixing bowl, pour in the honey, Sriracha sauce, soy sauce, rice vinegar, garlic powder, onion powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir all these ingredients together until well combined. The marinade should be sweet and spicy!
3. Marinate the Chicken Wings:
Add the chicken wings to the marinade in the bowl. Toss them around until each wing is nicely coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid, and let them marinate for at least 30 minutes. If you have more time, refrigerate them for 2 hours or overnight for extra flavor.
4. Baking Option:
If you’re baking, line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup. Lay the marinated chicken wings in a single layer on the sheet. Bake in the preheated oven for about 40-45 minutes. Remember to flip the wings halfway through cooking so they get crispy all over!
5. Frying Option:
If you choose to fry, heat oil in your deep fryer or a pot until it reaches 375°F (190°C). Carefully add the wings in batches and fry them for about 8-10 minutes, or until they turn golden brown and crispy. Make sure to drain them on paper towels afterwards to soak up extra oil.
6. Toss in Remaining Marinade:
After the wings are cooked, toss them in the remaining marinade that wasn’t used for marinating. This step adds a delightful coating of flavor to your wings!
7. Garnish and Serve:
Transfer your tasty wings to a serving platter. If you’d like, sprinkle some sesame seeds and chopped green onions on top for a nice garnish.
8. Enjoy!
Serve your Honey Sriracha Chicken Wings hot and enjoy the delicious combination of sweet and spicy flavors!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken Wings?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thoroughly thaw them before marinating. The best way to thaw is in the fridge overnight, or you can use the quick method by placing them in a sealed bag submerged in cold water for about an hour. Once thawed, proceed with the marination and cooking steps as usual.
Can I Adjust the Spice Level?
Sure! To lower the heat, reduce the amount of Sriracha in the marinade. You can replace it with more honey for sweetness or add a mild hot sauce. If you want to kick up the heat, include more Sriracha or add red pepper flakes to the marinade for an extra kick. Taste your marinade before adding the chicken to ensure it meets your preference!
How to Store Leftover Wings?
Store any leftover chicken wings in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through. This will help maintain their crispiness compared to using the microwave.
Can I Make These Wings in an Air Fryer?
Yes! Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (193°C) and arrange the wings in a single layer, ensuring they’re not overcrowded. Cook for about 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they are crispy. Toss with the marinade after cooking just like you would if you baked or fried them!
