Honey Garlic Chicken Wings transform simple chicken wings into a mouthwatering, crave-worthy treat that’s both indulgent and satisfying.
What makes this recipe stand out is its perfect balance of sweet honey, savory garlic, and a subtle hint of umami from soy sauce and mirin.
Beyond flavor, it’s a protein-rich dish that supports muscle health and keeps you energized.
Using minimal butter and a careful frying method ensures a crisp exterior without excessive saturated fat, while the brining and double-frying technique locks in juiciness, making each bite tender and flavorful.
Quick to prepare and perfect for weeknight meals, this recipe is also excellent for meal prep, parties, or casual snacking.
It’s a simple yet elevated dish that makes everyday cooking feel special.
Must-Have Tools for Perfect Results
Deep Frying Pot
Essential for achieving golden, crispy wings. Its depth ensures even frying and safety when handling hot oil, while its versatility makes it ideal for soups, stews, and frying other favorites.
Wire Cooling Rack
Allows wings to drain excess oil, keeping them crispy while cooling. It’s perfect for baking or roasting vegetables and meats, ensuring even airflow and professional-quality results.
Large Mixing Bowl
Ideal for tossing wings with seasonings, batters, or sauces. Beyond this recipe, it’s a kitchen staple for salads, marinating, or baking prep.
Saucepan: Perfect for simmering the honey garlic sauce to enhance flavors and thicken slightly. This versatile tool is a must for sauces, reductions, and stovetop cooking.
Measuring Spoons
Ensures precise seasoning and sauce ratios for consistent taste. They’re indispensable for baking, marinades, and everyday cooking accuracy.
Crispy Honey Garlic Chicken Wings
Equipment
- Deep Pot for frying (enough oil to fill half the pot)
- Wire Rack for cooling
- Large Bowl for tossing the sauce
- Saucepan for honey garlic sauce
- Measuring Spoons for precise seasoning
Ingredients
Chicken Wings & Seasoning
- 1 lb Chicken Wings
- ½ tsp Salt
- ¼ tsp Black Pepper
- ¼ tsp Paprika
- ¼ tsp Garlic Powder
- ¼ tsp Onion Powder
Chicken Batter
- ¼ cup Potato Starch
- ⅙ –1/4 cup Water
- Honey Garlic Sauce
- 2 tbsp Honey
- 2 tbsp Garlic minced
- 2 tbsp Soy Sauce
- ½ tbsp Mirin
- 3 tbsp Butter
Instructions
- Seasoning the Wings: Begin by combining salt, black pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder in a small bowl. Rub this seasoning mixture generously over each chicken wing, ensuring every surface is coated evenly. Place the seasoned wings in the refrigerator and allow them to brine for at least one hour, or up to 24 hours for maximum flavor infusion.
- Preparing the Batter: In a medium bowl, mix the potato starch with 1/6 to 1/4 cup of water until it forms a smooth, slightly thick batter. Toss the brined wings in this mixture, making sure each wing is fully coated with the batter for a crispy finish when fried. This step is essential to achieving the perfect golden texture.
- Heating the Oil: Pour vegetable oil into a deep pot, filling it to about halfway, and place it over medium-high heat. Test the oil by inserting a wooden spoon or chopstick; when bubbles form around it, the oil has reached the right temperature. Proper oil temperature is crucial to ensure wings cook evenly without absorbing excess oil.
- First Frying: Carefully lower the wings into the hot oil, one by one, to avoid splattering. Fry them for 5–6 minutes until the exterior is light golden and slightly firm, then remove the wings and let them rest on a wire rack for two minutes. This brief rest allows the wings to finish cooking internally while maintaining a crisp surface.
- Making the Sauce: While the wings are frying, combine honey, minced garlic, soy sauce, and mirin in a separate small bowl. Melt butter in a saucepan over low-medium heat, then add the honey mixture and allow it to simmer gently for a few minutes, stirring occasionally, until it becomes aromatic and slightly thickened.
- Second Frying: Return the wings to the hot oil for an additional 2 minutes of frying over high heat. This double-frying technique ensures an ultra-crispy exterior while keeping the interior juicy and tender.
- Tossing in Sauce: Immediately transfer the wings to a large bowl, pour the warm honey garlic sauce over them, and toss thoroughly until each wing is evenly coated in the glossy, flavorful sauce. The quick tossing locks in the flavor while keeping the wings perfectly crispy.
- Serving and Garnishing: Arrange the coated wings on a serving platter and optionally sprinkle with sesame seeds for extra crunch and visual appeal. Serve immediately while hot for the best texture and taste, and enjoy these irresistibly sweet, savory, and crispy wings.
Notes
- For maximum flavor, brine the wings for 12–24 hours; even one hour will add noticeable taste.
- Adjust honey or soy sauce to your preferred sweetness or saltiness.
- Use a thermometer to monitor oil temperature for perfect crispiness and safe frying.
- Double-frying is essential to achieve a crunchy exterior while keeping the meat juicy.
- Serve immediately after tossing in sauce for best texture; wings can get soggy if left too long.
- Optional garnishes like sesame seeds, chopped green onions, or chili flakes enhance flavor and presentation.
Chef’s Secrets for Crispy Wings
The secret to perfect honey garlic wings lies in the brining and double-frying process.
Brining not only seasons the chicken inside and out but also ensures it stays moist while frying.
The first fry cooks the meat gently and forms a light crust, while the second high-heat fry locks in crispiness.
Coating the wings in a potato starch batter rather than flour provides a lighter, extra-crispy texture.
Additionally, simmering the honey garlic sauce briefly allows the flavors to meld and thicken slightly without burning the honey.
These small, deliberate steps create a restaurant-quality dish with juicy interiors and a shiny, flavorful glaze.
Serving Suggestions for Maximum Enjoyment
Honey Garlic Chicken Wings are versatile and pair beautifully with a variety of sides.
Serve them alongside steamed jasmine rice, crunchy coleslaw, or roasted vegetables for a balanced meal.
They also work perfectly as an appetizer for parties or game-day snacks.
For extra flair, garnish with sesame seeds, sliced green onions, or a sprinkle of chili flakes.
Pairing the wings with a cold beverage like iced tea, soda, or a light beer enhances the sweet-savory flavors.
For meal prep, they can be portioned into individual containers with rice and veggies for a quick, protein-rich lunch or dinner.
Storage Tips to Keep Wings Fresh
Store leftover wings in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheat them in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5–7 minutes to restore crispiness without drying them out.
Avoid microwaving directly, as it can make the coating soggy.
The honey garlic sauce can be stored separately in a small jar for up to a week, allowing you to quickly refresh the wings.
For longer storage, wings can be frozen after frying (before tossing in sauce) for up to 2 months, then reheated and coated in sauce for a convenient make-ahead meal.
Frequently Asked Questions About Recipe
1. Can I use frozen wings?
Yes! Thaw frozen wings completely in the refrigerator before seasoning and frying. Pat dry thoroughly to prevent oil splatter and ensure crispiness.
2. Can I bake instead of frying?
Absolutely. Coat wings with batter, place on a greased baking sheet, and bake at 425°F (220°C) for 25–30 minutes, flipping halfway. Finish with the honey garlic sauce for a healthier alternative.
3. Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, if you use potato starch and ensure soy sauce is gluten-free. This makes it a safe option for those avoiding gluten without sacrificing taste or texture.
4. How spicy is this recipe?
This recipe is naturally mild. Add red chili flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce if you prefer a spicier kick.
5. Can I make the sauce ahead of time?
Yes, the honey garlic sauce can be prepared up to a week in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Reheat gently before tossing with freshly cooked wings.
This recipe is inspired by chefchrischo and has been carefully refined to enhance clarity, streamline preparation steps, and ensure accurate results. We’ve also included health benefits, nutritional highlights, and Must-Have Tools to help you get the best results every time you cook.
