Are you ready to ditch the deep fryer and say hello to the ultimate baked chicken wing recipe? These Caramelized Baked Chicken Wings are not only incredibly easy to make, but they deliver a flavor explosion that will have your family and friends begging for more. Forget bland, forget soggy – these wings are all about crispy skin, juicy meat, and a sweet-and-savory glaze that’s utterly irresistible.

I’ve made countless batches of chicken wings in my day, and this recipe has become my absolute go-to. Here’s why:

  • : The marinade isn’t just a marinade; it transforms into the most incredible caramelized glaze as the wings bake.

  • : Baking the wings on a wire rack ensures that they get crispy on all sides, without the need for messy and unhealthy deep frying.

  • : The combination of soy sauce, brown sugar, honey, ginger, and garlic creates a symphony of flavors that will tantalize your taste buds.

This marinade is the heart of the recipe. Here’s what makes it so special:

  • : Provides a deep, savory umami flavor that forms the base of the glaze.

  • : The dynamic duo for creating that beautiful caramelization and sticky-sweet goodness.

  • : Adds a touch of tanginess to balance the sweetness and cut through the richness.

  • : These aromatics add a punch of flavor that elevates the wings to the next level.

Follow these simple tips to ensure your wings turn out perfectly every time:

  • : A hot 400°F (200°C) oven is essential for achieving that caramelized exterior while keeping the inside juicy.

  • : This is crucial for even cooking and all-around crispiness.

  • : Excess moisture is the enemy of crispy skin. Use paper towels to pat the wings dry before marinating.

  • : Broiling adds that final touch of crispiness, but be careful not to burn the wings.

The best part about this recipe is that it’s incredibly versatile. Here are a few ideas to customize it to your liking:

  • : A dash of Sriracha or a pinch of cayenne pepper will add a fiery kick.

  • : Substitute lime juice for the apple cider vinegar for a bright, zesty flavor.

  • : Add a pinch of five-spice powder for an exotic twist.

  • : A sprinkle of sesame seeds adds a nutty flavor and visual appeal.

: 15 minutes (+ 30 minutes marinating)
: 40 minutes
: 1 hour 25 minutes
: 4

:

  • 2 lbs chicken wings, tips removed

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

  • Green onions, chopped (for garnish)

  • Sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)

:

  • 1/2 cup soy sauce

  • 1/2 cup brown sugar

  • 1/4 cup honey

  • 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar

  • 3 cloves garlic, minced

  • 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, minced

  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

  1. :

    • Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).

    • Line a baking sheet with foil and place a wire rack on top.

    • Pat the wings dry with paper towels.

  2. :

    • In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar, and honey until the sugar is mostly dissolved.

    • Add apple cider vinegar, minced garlic, minced ginger, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Mix well.

  3. :

    • Place the wings in a large bowl or zip-top bag and pour the marinade over them. Toss to coat evenly.

    • Let marinate for at least 30 minutes, or preferably overnight, in the refrigerator.

    • Reserve the extra marinade for basting.

  4. :

    • Arrange the marinated wings in a single layer on the wire rack.

    • Brush the wings with olive oil.

    • Bake for 35-40 minutes, turning halfway through, until the wings are cooked through and the skin is golden brown.

  5. :

    • For extra crispiness, broil the wings for 3-5 minutes, watching closely to prevent burning.

  6. :

    • Let the wings rest for 5 minutes before serving.

    • Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds (if desired).

    • Serve hot and enjoy!

  • For the crispiest wings, make sure to pat them very dry before marinating.

  • Don’t overcrowd the baking sheet. Cook in batches if necessary.

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

These wings are delicious on their own, but here are a few side dishes that complement them perfectly:

  • Asian Slaw

  • Steamed Rice

  • Cucumber Salad

  • Your favorite cold beer!

I can’t wait for you to try these Caramelized Baked Chicken Wings. Once you do, please let me know how they turned out in the comments below!

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