These caramelized baked chicken wings have become my go-to recipe for game days and gatherings! Sweet, sticky, and perfectly crispy, they strike that perfect balance between indulgent and irresistible. The secret? A flavor-packed marinade that turns into the most amazing glaze as it bakes.
Why These Wings Work
The marinade does double duty here – it infuses the wings with flavor and creates that gorgeous caramelized coating. Plus, baking them on a wire rack ensures they get crispy all around without deep frying.
The Marinade Magic
Here’s what makes these wings special:
- Soy sauce brings umami depth
- Brown sugar and honey create caramelization
- Apple cider vinegar adds tang
- Fresh ginger and garlic pack flavor punch
Getting Perfect Results
Temperature Matters: A hot 400°F oven is crucial for achieving that caramelized exterior while keeping the inside juicy.
The Right Setup: Don’t skip the wire rack! It’s essential for even cooking and crispiness.
Time It Right: 35-40 minutes usually does it, but watch for that golden-brown color.
Make It Your Own
- Add Sriracha for heat
- Try lime juice for tang
- Include five-spice powder
- Finish with sesame seeds
Caramelized Baked Chicken Wings
Prep: 15 mins + 30 mins marinating | Cook: 40 mins | Total: 1 hr 25 mins
Serves: 4
Ingredients:
For the Wings:
- 2 lbs chicken wings, tips removed
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Green onions, chopped (garnish)
- Sesame seeds (optional garnish)
For the Marinade:
- 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)
Instructions:
- Prep:
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C)
- Line baking sheet with foil
- Place wire rack on sheet
- Pat wings dry with paper towels
- Make Marinade:
- Whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar, honey
- Add vinegar, garlic, ginger, peppers
- Mix until sugar dissolves
- Marinate:
- Toss wings in marinade
- Let sit 30 mins (or overnight)
- Reserve extra marinade
- Bake:
- Arrange wings on rack
- Brush with olive oil
- Bake 35-40 minutes, turning halfway
- Broil 3-5 mins for extra crispiness
- Finish:
- Let rest 5 minutes
- Garnish with green onions, sesame seeds
- Serve hot
Notes:
- Pat wings very dry for best crispiness
- Don’t skip the wire rack
- Watch closely during broiling
- Stores 3-4 days refrigerated
Perfect Pairings:
- Asian slaw
- Steamed rice
- Cucumber salad
- Cold beer
