Baked Chicken Wings

There’s something undeniably satisfying about crispy, flavorful chicken wings. Whether you’re hosting a game day gathering, a casual dinner, or simply indulging in a snack, baked chicken wings are always a hit. They are versatile, easy to prepare, and can be customized to suit any palate. Today, we’re taking a classic recipe and giving it a delightful twist with a flavorful marinade made from low-sodium soy sauce, brown sugar, honey, and garlic. Let’s dive in!

Why This Recipe is a Keeper

This recipe for baked chicken wings stands out for several reasons. Firstly, the marinade is both savory and slightly sweet, creating a mouthwatering flavor profile that enhances the natural taste of the chicken. Secondly, baking instead of frying means you can enjoy crispy wings without the excess grease. Lastly, these wings are incredibly easy to prepare, making them perfect for novice cooks and seasoned chefs alike.

The Ingredient Lineup

To whip up these delicious baked chicken wings, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• 2 pounds chicken wings – Fresh or thawed, ensure they are cleaned and trimmed.
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar – Light or dark, for that touch of sweetness.
• 1 teaspoon brown sugar – To add a bit more depth to the flavor.
• 2 teaspoons honey – For a sticky, sweet glaze.
• 6 garlic cloves, minced – Fresh garlic adds an aromatic punch.
• 1 tablespoon freshly ground black pepper – Enhances the overall flavor with a kick.
• 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper – A little extra for seasoning.
• 1/2 cup low sodium soy sauce or tamari – For a gluten-free option, use tamari.
• Chopped green onions – For garnish, adding freshness.
• Prepared Greek Yogurt Ranch Dip – Optional, but highly recommended for dipping.

Hardware & Gadgets

Before you begin, gather the following kitchen essentials:

• Baking sheet – A large one to accommodate all the wings while ensuring even cooking.
• Parchment paper – For easy cleanup and to prevent sticking.
• Mixing bowl – To combine the marinade ingredients.
• Measuring spoons – For precise ingredient measurements.
• Oven mitts – Safety first when handling hot trays.
• Meat thermometer – To ensure the chicken is cooked to perfection.

Baked Chicken Wings in Steps

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This high temperature will help achieve that perfect crispy skin.

Step 2: Prepare the Marinade

In a mixing bowl, combine the low-sodium soy sauce (or tamari), 1 tablespoon of brown sugar, 1 teaspoon of brown sugar, honey, minced garlic, and the black pepper. Whisk until the ingredients are well blended.

Step 3: Marinate the Chicken Wings

Place the chicken wings in a large mixing bowl or a resealable plastic bag. Pour the marinade over the wings, ensuring they are evenly coated. Allow them to marinate for at least 30 minutes—if time allows, marinating for a few hours in the refrigerator will enhance the flavors even more.

Step 4: Prepare the Baking Sheet

Line your baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup. Arrange the marinated chicken wings in a single layer, making sure they aren’t overcrowded. This helps them cook evenly and get crispy.

Step 5: Bake the Wings

Bake the wings in the preheated oven for about 40-45 minutes, turning them halfway through for even cooking. They should be golden brown and crispy when done.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Once cooked, remove the wings from the oven and let them rest for a few minutes. Garnish with chopped green onions and serve with a side of Greek yogurt ranch dip for a deliciously creamy accompaniment.

Fresh Seasonal Changes

These baked chicken wings are highly adaptable! Here are a few ways to switch things up seasonally:

• Summer: Add a splash of citrus juice like lime or orange to the marinade for a refreshing twist.
• Fall: Incorporate spices like smoked paprika or cayenne for a warm, smoky flavor.
• Winter: Mix in some fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme to give your wings a cozy, aromatic touch.
• Spring: Use honey infused with fresh ginger for a zesty and lively flavor.

Mistakes Even Pros Make

Even seasoned cooks can run into a few common pitfalls when making baked chicken wings:

• Not drying the wings: Pat them dry before marinating to ensure they get crispy.
• Overcrowding the baking sheet: This traps moisture and prevents the wings from crisping up.
• Skipping the marinating time: A quick marinade won’t yield the same depth of flavor.
• Not checking the internal temperature: Chicken should be cooked to 165°F (75°C) for safety.

Storing, Freezing & Reheating

If you happen to have leftovers (though we doubt you will!), here’s how to store and enjoy them later:

Store the baked chicken wings in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you want to freeze them, place the wings in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze before transferring them to a freezer-safe bag. They can be frozen for up to 3 months.

To reheat, simply place the wings on a baking sheet and warm them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes or until heated through. This will help retain their crispy texture.

Helpful Q&A

Can I use frozen chicken wings for this recipe?

Yes, you can! Just make sure to thaw them completely before marinating and baking to achieve the best results.

How do I make the wings extra crispy?

For extra crispiness, you can broil the wings for the last few minutes of baking. Keep a close eye on them to avoid burning!

Can I use this marinade for other proteins?

Absolutely! This marinade works great with chicken thighs, drumsticks, or even tofu for a vegetarian option.

What can I serve with these wings?

These baked chicken wings pair wonderfully with celery sticks, carrot sticks, and your favorite dipping sauces like ranch or blue cheese dressing.

Ready, Set, Cook

Now that you have all the details at your fingertips, it’s time to get cooking! Gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and prepare for a delightful experience. Baked chicken wings are not only a crowd-pleaser, but they also offer a delicious and guilt-free alternative to fried wings. The combination of savory soy sauce, sweet honey, and aromatic garlic creates an irresistible flavor that you’ll crave over and over again.

So whether you’re planning a casual get-together or simply want to treat yourself, these baked chicken wings will surely impress. Happy cooking and enjoy every bite of your homemade wings!

Baked Chicken Wings

These Baked Chicken Wings are crispy, flavorful, and easy to prepare! Perfect for game day or a casual dinner.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 45 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Appetizer

Cuisine: American

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

For the Wings:

• 2 pounds chicken wings fresh or thawed, cleaned and trimmed
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar light or dark
• 1 teaspoon brown sugar for added depth
• 2 teaspoons honey for glaze
• 6 cloves garlic minced
• 1 tablespoon freshly ground black pepper for flavor
• 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper extra seasoning
• 1/2 cup low sodium soy sauce or tamari for gluten-free option, use tamari
• Chopped green onions for garnish
• Prepared Greek Yogurt Ranch Dip optional, for dipping

Equipment

• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper
• Mixing Bowl
• Measuring spoons
• Oven mitts
• Meat thermometer

Method

 

Directions:

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) for crispy skin.
2. Step 2: In a mixing bowl, combine soy sauce, 1 tablespoon brown sugar, 1 teaspoon brown sugar, honey, minced garlic, and black pepper. Whisk until blended.
3. Step 3: Marinate chicken wings in a bowl or resealable bag with marinade for at least 30 minutes.
4. Step 4: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and arrange wings in a single layer.
5. Step 5: Bake wings for 40-45 minutes, turning halfway for even cooking.
6. Step 6: Garnish with green onions and serve with ranch dip.

Notes

• Pat wings dry before marinating for crispiness.
• Avoid overcrowding the baking sheet to prevent moisture.
• Marinate longer for enhanced flavor.