These Spicy Honey-Soy Baked Chicken Wings are a fiery fusion of flavor, boasting a perfect balance between heat, sweetness, and umami. Marinated in a bold blend of chili powder, smoked paprika, and garlic, then baked to crispy perfection and finished with a sticky honey-soy glaze, these wings are the kind of dish that disappears quickly at any gathering.
Unlike traditional fried wings, these are baked in the oven on a wire rack to allow airflow from all sides—resulting in a crunch without the grease. The spices penetrate deep into the meat, while the glaze caramelizes just enough to leave a glossy finish with every bite. Paired with a creamy dipping sauce enriched with garlic, lemon, and Dijon mustard, they offer a cooling contrast that tames the flame. Whether you’re hosting a movie night, planning a festive platter, or simply craving something bold, these wings tick all the boxes: crispy, sticky, spicy, and deeply satisfying.
🧂 INGREDIENTS:
For the Wings:
- 2 pounds chicken wings
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon dried basil
- ½ teaspoon dried parsley
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
For the Honey-Soy Glaze:
- ¼ cup honey
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
For the Dipping Sauce:
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- ¼ cup sour cream
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
👨🍳 INSTRUCTIONS:
- Preheat & Prep Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with foil and place a wire rack on top for airflow and crispiness.
- Season the Wings In a large mixing bowl, whisk together olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, chili powder, cayenne, oregano, thyme, basil, parsley, and red pepper flakes. Toss the chicken wings in the spice blend until evenly coated.
- Arrange & Bake Lay the wings on the wire rack in a single layer, ensuring they’re not touching. Bake for 25–30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crisp.
- Make the Glaze While wings bake, combine honey, soy sauce, and apple cider vinegar in a saucepan. Simmer over medium heat for 2–3 minutes until slightly thickened. Remove from heat.
- Toss & Coat Once baked, transfer wings to a large bowl. Pour the honey-soy glaze over and gently toss until evenly coated.
- Prepare Dipping Sauce In a small bowl, mix mayonnaise, sour cream, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until smooth and creamy.
- Serve Hot Plate the wings on parchment paper for that rustic feel. Serve warm with the dipping sauce and lemon wedges for a citrusy burst.
🌶 Notes & Variations:
- Want it extra sticky? Pop the glazed wings back in the oven for 5 minutes under broil.
- Swap mayo with Greek yogurt for a wellness-friendly twist.
- Try adding sesame seeds or scallions for garnish and crunch.