Ingredients
Chicken Wings
- 2 pounds chicken wings (separated and wing tips removed)
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra spicy)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- Extra seasonings as desired
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
Honey-Sriracha Sauce
- 1/2 cup Sriracha sauce
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1.5 teaspoons soy sauce (or up to 2 tablespoons, to taste)
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar (or lemon juice as a substitute)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder (or 2 cloves fresh garlic, minced)
- Salt to taste
- 2 tablespoons butter
Instructions
- Prep the Wings: Pat the chicken wings dry thoroughly with paper towels and place them in a large bowl to prepare for seasoning.
- Season the Wings: Rub the wings evenly with baking powder, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper (if using), garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and any extra seasonings desired for enhanced flavor.
- Optional Brine: For extra crispy skin, set the seasoned wings uncovered in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour to dry out the skin further before cooking.
- For Baked Wings – Initial Bake: Preheat the oven to 250°F (120°C). Arrange the wings on a lightly oiled baking sheet and bake for 30 minutes to start rendering the fat.
- For Baked Wings – Crisping Bake: Increase the oven temperature to 425°F (220°C), flip the wings, and bake for an additional 30 minutes or until skin is crispy and wings are cooked through.
- For Grilled Wings: Preheat a lightly oiled grill to medium heat. Grill the wings for 20 minutes, turning once halfway through, making sure not to overcook them.
- Make the Honey-Sriracha Sauce: In a small pot over medium-low heat, whisk together sriracha, honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, garlic powder (or minced garlic), and salt. Simmer gently for 3-4 minutes to combine flavors.
- Add Butter to Sauce: Remove the pot from heat and whisk in the butter until fully melted and the sauce thickens slightly to a glossy finish.
- Serve: Brush the cooked wings generously with the honey-sriracha sauce and serve hot for a deliciously spicy and sweet treat.
Notes
- Using baking powder helps to dry out the wing skin, making it crispy when baked or grilled.
- Adjust the cayenne pepper and sriracha quantity to control the heat level according to your preference.
- For best results, allow wings to rest uncovered in the refrigerator before cooking to further dry the skin.
- The sauce can be made ahead and reheated gently before tossing with wings.
- If you prefer, lemon juice can substitute rice vinegar in the sauce for a slightly different tang.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American