Print

Caramelized Chicken Wings

Caramelized Chicken Wings

These Caramelized Chicken Wings feature crispy skin and a rich, sticky caramelized sauce combining sweet and savory flavors. Perfect as a crowd-pleasing appetizer or main dish, this easy recipe balances juicy chicken with a luscious glaze for irresistible taste and texture.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 2 lbs fresh jumbo chicken wings
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup soy sauce (light or low-sodium recommended)
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
  • 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons honey
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable or canola oil

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Wings: Pat the chicken wings dry thoroughly with paper towels to remove excess moisture for crispy skin. Trim any excess skin or wing tips if desired for a cleaner presentation.
  2. Make the Marinade: In a bowl, whisk together brown sugar, soy sauce, minced garlic, grated ginger, rice vinegar, honey, and a pinch of black pepper until the sugar dissolves and the mixture is well combined.
  3. Marinate the Wings: Place the wings in the marinade, ensuring each piece is fully coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or ideally overnight, to allow deep flavor penetration.
  4. Cook the Wings: Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add wings in a single layer and fry until the skin is golden and crisp on both sides, about 7-8 minutes per side. Remove wings and set aside.
  5. Caramelize the Sauce: Pour the remaining marinade into the skillet and simmer on medium heat until thick and sticky, about 5-7 minutes. Return wings to skillet and toss to coat thoroughly with the caramelized sauce.
  6. Serve Warm: Transfer wings to a serving plate, drizzle with any remaining sauce, garnish as desired, and serve immediately.

Notes

  • Pat wings completely dry before cooking to ensure crispiness.
  • Do not overcrowd the pan; cook wings in batches if necessary for even browning.
  • Simmer the sauce slowly to avoid burning and achieve a thick, glossy glaze.
  • Use a heavy-bottomed skillet for even heat distribution and better caramelization.
  • Marinate overnight if possible, for deeper flavor infusion.
  • Baking alternative: bake at 400°F (200°C) on a wire rack for 35-40 minutes for crispy wings with less oil.

Nutrition

Keywords: Caramelized chicken wings, sweet and savory wings, crispy chicken wings, party appetizers, sticky wings