A little story before we get to the crispy magic…
Let me take you back to my childhood kitchen, where the smell of sizzling garlic and caramelized honey filled the air. My mom had a way of making the simplest Chinese honey garlic chicken wings taste like they came straight out of a five-star restaurant. She never measured anything—just a pinch of this, a splash of that—but somehow, every bite was perfect.
Fast forward to today, and I still crave that sticky, crispy goodness. So, I set out to recreate her recipe—with a few little tweaks of my own. And let me tell you, these wings are crispy, sweet, savory, and downright addictive. They’ll have you licking your fingers and reaching for just one more—only to realize the plate is already empty.
If you’re ready to bring restaurant-quality Chinese honey garlic chicken wings to your own kitchen, let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Chinese Honey Garlic Chicken Wings Recipe
✔️ Crispy & Sticky: The perfect combination of crunchy texture and sweet, garlicky glaze.
✔️ Easy to Make: Simple ingredients, quick prep, and minimal effort for maximum flavor.
✔️ Better Than Takeout: No more waiting for delivery—this homemade version is fresher and tastier!
✔️ Crowd-Pleaser: Whether it’s game night, a family dinner, or just a self-care snack, these wings always disappear fast.
Ingredients You’ll Need For Chinese Honey Garlic Chicken Wings
Before we dive in, let’s talk about the key players that make this dish shine.
For the Sauce:
- 1 large white onion, chopped
- ½ cup honey (for that rich, sticky sweetness)
- ½ cup brown sugar (deepens the flavor)
- ¼ cup soy sauce (adds umami & saltiness)
- ¼ cup unsalted butter (because butter makes everything better)
- 2 teaspoons mustard powder (a little heat to balance the sweet)
- 1 ½ teaspoons minced garlic (the heart and soul of the dish)
For the Wings:
- 5 pounds chicken wings (flats & drumettes, please!)
How to Make the Best Chinese Honey Garlic Chicken Wings
Step 1: Prep & Bake the Wings
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Pat your chicken wings dry with paper towels (this is the secret to extra crispy skin).
- Arrange the wings on the baking sheet in a single layer.
- Bake for 40-45 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crispy.
Step 2: Make the Honey Garlic Sauce
- In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter.
- Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 3 minutes.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds (your kitchen will smell amazing).
- Pour in the soy sauce, honey, and brown sugar, stirring until combined.
- Sprinkle in the mustard powder, then let the sauce simmer for 5-7 minutes, until thick and glossy.
Step 3: Toss & Serve
- Once the wings are crispy, remove them from the oven and place them in a large bowl.
Pour the hot honey garlic sauce over the wings and toss to coat evenly.
Serve immediately, garnished with sesame seeds or green onions (optional but recommended!).
Tips for the Best Crispy Chinese Honey Garlic Chicken Wings
✔️ Pat those wings dry! Extra moisture = soggy wings. Always dry them with paper towels before baking.
✔️ Don’t crowd the pan. Give the wings space so they crisp up instead of steaming.
✔️ Bake, don’t fry. You’ll still get golden, crispy skin—without the mess or extra oil.
✔️ Want extra crisp? After 40 minutes, broil the wings for 3-5 minutes until they get that irresistible crunch.
If you love Chinese honey garlic chicken wings, you’ll definitely want to try these delicious recipes:
- Crispy Bang Bang Chicken – The Ultimate Sweet & Spicy Delight– A crunchy, flavorful twist on a classic favorite.
- Chicken and Green Beans: A Simple, Delicious, and Healthy Meal
- The Best Crispy Chinese Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe (Easy & Delicious!)– Perfect for those who love a little heat in their wings.
- Irresistible Crispy Shredded Chicken for Weeknight Meals– A sweet and savory delight you can’t resist.
📖 Recipe 📖
Print
Chinese Honey Garlic Chicken Wings – A Sticky, Crispy Delight You’ll Crave
Crispy, sticky, and bursting with sweet and savory flavors, these Chinese honey garlic chicken wings are a must-try!
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 1 large white onion, chopped
- ½ cup honey
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ¼ cup soy sauce
- ¼ cup unsalted butter
- 2 teaspoons mustard powder
- 1 ½ teaspoons minced garlic
- 5 pounds chicken wings (flats & drumettes)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Pat the chicken wings dry with paper towels and arrange them in a single layer on the baking sheet.
- Bake for 40-45 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and crispy.
- In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter.
- Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 3 minutes.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
- Pour in the soy sauce, honey, and brown sugar, stirring until combined.
- Sprinkle in the mustard powder, then let the sauce simmer for 5-7 minutes until thick and glossy.
- Remove the crispy wings from the oven and place them in a large bowl.
- Pour the hot honey garlic sauce over the wings and toss to coat evenly.
- Serve immediately, garnished with sesame seeds or green onions if desired.
Notes
For extra crispiness, broil the wings for 3-5 minutes after baking. Air-fryer method: Cook at 380°F for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Chinese
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 24g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Keywords: chicken wings, honey garlic, crispy wings, Chinese cuisine
FAQs: Your Chinese honey garlic chicken wings Questions, Answered!
❓ Can I air-fry these wings instead?
Absolutely! Cook them at 380°F for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway, until crispy. Then toss them in the sauce.
❓ How do I store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 375°F for 10 minutes to crisp them back up.
❓ Can I make this sauce ahead of time?
Yes! Make the sauce, cool it, and store it in the fridge for up to 5 days. Warm it up before tossing with the wings.
❓ Can I use drumsticks instead?
Of course! Adjust the bake time to 50-55 minutes since drumsticks are bigger.
Final Thoughts: The Ultimate Wing Night Staple
These Chinese honey garlic chicken wings are everything you want—crispy, sticky, sweet, and garlicky in all the best ways. Whether you’re making them for a party, game night, or just because (highly recommend), they’re bound to become a favorite in your home.
Try them out and let me know—did they disappear in record time? Because at my house, they don’t last five minutes.
Looking for more delicious wing recipes? Check out this crispy garlic parmesan wings recipe.