
These crispy sweet chili chicken wings are the perfect holiday-party appetizer. They bake up golden and crunchy without frying, and the sticky sweet-heat glaze makes them irresistible. Tested twice; the best texture came from a light cornstarch coating and a hot blast at the end. Great for game days, potlucks, or a simple weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs chicken wings, flats and drums separated (about 900 g)
- 1 tbsp baking powder (aluminum-free)
- 2 tbsp cornstarch
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ¾ cup sweet chili sauce (180 ml)
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1 tsp grated fresh ginger
- 1 clove garlic, minced
Swaps & Notes
| Need | Swap | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Dairy-free | Already dairy-free | No changes needed |
| Gluten-free | Tamari instead of soy sauce | Sweet chili sauce is usually GF but check labels |
| No alcohol/pork | Already compliant | No alcohol or pork ingredients |
| Pantry subs | Maple syrup for honey | Slightly less sticky but works well |
Step-By-Step Instructions
- Bake the wings
Pat wings very dry. Toss with baking powder, cornstarch, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Lay on a parchment-lined sheet. Bake at 425°F (220°C) for 40–45 minutes, flipping once. - Make the glaze
In a small saucepan, warm sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, ginger, and garlic. Simmer 2–3 minutes until slightly thickened. - Toss & crisp
Brush or toss wings with glaze. Return to the oven for 5–7 minutes until bubbling and crisp at the edges.
Pro Tips & Variations
- For extra crisp skin, dry wings overnight uncovered in the fridge.
- Air fryer option: 390°F (200°C) for 18–20 minutes, shaking halfway.
- Add ½–1 tsp sriracha for spicier wings.
- Swap sweet chili sauce with cranberry chili sauce for a holiday twist.
- Keep wings on a wire rack over the sheet pan to promote airflow.
- Use low-sodium soy sauce to keep the glaze balanced.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with carrot sticks, celery, or sliced cucumbers.
- Add jasmine rice to make it a full dinner.
- Pair with roasted green beans or a simple slaw.
Storage & Reheating
- Refrigerate: Up to 3 days in an airtight container.
- Freeze: Up to 2 months without glaze; reheat then glaze.
- Reheat: 400°F (205°C) for 10 minutes until sizzling.
- Food safety: Reheat to an internal temp of 165°F (74°C).
Troubleshooting
- Wings not crisp: Pat dry thoroughly and increase the final blast at high heat.
- Glaze too thin: Simmer an extra 1–2 minutes.
- Too sweet: Add an extra splash of rice vinegar.
FAQs
Q1: Can I make these wings ahead?
A1: Yes. Bake fully, refrigerate, then reheat and glaze right before serving.
Q2: Are these wings spicy?
A2: Mild. Increase heat with sriracha or crushed red pepper if you want more kick.
Q3: Can I use frozen wings?
A3: Yes, but thaw completely and pat very dry for maximum crispiness.
Nutrition (per serving)
Calories: ~310; Protein: 23 g; Carbs: 19 g; Fat: 17 g
Print
Crispy Sweet Chili Chicken Wings
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Ultra-crispy baked sweet chili chicken wings with a sticky holiday-ready glaze.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs chicken wings
- 1 tbsp baking powder
- 2 tbsp cornstarch
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp pepper
- 3/4 cup sweet chili sauce
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1 tsp grated ginger
- 1 clove garlic, minced
Instructions
- Bake seasoned wings at 425°F (220°C) for 40–45 minutes.
- Simmer sweet chili glaze until slightly thick.
- Toss wings in glaze and broil or bake to crisp.
Notes
Crispiest texture comes from patting wings dry and using high heat.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 14
- Sodium: 520
- Fat: 17
- Saturated Fat: 4
- Carbohydrates: 19
- Fiber: 0
- Protein: 23
- Cholesterol: 95
Keywords: crispy sweet chili chicken wings, sweet chili wings, baked wings