Name: Sweet and Sour Chicken Wings
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: PT-487003H55M54S
Total time: PT-487003H55M54S
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 12 chicken wings (drumettes and flats) 1 tablespoon olive oil Salt and pepper to taste 1/2 cup sugar 1/2 cup rice vinegar (or white vinegar) 2 tablespoons soy sauce 2 tablespoons ketchup 1 tablespoon honey 1 teaspoon garlic powder 1 teaspoon ginger powder (optional) 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a spicy kick) 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (for thickening the sauce) Green onions or sesame seeds for garnish (optional)

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Sweet and Sour Chicken Wings are a perfect blend of flavors that make every bite satisfying. The crispy skin of the wings paired with the tangy-sweet sauce creates an unforgettable taste experience. Not only are these wings bursting with flavor, but they’re also easy to prepare, making them a go-to choice for casual gatherings or special meals. The balance of sweetness and acidity in the sauce makes them addictive, and they’re a crowd-pleaser no matter the occasion.

Ingredients

12 chicken wings (drumettes and flats)
1 tablespoon olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 cup rice vinegar (or white vinegar)
2 tablespoons soy sauce
2 tablespoons ketchup
1 tablespoon honey
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon ginger powder (optional)
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a spicy kick)
1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (for thickening the sauce)
Green onions or sesame seeds for garnish (optional)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
Pat the chicken wings dry with paper towels. Toss them in olive oil, and season with salt and pepper.
Arrange the wings on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer, ensuring they’re not overcrowded. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the wings are crispy and golden brown, flipping them halfway through.
While the wings are baking, prepare the sweet and sour sauce. In a medium saucepan, combine sugar, rice vinegar, soy sauce, ketchup, honey, garlic powder, and ginger powder. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally.
Once the sauce begins to simmer, add the cornstarch mixture (cornstarch dissolved in water) and stir well. Continue to simmer for 2-3 minutes, or until the sauce thickens to a glossy, syrupy consistency. If you want a spicy kick, add the red pepper flakes at this stage.
Once the wings are done baking, remove them from the oven. Transfer the wings to a large mixing bowl and pour the sweet and sour sauce over them, tossing to coat the wings evenly in the sauce.
Serve the wings immediately, garnished with sliced green onions or sesame seeds if desired.

Servings and Timing

This recipe serves 4 people as an appetizer or 2 people as a main dish. Preparation time is about 10 minutes, and the cooking time is 30-35 minutes, depending on the size of the wings.

Variations

Add pineapple: For an extra layer of sweetness and tropical flair, add chunks of pineapple to the sauce or bake the pineapple alongside the wings.
Make it spicy: Add more red pepper flakes, or incorporate chopped fresh chili peppers to give the wings a spicy punch.
Grill the wings: Instead of baking, you can grill the wings for an added smoky flavor. Just make sure to coat them in the sauce once they’re cooked through.
Crispy coating: If you prefer extra crispy wings, coat them in a light flour or cornstarch coating before baking.
Substitute honey with maple syrup: If you want a different type of sweetness, substitute honey with maple syrup for a unique flavor twist.

Storage/Reheating

To store: Store leftover sweet and sour chicken wings in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
To reheat: Reheat the wings in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-12 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave them, but they may lose some of their crispiness.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen chicken wings for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken wings. Be sure to fully thaw them before baking to ensure they cook evenly.

2. Can I make the sauce ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the sweet and sour sauce ahead of time. Store it in the fridge and reheat it when ready to use.

3. Can I make the wings spicier?

Absolutely! Add more red pepper flakes or fresh chili peppers to the sauce to make it spicier. You could also toss the wings in a spicy sauce or sriracha before baking.

4. Can I bake the wings without flipping them halfway through?

Flipping the wings halfway through ensures they cook evenly and get crispy on both sides. However, if you don’t mind a slightly less crispy texture, you can skip this step.

5. Can I deep fry the chicken wings instead of baking them?

Yes, you can deep fry the chicken wings for an extra crispy texture. Heat oil to 375°F (190°C) and fry the wings for about 8-10 minutes or until golden brown.

6. Can I make this dish ahead of time?

While the wings are best served fresh and crispy, you can prepare the sauce ahead of time and refrigerate it. When you’re ready to serve, bake or fry the wings and coat them with the sauce.

7. Can I use a different type of vinegar?

Yes, you can use white vinegar or apple cider vinegar in place of rice vinegar, though rice vinegar is recommended for its mild, slightly sweet flavor.

8. How can I make the sauce thicker?

The cornstarch and water mixture helps thicken the sauce, but if you prefer a thicker sauce, you can add a little more cornstarch or allow the sauce to simmer longer until it reaches your desired consistency.

9. Can I freeze the leftover wings?

Yes, you can freeze leftover wings. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or foil and store them in an airtight container. Reheat them in the oven when ready to serve.

10. What can I serve with Sweet and Sour Chicken Wings?

These wings pair well with rice, a simple salad, or crispy roasted vegetables. You can also serve them with a dipping sauce such as ranch or blue cheese for extra flavor.

Conclusion

Sweet and Sour Chicken Wings are the perfect combination of crispy, tangy, and sweet. With minimal effort and simple ingredients, these wings offer a delicious flavor that’s sure to please a crowd. Whether you’re serving them as an appetizer or enjoying them as a main dish, these wings are an easy and irresistible option for any occasion.