Description
Sweet and Sour Chicken Wings are a crispy, tangy, and savory appetizer with a vibrant, sticky sauce that perfectly balances sweet and sour flavors. They’re simple to make yet incredibly flavorful, making them perfect for any 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)
Instructions
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 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.
Notes
- Add pineapple for a tropical twist by adding chunks to the sauce or baking alongside the wings.
- Make the wings spicier by adding more red pepper flakes or fresh chili peppers.
- Grill the wings for a smoky flavor instead of baking them.
- For extra crispy wings, coat them lightly in flour or cornstarch before baking.
- Substitute honey with maple syrup for a unique twist on sweetness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 3 wings
- Calories: 270
- Sugar: 16g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 14g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
