When it comes to the ultimate finger food, few things can rival the mouthwatering allure of chicken wings. Our Soy & Sweet Chili Chicken Wings recipe strikes the perfect balance between sweet and savory, with a delightful kick that will have your taste buds dancing. Perfect for game day, a casual get-together, or a cozy night in, these wings are deceptively simple to make yet bursting with flavor. So grab your apron, and let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These Soy & Sweet Chili Chicken Wings are not just your average wings. The rich umami flavor from the soy sauce combined with the sweet heat of the chili sauce creates a glaze that clings beautifully to each wing. The addition of garlic and ginger adds depth, while sesame oil lends a nutty richness that takes these wings to the next level. Plus, they’re baked to crispy perfection, making them a healthier alternative to fried wings without sacrificing flavor.
What We’re Using
To create these delicious wings, you’ll need a handful of simple yet flavorful ingredients:
- 3 tablespoons sesame oil – This adds a rich, nutty flavor and enhances the overall taste.
- 3 garlic cloves – Fresh garlic infuses the wings with aromatic goodness.
- 1 medium shallot – A shallot adds a mild onion flavor that complements the other ingredients.
- 2 tablespoons ginger – Fresh ginger adds a zesty kick and depth of flavor.
- 3 oz soy sauce (low sodium preferred) – This forms the savory base of our marinade.
- 6 oz sweet chili sauce – The star of the show, this sauce brings sweetness and a hint of heat.
- 1 ½ lb chicken wings – The main event! Choose fresh wings for the best texture.
- Salt and pepper – To taste, enhancing all the flavors.
Cook’s Kit
Before you start, gather the following kitchen essentials to make your cooking experience smooth and enjoyable:
- Mixing bowl – For combining the marinade.
- Whisk – To blend the marinade ingredients thoroughly.
- Measuring spoons – For accurate ingredient measurements.
- Baking sheet – To bake the chicken wings on.
- Parchment paper – For easy cleanup and to prevent sticking.
- Oven mitts – Safety first when handling hot trays!
Soy & Sweet Chili Chicken Wings Cooking Guide
Follow these simple steps to create your Soy & Sweet Chili Chicken Wings:
Step 1: Prepare the Marinade
In a mixing bowl, combine the sesame oil, minced garlic cloves, finely chopped shallot, and grated ginger. Add the low sodium soy sauce and sweet chili sauce, whisking everything together until well blended. This marinade is the secret to flavorful wings, so take a moment to ensure it’s well mixed.
Step 2: Marinate the Wings
Place the chicken wings in a large resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the wings, ensuring they are well coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or ideally overnight. This allows the flavors to penetrate the meat, resulting in scrumptious wings.
Step 3: Preheat the Oven
When you’re ready to cook, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This temperature is perfect for achieving crispy wings without frying.
Step 4: Bake the Wings
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup. Arrange the marinated wings in a single layer on the sheet, making sure they aren’t overcrowded. Bake in the preheated oven for about 40-45 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the wings are golden brown and crispy.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Once the wings are done, remove them from the oven and let them rest for a few minutes. Serve them hot, garnished with sesame seeds or chopped green onions if desired. Pair with your favorite dipping sauce, and watch them disappear!
Allergy-Friendly Substitutes
If you have dietary restrictions or allergies, here are some substitutions you can make:
- Gluten-free: Use tamari instead of soy sauce to maintain that umami flavor without gluten.
- Low-sugar: Opt for a low-sugar sweet chili sauce or make your own by mixing honey with sriracha for a healthier option.
- Garlic-free: Omit the garlic and use garlic-infused oil for a milder flavor.
- Shallot-free: Substitute with a small amount of finely chopped onion or omit entirely.
Chef’s Notes
- For extra crispy wings, broil them for the last few minutes of cooking, keeping a close eye to prevent burning.
- If you prefer a thicker glaze, you can simmer the leftover marinade in a saucepan until it reduces and thickens before serving.
- These wings can be made in advance and reheated in the oven for a quick snack or appetizer!
- Feel free to adjust the amount of sweet chili sauce to suit your heat preference.
Save It for Later
If you want to save this recipe for future cravings, consider bookmarking this page! These Soy & Sweet Chili Chicken Wings are perfect for meal prep or for parties. You can also experiment with different dipping sauces or sides to keep things exciting.
Troubleshooting Q&A
What should I do if my wings aren’t crispy?
If your wings aren’t crispy, make sure they are spread out on the baking sheet without overlapping. You can also broil them for a few minutes at the end of baking for added crunch, just keep a close eye on them.
Can I use frozen chicken wings for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken wings, but make sure to thaw them completely before marinating and cooking. This will ensure even cooking and better flavor absorption.
How can I adjust the level of spiciness?
To adjust the spiciness, you can add more sweet chili sauce for sweetness or incorporate a dash of cayenne pepper or hot sauce into the marinade for extra heat.
What’s the best way to store leftovers?
Store any leftover wings in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the oven for the best texture.
If you love flavor-packed chicken recipes, you might enjoy:
The Takeaway
Creating your own delicious Soy & Sweet Chili Chicken Wings at home is a rewarding experience that brings friends and family together around the table. With the right balance of sweet and savory, and a touch of spice, these wings are sure to impress. Whether you’re serving them at a party or enjoying them on a quiet evening, they are bound to become a favorite in your household. Now, roll up your sleeves and get ready to indulge in some truly delectable wings!
Soy & Sweet Chili Chicken Wings
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a mixing bowl, combine the sesame oil, minced garlic cloves, finely chopped shallot, and grated ginger. Add the low sodium soy sauce and sweet chili sauce, whisking everything together until well blended.
- Place the chicken wings in a large resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the wings, ensuring they are well coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or ideally overnight.
- When you're ready to cook, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Arrange the marinated wings in a single layer, making sure they aren’t overcrowded. Bake for about 40-45 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crispy.
- Remove the wings from the oven and let them rest for a few minutes. Serve hot, garnished with sesame seeds or chopped green onions if desired.
Notes
- For extra crispy wings, broil them for the last few minutes of cooking.
- If you prefer a thicker glaze, simmer the leftover marinade until it thickens before serving.
- These wings can be made in advance and reheated in the oven for a quick snack!
