Introduction

Few things are as irresistible as a plate of sticky, golden chicken wings. Honey Garlic Chicken Wings with Sesame Seeds is a dish that perfectly balances sweet, savory, and garlicky flavors, coated in a glossy sauce that clings to each wing. Sprinkled with toasted sesame seeds, these wings are not only delicious but also visually stunning, making them a hit at game nights, family gatherings, or even as a casual dinner.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it’s the perfect combination of comfort food and crowd-pleasing indulgence. The honey caramelizes slightly, giving the wings a sticky sweetness, while the garlic adds a bold, savory punch. The soy sauce balances everything with a touch of saltiness, and the sesame seeds add nutty crunch and fragrance. Every bite is an explosion of flavor.

This is a Must Try Dish

This dish is a must-try because it’s incredibly versatile. You can serve it as an appetizer, a party snack, or even as part of a main meal. Plus, it’s much healthier than deep-fried wings when baked or air-fried, without compromising that crispy, sticky, finger-licking goodness. Whether you’re hosting friends, planning a weekend treat, or just craving something satisfying, these wings never disappoint.

Recipe Information

• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 35 minutes
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Servings: 4 (about 3–4 wings per serving)
• Calories: ~310 kcal per serving
• Course: Appetizer / Snack / Main Dish
• Cuisine: Asian-inspired / Fusion

Ingredients

For the Chicken Wings

• 2 lbs (900 g) chicken wings, split at joints, tips removed
• 2 tbsp cornstarch (for crispiness, optional)
• 1 tbsp vegetable oil (if baking)
• Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Honey Garlic Sauce

• ½ cup honey
• ¼ cup soy sauce (low-sodium preferred)
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp rice vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
• 1 tsp sesame oil
• 1 tsp fresh grated ginger (optional, for extra depth)
• 1 tsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp water (slurry, for thickening)

For Garnish

• 2 tbsp toasted sesame seeds
• 2 tbsp chopped green onions

Cooking Directions

Step 1: Prep the Wings

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) or preheat air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
2. Pat wings dry with paper towels (this helps them crisp).
3. Season with salt, pepper, and lightly toss with cornstarch.
4. Place wings on a greased baking sheet or air fryer basket.

Step 2: Cook the Wings

• Oven: Bake for 35–40 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and crispy.
• Air Fryer: Cook for 25–28 minutes, flipping halfway, until crisp.

Step 3: Make the Sauce

1. In a saucepan over medium heat, combine honey, soy sauce, garlic, vinegar, sesame oil, and ginger.
2. Bring to a simmer and cook for 2–3 minutes.
3. Stir in cornstarch slurry and simmer until sauce thickens (1–2 minutes).

Step 4: Toss and Garnish

1. Transfer cooked wings to a large bowl.
2. Pour sauce over wings and toss until evenly coated.
3. Garnish with sesame seeds and green onions.

Step-by-Step Simplified Method

1. Dry and season chicken wings.
2. Bake/air fry until crispy.
3. Simmer honey, soy sauce, garlic, vinegar, sesame oil, and ginger into a sauce.
4. Toss wings in sauce until sticky.
5. Garnish with sesame seeds and green onions.

How to Serve

• Serve hot on a platter with extra sauce on the side.
• Pair with celery sticks, carrot sticks, or a light cucumber salad.
• Perfect alongside fried rice, noodles, or even as a party snack with drinks.

Recipe Tips

• For extra crispy wings, let them rest uncovered in the fridge for 30 minutes before baking.
• Toast sesame seeds lightly before sprinkling for more flavor.
• Double the sauce recipe if you like your wings extra saucy.
• Use a wire rack over a baking sheet for even crispiness in the oven.

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Variations

• Spicy Honey Garlic Wings: Add 1–2 tbsp sriracha or chili flakes to the sauce.
• Lemon Honey Garlic Wings: Add lemon zest and a squeeze of lemon juice for citrusy freshness.
• Sticky Teriyaki Wings: Replace honey with brown sugar and add mirin for a Japanese twist.
• Vegetarian Version: Use cauliflower florets instead of chicken wings for cauliflower “wings.”

Freezing and Storage

• Storage: Keep leftover wings in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3–4 days. Reheat in oven or air fryer for best texture.
• Freezing: You can freeze cooked wings (without sauce) for up to 2 months. Reheat and then toss with fresh sauce. Sauce itself can be refrigerated for 1 week but does not freeze well.

Special Equipment Needed

• Baking sheet and wire rack (for oven method) OR air fryer
• Saucepan for honey garlic sauce
• Mixing bowl for tossing wings

FAQ

Q1: Can I fry the wings instead of baking or air frying?
Yes, deep fry at 350°F (175°C) for 8–10 minutes until golden and crispy, then toss in sauce.

Q2: Can I make the sauce ahead of time?
Yes, store it in the fridge up to 1 week. Reheat gently before tossing with wings.

Q3: Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, substitute soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos.

Q4: How do I know the wings are fully cooked?
The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).

Q5: What other toppings go well with this dish?
Chopped cilantro, crushed peanuts, or even chili oil for extra heat.

Conclusion

Honey Garlic Chicken Wings with Sesame Seeds is the ultimate crowd-pleaser. Sticky, sweet, garlicky, and just a little nutty from the sesame seeds, these wings are finger-licking good and incredibly easy to make. They’re perfect for parties, weeknight dinners, or weekend indulgence, and they never fail to impress. Once you try them, you’ll want to make them again and again—because some recipes are just too delicious not to repeat!