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Sticky Honey Sriracha Chicken Wings

Sticky Honey Sriracha Chicken Wings

Crispy oven-baked chicken wings coated in a sweet and spicy honey sriracha glaze, finished with sesame seeds and spring onions.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 350

Ingredients
  

  • 1 kg chicken wings drumettes and flats separated
  • 3 tablespoons honey
  • 2 tablespoons sriracha sauce
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce or tamari for gluten-free
  • 1 tablespoon tomato ketchup
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 3 cloves garlic finely minced
  • 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon sesame seeds for garnish
  • 2 spring onions thinly sliced (for garnish)

Method
 

  1. Prepare the sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the honey, sriracha, soy sauce, ketchup, rice vinegar, minced garlic, and grated ginger. The mixture should look a deep reddish-orange and smell pungently sweet with a sharp vinegar tang. Set aside.
  2. Season the wings: Place the dried chicken wings in a large bowl. Drizzle with the vegetable oil and sesame oil, then sprinkle with salt and pepper. Toss with your hands until every piece is lightly coated and glistening.
  3. Heat the pan: Place a large frying pan or skillet over medium-high heat. Let it sit for a full two minutes — you should feel a strong heat rising when you hold your hand a few inches above the surface. A drop of water should sizzle and evaporate instantly.
  4. Sear the wings: Lay the wings in a single layer in the hot pan — do not overcrowd; work in two batches if needed. Leave them undisturbed for 5 minutes. You will hear a loud, steady sizzle and smell toasted chicken skin. When the undersides are deep golden brown, flip each wing with tongs.
  5. Cook the second side: Continue cooking for another 5 minutes, until the wings are evenly bronzed and the skin feels crisp to the touch. The meat near the bone should look opaque, not pink.
  6. Add the sauce: Pour the prepared sauce over the wings. Turn the heat down to medium-low. Stir gently to coat every wing, then let the sauce bubble and reduce for 3-4 minutes. You will see it thicken from a runny liquid into a glossy, sticky glaze that clings to the chicken.
  7. Finish and garnish: Remove the pan from the heat. Sprinkle the sesame seeds and spring onions over the top. The wings should look lacquered and shiny, with dark caramelised edges and a fragrant, spicy-sweet aroma.

Notes

For extra crispiness, pat the wings dry thoroughly before seasoning. You can adjust the sriracha amount to control heat level. Tamari works well as a gluten-free soy sauce substitute.