Crispy honey and sour chicken wings coated in sauce and sprinkled with sesame seeds.

Honey & Sour Chicken Wings

By Tima Gaye

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • The balance of sweet, sour, spicy, and sticky is on point
  • The wings come out perfectly crispy — no soggy business here
  • It’s easy to follow and doesn’t need fancy ingredients
  • You can control the spice level to suit your taste
  • It’s party food, dinner foo

    🎥 Unlock the Honey Sour Chicken Wings Quiz Answers

    Watch a short video, then test your skills with this sweet, sour & spicy wings quiz! 🍯🌶️🍗

    (After watching, the correct quiz answers will appear below!)

    🧠 Quick Quiz: Honey Sour Chicken Wings

    1. Which ingredient helps the wings become extra crispy before frying?
    2. What three aromatics build the base flavor in the chicken marinade?
    3. What sweet ingredient balances the tangy vinegar in the sauce?
    4. Which spicy element gives the sauce its beautiful red color?
    5. What’s added at the end to loosen and blend the sauce perfectly?

    💡 Tip: Think of the mix — sweet, sour, spicy, and just a touch of glossy goodness!

    Introduction

    If you’re craving wings that hit every note—crispy, sticky, sweet, and tangy—these Honey & Sour Chicken Wings are calling your name! Golden-fried to perfection, then tossed in a bold, homemade sauce, they’re the kind of dish that feels indulgent yet comforting. Ideal for family dinners, party platters, or even a cozy solo treat, these wings guarantee flavor in every bite. Serve them with rice, pair them with noodles, or simply dig in straight from the pan—you really can’t go wrong.

    📝 Ingredients

    For the Chicken:

    • 1 kg chicken wings
    • 5 garlic cloves, finely minced
    • 1½ tsp baking powder
    • 2 tsp salt
    • 1 tsp vinegar
    • 1 cup cornflour
    • 2 spring onions, finely chopped
    • A small piece of grated ginger
    • 1 tsp black pepper
    • Extra salt to taste

    For the Sauce:

    • 3 tbsp soy sauce
    • 3 tbsp sugar
    • 1 tsp vinegar
    • 1 tbsp honey
    • 1 tbsp syrup
    • ½ tbsp paprika powder
    • 1 tsp mustard
    • 1 tsp tomato paste
    • 1 tbsp chili powder
    • 1–2 tbsp water (to loosen the sauce)
    Fresh chicken wings with chopped garlic, ginger, and spring onions, ready for seasoning with sauces and spices.

    Coat the Chicken Wings with Flavor

    You can do this two ways, and they both work beautifully.

    👉 Option 1 (my favorite):
    Start by mixing garlic, salt, black pepper, vinegar, and grated ginger in a bowl. Add the chicken wings and let them soak in all those bold flavors. Once that’s done, toss in the cornflour so everything gets coated nicely. This method gives you seriously crispy wings.

    👉 Option 2 (if you’re short on time):
    Just mix everything together at once—garlic, vinegar, ginger, salt, pepper, and cornflour. It’s faster, still delicious, and perfect when you’re in a rush.

     Chicken wings being coated with garlic, spices, and cornflour for marination.

    Fry the Chicken Wings

    Heat up some oil in a deep pan. Once it’s hot, carefully lower in the wings.

    • Fry on high heat first to lock in that crispiness.
    • Reduce heat to medium so the chicken cooks evenly inside.
    • Just before removing, turn the heat back up for a final golden crunch.

    Drain the wings on paper towels to remove excess oil, then set aside.

    Golden fried chicken wings drained on paper towels.

    Make the Sweet & Tangy Sauce

    In a mixing bowl, combine the soy sauce, sugar, honey, syrup, vinegar, paprika, chili powder, tomato paste, mustard, and water. Whisk until the ingredients blend into a glossy, smooth sauce. The balance of sweet, tangy, and smoky flavors creates a rich, sticky coating that transforms your dish into something truly exceptional. This isn’t just sauce—it’s the backbone of the recipe, so take a moment to get it just right.

    Bowl with soy sauce, tomato paste, and spices being mixed into a rich sauce.

    Sauté Garlic and Spring Onions

    In a clean pan, heat a little oil. Add your chopped garlic and spring onions, then sauté for about 5 minutes until golden and fragrant.
    This quick step might seem simple, but it builds a rich, aromatic base that will elevate the entire dish. Once done, set it aside—we’ll add it back later for that final burst of flavor.

    Chopped garlic and spring onions beside crispy cooked chicken, ready to be sautéed.

    Coat the Wings in Sauce

    Use the same pan you sautéed the garlic and spring onions in (this keeps all the flavor!). Add 1–2 tablespoons of oil, return the fried wings, and pour in your prepared sauce.
    Toss everything gently over low heat until each wing is beautifully glossy and evenly coated.

    👉 Want extra sauce for dipping? Just double the sauce recipe at the start and keep some aside—you’ll thank yourself later!

    Fried chicken wings with a bowl of sauce, ready to be tossed together.

    Serve and Enjoy

    Serve your wings hot with fluffy rice, a side of noodles, or simply enjoy them straight out of the pan.
    These wings are bold, sticky, crispy, and unforgettable — the perfect dish when you’re craving something truly indulgent.

    Crispy saucy chicken wings garnished with sesame seeds and spring onion.

    🌟 Tips for Success

    • Fry in batches so the oil stays hot and the wings crisp up properly.
    • Want a thicker sauce? Use less water or simmer it longer.
    • Make extra sauce if you love things extra sticky.
    • Not a fan of spice? Leave out the chili powder and it’s still amazing.

    FAQs

    Can I bake these wings instead of frying?
    ✅ Yes! Bake them at 200°C (390°F) for about 35–40 minutes. Turn halfway through to get both sides crispy.

    Can I prep the sauce ahead of time?
    ✅ Definitely. Store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just heat it up before using it.

    What can I serve these wings with?
    ✅ They go perfectly with plain rice, fried noodles, or even a crunchy slaw on the side.

    🌍 Helpful Resource for This Recipe

    Want more wing inspiration and variations? Check out this guide on Crispy Honey-Sriracha Chicken Wings (AllRecipes) . It offers a sweet, spicy twist that complements this recipe well.

    If you enjoy recipes like these Honey & Sour Chicken Wings, you might also love my BBQ Chicken with Rice — another crispy, saucy, and flavor-packed favorite!

    About the Author:
    Tima Gaye is a Gambian-born, UK-based home cook and recipe creator. She shares rich, flavorful recipes inspired by African roots and global dishes. Every meal she creates comes from the heart — blending tradition, creativity, and love.


    💛 Follow Tima for More Recipes & Videos:

    👉 Facebook: Cook with Tima Gaye
    👉 TikTok: @timagaye712

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