Oven-Baked Sweet and Spicy Chicken Wings Recipe

These Sweet and Spicy Baked Wings topped with Everything Bagel Seasoning are an ideal appetizer for game day, parties, or a casual night in.

I first made these Sweet and Spicy Baked Wings for a guys’ night and learned a quick lesson: people will eat far more wings than you expect. The combination of honey and sriracha gives a sticky, balanced glaze, and a sprinkle of Everything Bagel Seasoning adds oniony, garlicky notes with a pleasant crunch from sesame and poppy seeds. They disappear fast for a reason.

Ingredients

• Chicken wings (either whole wings or pre-separated “party wings”).
• Honey and sriracha for the sweet-and-spicy glaze.
• Everything Bagel Seasoning to finish — either store-bought or homemade (see recipe below).
• Canola oil and kosher salt for roasting.

How to separate chicken wings

Each wing has three parts: the drumette, the flat, and the tip. Use your fingers to feel the joints, then cut through the joint with a sharp knife. Discard the tips or save them for chicken stock, and keep the drumettes and flats for serving. If you prefer to skip this step, buy pre-separated party wings at the supermarket.

Tips for making crispy wings in the oven

Crispy skin is the hallmark of a great wing. Use these techniques to get the best texture:

• Place wings on a wire rack set over a baking sheet so hot air circulates around each piece, crisping both sides.
• Toss wings with a little canola oil and roast at 400°F (200°C). High heat helps the skin render and crisp.
• Brush on the glaze only after the wings are already crisp, then roast a little longer so the glaze becomes sticky without burning.

How to make sweet and spicy chicken wings

Preheat your oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with foil for easy cleanup and place a wire rack on top.

1. Separate wings if needed and discard or save tips. Pat wings dry with paper towels.
2. In a large bowl, toss flats and drumettes with 2 tablespoons canola oil and 2 teaspoons kosher salt, coating evenly.
3. Arrange the wings in a single layer on the rack and roast for about 40 minutes, until they begin to brown and the skin is crisp.
4. While the wings roast, whisk together 3 tablespoons sriracha and 3 tablespoons honey until smooth.
5. Remove the wings from the oven and brush the glaze generously on both sides. Sprinkle with 2 tablespoons Everything Bagel Seasoning.
6. Return the wings to the oven for 10 more minutes, until the glaze is sticky and the wings are fully cooked. Let rest 5 minutes before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long do you bake chicken wings at 400°F?
Bake wings for about 45–50 minutes total at 400°F, checking for crisp skin and cooked-through meat.

How do I make these wings less spicy?
Reduce the sriracha in the glaze. Start with one tablespoon, taste, and add more if you want more heat.

What can I substitute for honey?
Maple syrup or agave nectar both work well as alternatives to honey.

Storage and reheating tips

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 4–5 days. To reheat and restore crispiness, place the wings on a baking sheet and warm in a 400°F oven for 5–7 minutes, or until heated through and the skin re-crisps.

How to make your own Everything Bagel Seasoning

This seasoning is easy to mix and brings savory flavor and texture to the finished wings. Combine:

• 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
• 1 tablespoon poppy seeds
• 2 teaspoons dried onion flakes
• 2 teaspoons dried garlic flakes
• 1 teaspoon salt

Stir together and store in an airtight jar. Use it to top wings just after glazing.

Serving suggestion: These Sweet and Spicy Baked Wings are perfect for watching football, hosting friends, or any gathering where finger food is welcome. Serve with cold beer or your favorite beverage and plenty of napkins—they’re deliciously sticky.

Have you tried this recipe? Please leave a rating and a comment below to let others know how it turned out!

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