The Best Sweet and Spicy Oven-Baked Chicken Wings Recipe

Crispy oven-baked chicken wings strike a delectable balance between fiery heat and sugary sweetness.

These wings promise an explosion of flavors that dance across your palate with every bite.

Bold spices mingle effortlessly with caramelized sugars, creating a mouthwatering glaze that clings to each perfectly crisp piece.

Succulent meat underneath remains tender and juicy, ensuring a satisfying experience from first taste to last.

Minimal kitchen effort produces maximum culinary excitement with this crowd-pleasing dish.

Quick preparation and straightforward ingredients make these wings an ideal choice for casual gatherings or spontaneous cravings.

You will absolutely love how these wings deliver complex flavor profiles without complicated techniques.

Explore this irresistible recipe and revolutionize your ordinary meal into an extraordinary culinary adventure.

Chicken Wings That Bring the Heat and Sweet

• These wings blend sweet brown sugar with fiery chili powder, creating a mouthwatering taste explosion that dances between sugary warmth and spicy kick.
• The wire rack technique and precise oven temperature guarantee perfectly crisp skin without deep-frying, making restaurant-quality wings achievable in your home kitchen with minimal effort.
• The flexible spice mix allows easy heat adjustment by increasing or reducing red pepper flakes, letting you personalize the wing's spiciness to match your family's individual preference.
• With just 35 minutes total cooking time and simple preparation steps, these wings transform an ordinary dinner into a delightful, crowd-pleasing meal that requires minimal kitchen skills and cleanup.

Ingredient List for Spicy Oven-Baked Wings

• Chicken Wings: Provide the main protein for the recipe, skin-on wings ensure crispy texture and maximum flavor absorption.

• Brown Sugar: Adds sweet caramelization and balances spicy elements.
• Garlic Powder, Onion Powder: Classic flavor enhancers with deep savory notes.
• Ground Mustard, Paprika: Contribute warm, complex undertones to the spice mix.
• Chili Powder, Red Pepper Flakes: Bring heat and vibrant spiciness to the chicken wings.
• Salt: Fundamental seasoning that amplifies overall taste profile.

• Olive Oil: Helps spices adhere to wings and promotes crispy skin development.
• Aluminum Foil or Parchment Paper: Provides easy cleanup and prevents sticking.
• Paper Towels: Essential for removing excess moisture from chicken wings.
• Wire Baking Rack: Allows air circulation for even cooking and crispy results.

How to Bake Crispy, Flavorful Chicken Wings

Step 1: Prepare Baking Setup

Preheat oven to 400°F. Cover rimmed baking sheet with aluminum foil or parchment paper. Position wire baking rack on top of sheet for optimal air circulation.

Step 2: Dry Chicken Wings

Use paper towels to completely pat chicken wings dry. Removing excess moisture ensures crispy skin during baking.

Step 3: Coat Wings With Oil

Place chicken wings in large mixing bowl. Drizzle olive oil over wings and gently toss until each wing is uniformly coated.

Step 4: Create Spice Blend

• Brown sugar
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Ground mustard
• Paprika
• Salt
• Chili powder
• Red pepper flakes

Step 5: Season Chicken Wings

Sprinkle spice blend over oiled wings. Thoroughly mix until each wing is evenly covered with seasoning.

Step 6: Arrange And Bake

Position wings skin side up on prepared wire rack. Bake in preheated oven for 20 minutes. Carefully flip wings and continue baking for additional 15 minutes until golden brown and completely cooked.

Step 7: Serve And Enjoy

Remove wings from oven. Let cool briefly before serving. Pair with ranch or blue cheese dressing for delicious dipping experience.

Tips to Balance the Heat and Caramelization

• Dry Thoroughly: Use clean paper towels to completely absorb moisture from chicken wings, guaranteeing extra crispy skin during baking.
• Coat Evenly: Gently toss wings in olive oil to ensure each piece gets a uniform layer, helping seasonings adhere perfectly and promoting golden-brown crispiness.
• Balanced Seasoning Technique: Mix dry spices beforehand in a small bowl, creating a balanced sweet and spicy blend that will distribute flavor consistently across all wings.
• Strategic Rack Placement: Position wings skin-side up on a wire rack over a rimmed sheet pan to allow hot air circulation, resulting in uniform cooking and maximum crispiness without excess grease.
• Temperature Timing: Flip wings halfway through cooking to ensure both sides develop an equal golden-brown color and maintain juicy interior while achieving crisp exterior.

Reheating and Storing Chicken Wings the Right Way

• Refrigerate: Store leftover chicken wings in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep them in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
• Reheat in Oven: Restore crispiness by preheating the oven to 350F. Place wings on a baking sheet, cover loosely with foil to prevent drying, and warm for 10-15 minutes until heated through.
• Microwave Option: When short on time, reheat wings in the microwave for 1-2 minutes. Note that this method may slightly soften the crispy skin, so consider crisping them in a skillet for a minute afterward.

Dips and Sides That Work With Baked Wings

• Pair with Cooling Cucumber Salad: Balance the spicy kick of the wings with a refreshing cucumber salad dressed in yogurt and mint, which helps calm the heat and provides a crisp contrast.
• Match with Crisp Pale Ale: Select a hoppy pale ale that cuts through the wings' richness while complementing the sweet and spicy flavor profile with its own zesty undertones.
• Serve alongside Creamy Blue Cheese Dip: The tangy, creamy dip neutralizes the spiciness and adds a smooth texture that perfectly complements the crunchy chicken wing exterior.
• Complete with Sweet Corn Cornbread: A slightly sweet cornbread helps absorb the wing's spices and provides a mellow, buttery side that rounds out the meal's bold flavors.

Flavor Ideas to Spice Up These Wings

• Honey Garlic Infusion: Replace brown sugar with honey and add minced fresh garlic for a rich, sweet-savory profile that caramelizes beautifully during baking.
• Smoky BBQ Transformation: Swap chili powder with smoked paprika and mix in some BBQ sauce for a classic American-style coating that brings deep, tangy flavors to the wings.
• Asian-Inspired Glaze: Incorporate soy sauce, ginger, and sesame oil into the spice mix, then finish with a sprinkle of green onions for an authentic east Asian taste sensation.
• Caribbean Jerk Style: Use allspice, thyme, and cayenne pepper to create a bold, spicy Caribbean-inspired seasoning that delivers intense heat and complex flavor notes.

Chicken Wing FAQ for Flavor Chasers

• How do I get crispy chicken wings in the oven?

The key is to pat the wings dry with paper towels before adding oil and pat dry before patting the wings, use a wire rack over a baking sheet, and bake at a high temperature (400F). Flipping the wings halfway through cooking also helps achieve crispy skin.

• Can I make these wings less spicy?

Absolutely! Reduce or eliminate the chili powder and red pepper flakes. You can adjust the heat level to your preference while keeping the delicious sweet and savory seasoning blend.

• How do I know when the chicken wings are fully cooked?

The wings are done when they reach an internal temperature of 165F. They should look golden brown and crispy, and when you cut near the bone, the juices should run clear with no pink color visible.

• Can I prepare these wings in advance?

Yes! You can mix the spice rub and coat the wings up to 24 hours before cooking. Store them covered in the refrigerator. Just bring them to room temperature before baking for even cooking.

Sweet And Spicy Oven-Baked Chicken Wings Recipe

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4.8 from 18 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Irresistible spicy chicken wings bring bold Mexican-inspired flavors to game day gatherings. Crispy wings glazed with smoky chipotle and honey promise a mouthwatering experience that will delight hungry guests.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 1 pound (454 grams) chicken wing portions

Dry Spices and Seasonings:

• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon ground mustard
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

Cooking Liquid:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven environment by setting the temperature to 400F and positioning a wire rack atop a foil-lined rimmed sheet pan to ensure optimal air circulation for the chicken wings.
2. Use paper towels to thoroughly blot moisture from the chicken wings, creating a foundation for achieving an irresistibly crisp exterior.
3. Transfer wings to a spacious mixing vessel and gently massage with olive oil, ensuring each piece receives a uniform coating that promotes skin crispness and seasoning adherence.
4. Craft a flavor-packed spice blend by combining brown sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, ground mustard, paprika, salt, chili powder, and optional red pepper flakes in a separate mixing container.
5. Generously dust the oil-coated wings with the prepared spice mixture, meticulously tumbling them to guarantee an even and comprehensive seasoning coverage.
6. Methodically position the wings skin-side up on the prepared wire rack, maintaining spacing between pieces to promote uniform heat distribution.
7. Slide the sheet pan into the preheated oven and bake for an initial 20-minute interval, allowing the wings to develop a golden, caramelized exterior.
8. Carefully flip each wing to ensure balanced cooking and return to the oven for an additional 15 minutes, confirming they reach a perfectly crisp texture and complete doneness.
9. Remove from the oven and let the wings rest momentarily, allowing the flavors to settle and the exterior to maintain its delectable crunch before serving.

Notes

• Prep like a pro by patting wings completely dry, which is the secret to achieving irresistibly crispy skin that crackles with every bite.
• Create a flavor explosion by mixing brown sugar with spices, balancing sweet heat that will make taste buds dance with excitement.
• Use a wire rack over a lined baking sheet to allow hot air circulation, ensuring wings cook evenly and develop a gorgeous golden-brown exterior.
• Check internal wing temperature reaches 165°F to guarantee safe and perfectly cooked meat that’s juicy inside and crunchy outside.
• Adjust spice levels by increasing or decreasing chili powder and red pepper flakes, allowing personalization for mild to fiery preferences.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days, reheating in the oven to maintain that coveted crispy texture.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 400 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 17 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 10 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 24 g
• Cholesterol: 85 mg