Please note this post contains affiliate links.
These grilled honey garlic chicken wings are the ultimate mix of sticky, sweet, and savory. Each crispy wing is tossed in a glossy honey garlic sauce that’s garlicky, a little spicy, and totally irresistible. Fire them up for weeknight dinners, game day, or a backyard BBQ!
about these sticky-sweet honey garlic chicken wings
I’ve always been a wing-lover, so there’s never any bland or greasy wings in my house. These honey garlic chicken wings are grilled until the skin crisps and caramelizes, then tossed in a rich, glossy sauce made with honey, soy sauce, garlic, and fresh ginger. Every bite has just the right balance of sweet, salty, and smoky flavors.
I’ve made wings every way you can imagine (baked, fried, smoked) but grilling is what gives you the crispiest skin and the boldest flavor. Compared to oven-baking or using an air fryer, grilling gives you even better flavor and texture. It’s quicker too, and adds a bit of smokiness that is totally addictive.
This wings recipe suits any occasion. Serve them up on game day, have them for dinner, or whenever you feel like you are craving wings.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I’ve been testing this recipe for years (because, let’s be honest, no one complains about more wings), and this version nails that perfect sticky glaze every time.
- These garlic chicken wings are grilled, not fried, which means less mess, more flavor.
- The sticky honey garlic sauce is made with pantry staples and comes together quickly.
- No marinating needed. Just season, grill, and toss in the sauce.
- It’s easy to double the recipe for a crowd!
ingredients
Chicken wings. Use wingettes, full wings, or drumette, whatever you prefer. Make sure you dry them well before adding the seasoning as this helps the skin get nice and crispy.
Spices. You will need a combination of kosher salt, freshly cracked black pepper, garlic powder, and crushed red pepper flakes in this recipe.
Honey. This is the sweet base of the sauce that creates the sticky glaze for the wings. Use your favorite honey, and you can even try different honey flavors to change up the sauce easily.
Soy sauce. We like to use low-sodium soy sauce. You can use tamari or coconut aminos if you need a gluten-free substitute.
Garlic cloves. Fresh garlic gives the sauce the best flavor!
Grated ginger. Again, be sure to use fresh ginger here. It makes all the difference in the flavor of the sauce.
Corn starch. This is what thickens the sauce. You can also use tapioca flour, if desired.
this recipe’s must-haves
If you love grilling, you’ll want a Traeger grill or another grill that gives you control over high heat and smoke. A good pair of tongs will help you flip the wings easily!
Use a large bowl from a set of stainless steel mixing bowls for tossing your chicken wings in seasoning before they hit the grill, and another one (clean) for coating them in the sauce after.
A small saucepan is needed for simmering the honey garlic sauce until it thickens.
here’s how to make these honey garlic chicken wings
Preheat
Heat up your grill to about 400˚F. Lightly oil the grates to prevent sticking.
Dry
Pat the chicken wings dry with paper towels. This step helps the skin crisp up.
Season
Toss wings in a large bowl with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and red pepper flakes until evenly coated.
Grill
Place the wings on the grill. Cover and cook for 30 minutes, flipping halfway through. Internal temp should be 165˚F before removing them from the grill.
Simmer
In a small saucepan, combine honey, soy sauce, garlic, ginger, cornstarch, and red pepper flakes. Bring to a boil, then lower the heat and simmer 5–10 minutes until thickened.
Toss
Remove wings from the grill and place them in a clean large bowl. Pour sauce over and toss to coat.
Sprinkle with sesame seeds and green onion or fresh parsley, and serve immediately.
Tips for Success
- Dry wings thoroughly before grilling for maximum crispiness. Soggy skin really ruins the texture of wings.
- Use a meat thermometer. The wings are done at 165˚F internal temp.
- Toss wings in the sauce off the heat to avoid burning the honey.
- Adjust the heat level by increasing or decreasing the crushed red pepper flakes in the rub and the sauce.
Flavor Variations for Honey Garlic Chicken Wings
- For a smoky twist, try adding a teaspoon of smoked paprika or a dash of chipotle powder to the seasoning mix.
- If you want to brighten things up, stir in a bit of orange or lime zest to the sauce. That little bit of citrus cuts through the richness and adds a fresh layer of flavor!
- Prefer more heat? Mix in a spoonful of sriracha or gochujang to the honey garlic sauce.
- To deepen the umami notes, add a splash of rice vinegar or a teaspoon of sesame oil to the sauce.
- No grill? You can bake the wings in a 425˚F oven on a baking sheet for 40–45 minutes, flipping halfway through. Once baked, toss them in the sauce.
More Wings to Enjoy: Crispy Korean BBQ Chicken Wings I Hot Honey Whiskey Wings I Grilled Honey Sriracha Wings I Smoked Chicken Wings
faqs
Can I use an air fryer instead of a grill?
Yes, you can air fry these garlic chicken wings. Make sure to cook in batches (how may will depend on the size of your air fryer) and cook at 375˚F for about 20 to 25 minutes, flipping halfway. Finish with the sauce as directed in the recipe.
Can I make the sauce ahead of time?
Yes. You can make the honey garlic sauce in advance and store it in the fridge for up to 5 days. Reheat gently before using.
Why is my sauce too thin?
It likely didn’t simmer long enough. Let it reduce until thickened, and it’ll cling better to your chicken wings.
Can I make honey garlic wings in advance?
Yes! Grill the wings ahead, cool completely, and store them without the sauce. Reheat in the oven at 375°F until warmed through, then toss with warmed sauce just before serving.
Need more snack ideas? Check out my appetizer page for more inspiration.
what to serve with these honey garlic chicken wings
These grilled honey garlic chicken wings pair well with crunchy veggies like carrots and celery sticks. A simple green salad on the side keeps things fresh, and roasted potatoes or crispy fries make it a meal. For something creamy, try a cooling dip like sour cream or yogurt.
Pair your honey garlic chicken with a sparkling whiskey sour or a cozy apple cider cocktail. For non-alcoholic options, a ginger beer mocktail, iced tea, or sparkling water with lime all work well.
how to store
Store. Keep leftover chicken wings in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Reheat. Warm in the oven at 350˚F for about 10 minutes or until heated through. You can also use an air fryer for a crispier finish.
Freeze, Freeze cooked wings on a baking sheet first (without the sauce), then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. Reheat from frozen in a 375˚F oven until hot, then pair with the sauce. Frozen wings will last for up to 3 months.
more of our favorite ways to use honey
If this garlic chicken wings recipe left you craving more sweet-savory combos, try using honey in other ways.
This honey soy marinade works beautifully on meats or tofu. It’s simple to make and adds bold flavor to anything you throw on the grill or in the oven.
These honey butter biscuits are a quick side that pairs well with savory dishes. The sweet, buttery layers are hard to resist.
This hot honey brings the perfect balance of heat and sweetness. Drizzle it over chicken, pizza, or roasted veggies for an easy flavor upgrade.
Finally, if you make this honey garlic chicken wings recipe, please be sure to give this recipe a star recipe rating on the recipe card and/or leave a comment! I love to hear when you all make recipes, and I do take the time to respond to every single comment.
Feel free to drop questions below too, if you have them!
Oh and be sure to tag me on Instagram, Facebook, or Pinterest if you make the recipe! I love being able to see these recipes come to life in your homes – it’s my favorite thing to look through those photos. It really means the world to me!
Want to know when I come out with a new recipe or the latest news? Sign up for my newsletter to get them straight to your inbox!
Honey Garlic Chicken Wings
equipment
- Traeger grill
- tongs
- large bowl
- small saucepan
ingredients
- 2 1/2 pounds chicken wingettes wings, or split wings (about 24 pieces)
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/3 cup soy sauce
- 4 garlic cloves minced
- 1 1/2 Tablespoons grated ginger
- 1 Tablespoon corn starch or tapioca flour
- 1/4 – 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- Sesame seeds garnish
- Thinly sliced green onion garnish
instructions
- Preheat the grill to high heat (about 400˚F). Oil grates lightly.
- Use a paper towel to dry off the chicken wings well.
- Add wings to a large bowl with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and crushed red pepper flakes. Toss to coat the wings evenly in the seasoning.
- Place wings on the grill. Cover and cook for 30 minutes, flipping them halfway through, until the skin is crispy and they are cooked through. They should register 165˚F internally on a meat thermometer.
- While the wings are cooking, add honey, soy sauce, garlic, ginger, corn starch, and crushed red pepper flakes to a small saucepan over medium-high heat. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low. Simmer for 5 to 10 minutes, until the sauce has thickened. Let sauce cool for a minute to thicken more.
- Remove the wings from the grill and add to a clean large bowl. Toss to coat the wings in the sauce.
- Garnish with sesame seeds and green onions or fresh herbs. Serve.
video
notes
- Pat wings completely dry before seasoning to help them crisp up on the grill.
- Grill over high heat for best texture. Wings should reach 165°F internally.
- Simmer the sauce until thick enough to coat the back of a spoon.
- Toss wings in sauce after grilling to avoid burning the honey.
nutrition
about meghan
Meghan Yager is the recipe developer, food photographer, and creative force behind Cake ‘n Knife, where everyday moments are celebrated with bold, flavor-forward recipes. From cozy cocktails to bold appetizers and indulgent desserts, her approachable style brings people together around food worth sharing. Meghan’s work has been featured by Good Housekeeping, Oprah Daily, Today, Woman’s Day, and The Huffington Post. She lives in Denver, where she brings big flavor and a little sass to every bite.
