These Easy Balsamic Glazed Chicken Wings are sticky, sweet, and slightly tangy. They make for a perfect snack or party food, and your friends will love them!
I enjoy making these wings because they are super easy and packed with flavor. Plus, who can resist a good wing for game night? Your fingers might get messy, but that’s half the fun! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Wings: Fresh or frozen chicken wings work well. If you can’t find wings, drumettes or even boneless chicken pieces can be used as an alternative. Adjust cooking times as needed!
Balsamic Vinegar: This gives the wings a rich flavor. If you don’t have balsamic, try red wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar with a bit of honey to mimic the sweetness.
Honey: This adds sweetness and helps with the glaze. If you’re looking for a sugar-free option, you could use agave syrup or a sugar substitute, keeping in mind that it may change the flavor slightly.
Red Pepper Flakes: Adding a little heat can enhance flavor. If you’re sensitive to spice, feel free to skip these or use a pinch of black pepper instead.
How Can You Get Crispy Wings in the Oven?
Getting crispy chicken wings in the oven is all about creating dry skin and good airflow. Here’s how to ensure they come out perfectly:
- Pat the wings dry with paper towels before cooking to remove moisture. This helps them crisp up.
- Using a wire rack elevates the wings, allowing hot air to circulate, which cooks them evenly and makes the skin crispy.
- Cook them at a high temperature (400°F) for a perfect balance of cooking through and getting that nice crispy skin.
- Don’t skip turning the wings halfway through baking for even browning.
Easy Balsamic Glazed Chicken Wings
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 pounds chicken wings, tips removed and wings split
- 1/2 cup balsamic vinegar
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)
- Lemon wedges, for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prep and roughly 40 minutes of baking time. Including time to make the glaze, you’ll have delicious balsamic glazed chicken wings ready in about 1 hour. Perfect for a quick dinner or a fun snack!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
First things first, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This helps get the wings nice and crispy! Line a baking sheet with foil for easy clean-up and place a wire rack on top. The rack will allow the air to circulate around the wings, making them extra crispy!
2. Prepare the Chicken Wings:
Use paper towels to pat the chicken wings dry. This is super important! The drier the wings, the crispier they will get. Season them lightly with salt and black pepper—you want just enough to add flavor.
3. Bake the Wings:
Now, arrange the wings in a single layer on the wire rack. Bake them for about 40 minutes, flipping them halfway through. Keep an eye on them; you want them to be golden brown and crispy!
4. Make the Balsamic Glaze:
While the wings are baking, let’s make the glaze. In a small saucepan, combine the balsamic vinegar, soy sauce, honey, minced garlic, brown sugar, olive oil, and red pepper flakes if you like a bit of heat. Stir everything together and bring it to a gentle boil.
5. Simmer the Glaze:
Once it starts boiling, reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 8-10 minutes. Stir occasionally until the glaze thickens to a syrupy consistency. It should stick to the back of a spoon when it’s ready!
6. Coat the Wings:
When your wings are done baking, place them in a large bowl. Pour the warm balsamic glaze over the wings and toss them around until they’re nicely coated. This will make them sweet and sticky!
7. Serve and Garnish:
Put the glazed wings back on the wire rack or directly on a serving plate. Finish them off by garnishing with chopped green onions for a pop of color and flavor!
8. Enjoy!
Serve your delicious wings immediately with lemon wedges on the side for a tangy squeeze right before you dig in. Enjoy your sticky, flavorful balsamic glazed chicken wings with friends and family!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use Frozen Chicken Wings for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken wings! Just make sure to thaw them completely before using. The best way to thaw is by placing them in the fridge overnight or sealing them in a plastic bag submerged in cold water for a quicker option. Pat them dry thoroughly before seasoning and baking!
How Can I Make These Wings Spicier?
If you love a kick, you can add more red pepper flakes or even a few dashes of hot sauce to the glaze for an extra punch. You could also try marinating the wings in hot sauce before cooking them for a deeper flavor!
Can I Make the Glaze Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the balsamic glaze in advance and store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. Just reheat it gently on the stove before tossing it with the cooked wings.
How Should I Store Leftover Wings?
Store any leftover wings in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through, to help maintain their crispy texture.
