If you love sticky, savory, and sweet chicken wings that leave your fingers irresistibly glazed, this Grilled Honey Garlic Chicken Wings Recipe will become your new go-to. Each bite bursts with the perfect balance of smoky char, luscious honey, and garlicky depth—just what every great wing night (or backyard BBQ) needs!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Seriously Sticky Goodness: The honey garlic sauce is glossy and clings to every inch of the wing, delivering a crave-worthy finish.
- No Deep Fryer Needed: These chicken wings are grilled (or baked!), meaning less mess, less oil, and a smoky flavor you can’t replicate in the oven alone.
- Simple, Pantry-Friendly Ingredients: You probably have everything on hand—no hunting for specialty sauces, just wholesome kitchen staples.
- Satisfies a Crowd: This Grilled Honey Garlic Chicken Wings Recipe makes enough for a hungry group, perfect for game days, family nights, or any backyard gathering.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Just a handful of real, flavorful ingredients stand between you and the ultimate wing platter. Each one has a role—juicy wings for the main attraction, honey and orange for that lip-smacking glaze, and a dash of garlic for punch. Here’s what brings the magic to this Grilled Honey Garlic Chicken Wings Recipe!
- 12-14 whole chicken wings (or 24 party wings, wingette and drumette separated): Ultimate finger food! Whether you prefer the classic whole wings or the ready-to-dip party cuts, they soak up all the flavors.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: The essential, simple seasoning that makes the chicken really shine—even before all that beautiful sauce.
- Thinly sliced green onion: This garnish adds a fresh pop of color and a gentle bite to every serving.
- Orange juice (about 1/3 cup, from 1 orange): Adds tangy citrus brightness to balance the honey’s sweetness.
- 1/2 cup honey: The star ingredient for that signature sticky-sweet glaze—pure magic on the grill.
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce: Gives the sauce its savory umami backbone and a touch of depth.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Adds silkiness to the marinade and helps grill the wings to golden perfection.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Quick and ultra-flavorful, garlic powder infuses every drop of the sauce with aromatic richness.
- 1 tablespoon corn starch: Helps thicken the honey garlic sauce to that luscious, glossy consistency we all love.
Variations
This Grilled Honey Garlic Chicken Wings Recipe is super flexible! Whether you’re looking to bring the heat, swap out a sweetener, or accommodate allergies, here are some easy tweaks to try. Don’t be afraid to make these wings your own—every twist brings a unique spin.
- Add some heat: A teaspoon of sriracha or a pinch of chili flakes in the sauce will crank up the spice without overpowering the honey and garlic.
- Switch the sweetener: Maple syrup or agave work well in place of honey if that’s what you have (or need a vegan alternative).
- Gluten-free option: Use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce for a gluten-free version with all the same savory depth.
- Bake instead of grill: No worries if the weather isn’t cooperating—this recipe works perfectly in the oven!
How to Make Grilled Honey Garlic Chicken Wings Recipe
Step 1: Make the Honey Garlic Sauce
Start by whisking together the honey, orange juice, soy sauce, olive oil, garlic powder, and corn starch in a small saucepan. Heat over medium, stirring occasionally, until the mixture comes to a gentle simmer. Keep simmering for about 3-4 minutes, stirring so nothing sticks. You’ll know it’s ready when the sauce thickens into that gorgeous, shiny glaze. Remove it from the heat and let it cool slightly—it’ll get even thicker as it stands.
Step 2: Season and Prep the Wings
Pat your wings dry with a paper towel—this helps achieve a crisper skin. Sprinkle liberally with salt and pepper on all sides. If you’re working with whole wings, feel free to cut them into wingettes and drumettes for easier grilling and eating.
Step 3: Fire Up the Grill
Preheat your grill to medium heat and give those grates a good scrub, then lightly brush with olive oil to prevent sticking. When the grill is hot, lay out the wings in a single layer, leaving space so they can get a nice sear. Grill for 12-15 minutes, flipping every few minutes so all sides become golden brown and crisp—you’re aiming for an internal temperature of 165°F.
Step 4: Baste and Serve
Once the wings are beautifully charred and cooked through, place them on a serving platter. Slather generously with your honey garlic sauce while still hot, making sure every nook and cranny gets coated. Finish with a sprinkle of fresh green onions for color and a snappy, aromatic finish. Dig in while they’re warm and sticky!
Pro Tips for Making Grilled Honey Garlic Chicken Wings Recipe
- Sauce Simmer Secrets: Don’t rush the simmering—letting the sauce thicken until glossy is what helps it cling perfectly to every wing.
- Crisp Skin Technique: Always pat your wings dry before seasoning; this removes moisture and gives you that irresistible grilled crunch.
- Check with a Thermometer: For juicy, fully cooked wings, use a digital thermometer to ensure you hit 165°F at the bone (no guesswork needed!).
- Oven Option Perfection: If you’re baking instead of grilling, use a wire rack over the baking sheet to maximize airflow and browning.
How to Serve Grilled Honey Garlic Chicken Wings Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle a generous handful of thinly sliced green onions over your wings right before serving—the fresh, vibrant color instantly brightens the platter and the subtle crunch balances that lush glaze. For a touch of extra flair, a few toasted sesame seeds or a scatter of fresh cilantro can elevate both flavor and presentation.
Side Dishes
Pair these sticky-sweet wings with cool, crunchy slaw or crisp celery sticks for a classic combo. If you’re serving a crowd, keep things simple with roasted potatoes, corn on the cob, or a fresh garden salad—each bite complements the bold flavors of the Grilled Honey Garlic Chicken Wings Recipe.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange your wings in a crescent around a bowl of extra honey garlic sauce for dipping, or thread them on bamboo skewers for a fun, playful twist. For parties, pile them high on a wooden board with scattered herbs, citrus wedges, and little ramekins of dipping sauces—it’s the ultimate crowd-pleaser!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover wings in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavor develops even more as they rest, making these wings a delicious next-day treat (if there’s any left, that is!).
Freezing
Let your wings cool completely, then lay them in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet to freeze. Once solid, transfer to a zip-top freezer bag or airtight container for up to two months. When cravings strike, they’re just a quick reheat away.
Reheating
For best results, reheat in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes, or until hot and crisp again (avoid the microwave, if possible, which can make them soggy). If you have leftover sauce, brush a little more on before serving for that freshly-glazed effect.
FAQs
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Can I use frozen chicken wings for this Grilled Honey Garlic Chicken Wings Recipe?
Yes! Just be sure to fully thaw your wings and pat them dry before grilling—they’ll cook more evenly and get crispier with less moisture clinging to the skin.
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How do I know when the wings are done?
The wings are ready when the meat is white, the juices run clear, and a digital thermometer inserted at the thickest point reads 165°F. Don’t forget to flip them a few times for even cooking and color.
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Can I make the honey garlic sauce ahead of time?
Absolutely—the sauce can be made up to 3 days in advance and kept in the fridge. Just gently warm and stir before tossing with your wings to loosen it up.
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What should I do if I don’t have a grill?
No problem! The Grilled Honey Garlic Chicken Wings Recipe works wonderfully in the oven. Bake the wings at 400°F for about 45 minutes, turning halfway through, until they’re golden, crisp, and cooked through.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking to wow your friends, satisfy a wing craving, or just treat yourself to something seriously tasty, this Grilled Honey Garlic Chicken Wings Recipe is pure comfort and fun. Fire up the grill, whip up that glorious glaze, and watch these disappear as soon as they hit the table—you’ll want to make them again and again!
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Grilled Honey Garlic Chicken Wings Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 24 wings 1x
- Category: Appetizer, Main Dish
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
These Grilled Honey Garlic Chicken Wings are a flavor-packed twist on classic wings. The sticky sweet honey garlic sauce perfectly complements the smoky grilled wings for a delicious appetizer or main dish.
Ingredients
Chicken Wings:
- 12–14 whole chicken wings or 24 party wings, wingette and drumette separated
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Thinly sliced green onion for garnish
Honey Garlic Sauce:
- 1 orange, juiced (about 1/3 cup)
- 1/2 cup honey
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
Instructions
- Honey Garlic Sauce: In a small saucepan, combine orange juice, honey, soy sauce, olive oil, garlic powder, and cornstarch. Heat over medium heat, bring to a simmer, and cook until thickened, about 3-4 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent burning. Set aside.
- Grilling the Wings: Season wings with salt and pepper. Preheat grill to medium heat, clean and oil grates. Grill wings for 12-15 minutes, flipping as needed until fully cooked (165°F internal temperature).
- Finishing: Remove wings from grill, coat with honey garlic sauce, and garnish with green onions. Serve hot.
Notes
- If you don’t have a grill, you can bake the wings in the oven at 400°F for about 45 minutes until cooked through.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 wing
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
