Sticky Chinese Chicken Wings

Hungry for irresistibly sticky Chinese chicken wings? This easy recipe guarantees perfectly glazed wings, but what's the secret ingredient?

sweet and savory wings

Imagine sinking your teeth into glistening, sticky chicken wings, the sweet and savory flavors exploding on your tongue.

Ready to ditch the takeout and create restaurant-quality Chinese chicken wings that will vanish in minutes?

Let's unlock the secrets to prepping the ultimate marinade and achieving wing perfection.

Ingredients

list of cooking ingredients

For this sticky Chinese chicken wing adventure, you'll need some key players! Grab about 4 pounds of meaty pork ribs; trust me, you'll want plenty!

Next, you gotta douse 'em in flavor! We're talking 1 teaspoon of sesame oil, 2 tablespoons of lemon juice (for that zing!), and 2 tablespoons of shao xing wine. Can you smell that? Mmm!

Don't stop there! Add 4 tablespoons each of soy sauce, brown sugar (or honey), and tomato sauce – it's a sweet and savory party in your mouth! Then, 2 tablespoons each of hoisin and oyster sauce are a must.

Spice things up with 2 tablespoons of sambal oelek – feel the heat! We'll also need 6 finely chopped garlic cloves, 2 tablespoons of grated ginger, 1 teaspoon of Chinese five-spice powder, and 1 teaspoon of salt. This recipe sounds complex, unlike a dish requiring only butter, flour and dulce de leche.

Prep Time

preparation time required

Now that we have all our ingredients assembled—ready to go—let's talk about prep time! Honestly, it's super quick. We're looking at about 10 minutes, max!

First, grab a bowl – any bowl will do, even that one you "borrowed" from your mom after the big game last fall. Next, measure and mix all the marinade ingredients: sesame oil, lemon juice, wine, soy sauce, brown sugar, tomato sauce, hoisin sauce, sambal oelek, garlic, ginger, Chinese five spice powder, and salt. It will take several minutes to do.

Finally, add the ribs. After the ribs sit – all comfy and cozy is when the "magic happens." Aim for at least an hour, but overnight is even better. Now, I get it—sometimes you're busy, I am too! Still, try to let 'em sit for at least 60 minutes.

Cooking Instructions

cooking made easy today

All right, let's get cooking—we're not just prepping food; we're kicking it into high gear! First, let's preheat that oven to 320°F (160°C). These wings will taste amazing with the addition of brown sugar to the marinade.

Pour your marinated chicken wings into a baking dish—make sure they're in a single layer. Pour water to about a third of the way up, like a cozy chicken bath. Cover the dish tightly with foil. Into the oven they go for 1.5 hours!

Now, carefully remove the foil—steam alert! The wings should be quite tender, but not falling apart just yet. Give 'em a flip!

Return the baking dish without foil for 20 minutes, until nicely browned and charred. Almost there—taste time! Remember to turn them, then spoon the marinade over, and back into the oven for another 10–20 minutes. They're done when glossy, sticky, and falling off the bone.

Serving Suggestions

creative meal presentation ideas

At this point, you've got some seriously tempting wings—but how should we serve these beauties? I usually serve them hot, straight from the oven. I transfer them to a platter.

Want to be fancy? Sprinkle some sesame seeds, sliced scallions—or even a few red pepper flakes—on top to really make 'em pop!

Now, sides. Rice is a no-brainer—it soaks up that amazing sauce! I'm talking fluffy jasmine rice or even sticky rice. If you're feeling adventurous, add a simple coleslaw. It contrasts super well with the stickiness.

Don't forget napkins—lots of 'em! These wings are messy, but oh-so-worth it! I always put out a big stack so everyone can dig in without worry. Finally, grab your friends, turn on some music, and prepare for some serious finger-licking fun!

Short Recipe Version

Sticky Chinese Chicken Wings

Prep time: 15 minutes

Cook time: 40 minutes

Servings: 4

Ingredients:

  • 2 lbs Chicken Wings
  • 1/2 cup Soy Sauce
  • 1/4 cup Honey
  • 2 tbsp Rice Vinegar
  • 1 tbsp Sesame Oil
  • 2 cloves Garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp Ground Ginger
  • 1/2 tsp Red Pepper Flakes (optional)
  • 1 tbsp Sesame Seeds
  • 2 tbsp Chopped Scallions

Instructions:

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes (if using).
  3. Place chicken wings in a large bowl or ziplock bag and pour the sauce over them, ensuring they are evenly coated.
  4. Arrange chicken wings in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
  5. Bake for 20 minutes, then flip wings and bake for another 20 minutes, or until cooked through and sticky.
  6. Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped scallions before serving.

Nutrition Information (per serving, estimated):

  • Calories: 450
  • Protein: 35g
  • Fat: 25g
  • Carbohydrates: 20g