Sweet and Spicy Wing Platter

Name: Sweet and Spicy Wing Platter
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 1 h
Yield: 4-6 servings
Ingredients: 2 pounds chicken wings; Salt and pepper to taste; 1/2 cup honey; 1/4 cup sriracha; 2 tablespoons soy sauce; 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar; 1 tablespoon grated ginger; 2 cloves garlic, minced

Highlighted under: Party Table Recipes

I absolutely love serving this Sweet and Spicy Wing Platter during gatherings because it combines tangy sweetness with a subtle kick of spice that keeps everyone coming back for more! The glaze is simple to make, yet flavors explode with every bite, making it a crowd-pleaser. I typically marinate the wings overnight to ensure they absorb all the delicious flavors. These wings are not only a favorite at parties, but they also come together easily, allowing me to focus on enjoying time with my guests.

Created by

Emily

Last updated on 2026-01-17T15:50:28.326Z

When I first tried this recipe, I was amazed at how the blend of honey and sriracha created an unexpected but delightful flavor. I remember experimenting with different ratios before landing on the perfect harmony that balances sweetness and heat.

Another key tip I discovered is to bake the wings on a wire rack. This allows the hot air to circulate all around them, ensuring they come out crispy rather than soggy. Trust me, this trick elevates the wings to another level!

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        A flavorful glaze that combines sweetness with a spicy kick
Crispy texture that keeps everyone coming back for more
Perfect for entertaining or a family feast

      

Unlocking Flavor with Marinades

Marinating the chicken wings overnight is key to infusing them with the sweet and spicy essence of the glaze. When the wings sit in the marinade, the flavors deeply permeate the meat, enhancing every bite. If you’re short on time, even an hour of marinating can improve the taste; however, the longer, the better. My favorite approach is to seal them in a zip-top bag, ensuring every inch of the wings is coated with the marinade for maximum flavor absorption.

For those who wish to experiment, you can add ingredients like lime juice or even smoked paprika to your marinade for a unique twist. These additions bring new dimensions to the flavor profile, complementing the sweetness of the honey and the heat of the sriracha. Remember to always taste your marinade before adding the wings to ensure it matches your palate.

Achieving the Perfect Crispy Texture

To ensure your wings are crispy, make sure to thoroughly dry them with paper towels before cooking. This step is crucial because moisture on the surface creates steam in the oven, preventing that desirable crunch. Even heating plays an important role—baking on a preheated baking sheet can give them an extra boost of crispiness as well. Be sure to space the wings out properly on the sheet; they should ideally be in a single layer to allow the hot air to circulate.

Basting the wings with the sauce during the last 10 minutes helps create a sticky, caramelized coating that adds both flavor and texture. Keep an eye on them to avoid burning—the glaze should appear glossy and slightly darkened at the edges when they're finished. If you like an extra crispy finish, broil them for an additional 1-2 minutes, but watch them closely to prevent charring.

Storage and Serving Suggestions

These Sweet and Spicy Wings not only shine fresh out of the oven, but they are also fantastic for meal prep! If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, simply place them on a baking sheet in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through. This method helps maintain their crispy texture, which can be lost if microwaved.

For serving, consider pairing these wings with a cooling dip like ranch or blue cheese to balance the heat. A fresh vegetable platter adds a crunchy contrast to the sweet and spicy flavors as well. You could also serve the wings with a side of rice or a light salad to round out your meal. These adaptable serving suggestions make the platter suitable for any occasion, whether it’s a casual family dinner or a lively gathering with friends.

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients for a delicious Sweet and Spicy Wing Platter:

Wings

2 pounds chicken wings
Salt and pepper to taste

Sweet and Spicy Sauce

1/2 cup honey
1/4 cup sriracha
2 tablespoons soy sauce
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
1 tablespoon grated ginger
2 cloves garlic, minced

Ensure everything is well-prepared before starting to cook!

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to make your Sweet and Spicy Wing Platter:

Prepare the Wings

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Pat the chicken wings dry with paper towels and season them liberally with salt and pepper. Spread them evenly on a baking sheet lined with foil.

Make the Sauce

In a bowl, mix the honey, sriracha, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, ginger, and garlic until well combined. Adjust the spice level to your liking.

Bake the Wings

Bake the wings for about 30 minutes, turning them halfway through to ensure even cooking.

Glaze and Finish

In the last 10 minutes of baking, brush the wings generously with the sweet and spicy sauce. Return to the oven until the glaze is caramelized.

Serve

Remove the wings from the oven and let them rest for a few minutes. Serve with extra sauce on the side.

Enjoy your beautifully glazed Sweet and Spicy Wing Platter!

Pro Tips

Make sure to marinate the wings overnight for enhanced flavor. You can also adjust the level of sriracha if a milder taste is preferred.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you're looking for a healthier version of the Sweet and Spicy Wings, you might consider using skinless chicken wings or even replacing them with boneless chicken thighs. Both options can still capture the flavors of the sauce while offering a leaner protein choice. Additionally, if sriracha is too spicy for your taste, you can substitute it with a mild hot sauce or barbecue sauce to keep the flavor but reduce the heat.

For those with dietary restrictions or preferences, agave syrup or maple syrup can be used in place of honey for a vegan alternative. While the flavor will shift slightly—offering a more earthy sweetness—these substitutes will still provide the necessary stickiness for the glaze.

Tips for Scaling the Recipe

If you're planning to host a larger gathering, scaling this recipe is easy. Simply double or triple the quantities of chicken wings and sauce ingredients according to your needs. Keep in mind that you may need to adjust cooking time; for significantly larger batches, consider baking them in multiple trays to ensure even cooking. You might also want to cook in batches to maintain that crispy texture, as overcrowding can lead to steaming rather than baking.

Additionally, having extra sauce on hand can be a crowd-pleaser. Guests love dipping their wings in more of the sweet and spicy goodness. Feel free to prepare extra sauce in advance; it can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week and used as a glaze for other dishes like grilled meats or vegetable stir-fries.

Enhancing and Varietizing the Recipe

Variety is the spice of life! You can easily customize the flavors of your wings by experimenting with different spice blends or sauces. For example, adding a teaspoon of smoked paprika or even a bit of lime zest can create a more unique flavor profile that complements the sweetness of the honey. If you enjoy experimenting, consider preparing half of your batch with different sauces like teriyaki or garlic parmesan to offer even more options at your gathering.

Another great way to enhance your Sweet and Spicy Wing Platter is to garnish it with fresh herbs before serving. A sprinkle of chopped cilantro or scallions can add a fresh pop of color and flavor, elevating the dish visually and taste-wise. These simple add-ons can make your platter not just a meal, but an impressive centerpiece for your table.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make this recipe in advance?

Yes! You can prepare the wings and sauce a day ahead. Just bake and glaze them before serving.

→ What can I serve with these wings?

These wings pair perfectly with celery sticks, carrot sticks, and your favorite dipping sauces.

→ How can I make this recipe spicier?

For an extra kick, increase the amount of sriracha in the sauce or add red pepper flakes.

→ Can I use a different type of meat?

Absolutely! You can substitute chicken wings with chicken drumsticks or tofu for a vegetarian option.