Irresistible Soy Garlic Chicken Wings Recipe for Game Day

Crispy, golden soy garlic chicken wings offer a flavor explosion that’ll make your taste buds dance with excitement.

Marinades can completely change a simple dish into something extraordinary.

Weeknight dinners deserve something special beyond basic protein options.

Asian-inspired cooking techniques bring incredible depth to seemingly ordinary ingredients.

Zesty garlic notes blend perfectly with umami-rich soy sauce, creating a mouthwatering combination.

Marinating overnight intensifies those incredible flavor profiles.

You’ll want to keep this recipe in your back pocket for instant dinner hero status.

One bite and everyone around the table will be asking for seconds.

What Makes Soy Garlic Chicken Wings So Tasty

• Simplify Cooking Techniques: Multiple cooking methods make this recipe adaptable for different kitchen setups, allowing home cooks to choose between oven, air fryer, or deep frying based on equipment and preference.
• Flavor Explosion: Packed with bold Asian-inspired ingredients like soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and chili flakes, these wings deliver a mouthwatering combination of sweet, savory, and slightly spicy notes that will tantalize taste buds.
• Quick and Versatile Meal: Perfect for game day, family gatherings, or casual weeknight dinners, these chicken wings come together quickly and appeal to both kids and adults with their irresistible glazed texture and robust flavors.
• Customize with Ease: Flexible recipe allows adjustments in spice levels, cooking methods, and garnishes, making it simple to personalize according to individual preferences and dietary needs.

Ingredients for Soy Garlic Chicken Wings

• Chicken Wings: Fresh wings with crispy skin potential for delicious coating.

• Salt, Black Pepper, Garlic Powder, Paprika: Essential spices that enhance the chicken's flavor profile.
• Cornstarch, Baking Powder: Helps create extra crispy exterior when cooking.

• Soy Sauce: Provides rich umami base for the wing coating.
• Honey, Brown Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps caramelize the sauce.
• Minced Garlic, Ginger: Delivers sharp and aromatic flavor components.
• Rice Vinegar: Brings balanced tanginess to the sauce.
• Sesame Oil: Contributes nutty and authentic Asian flavor note.
• Chili Flakes: Introduces subtle heat and spice complexity.

• Olive Oil: Helps season and coat the wings before cooking.
• Sesame Seeds, Green Onions: Fresh garnishes that add visual appeal and texture.
• Water: Used to create cornstarch slurry for sauce thickening.

How to Make Soy Garlic Chicken Wings at Home

Step 1: Prepare Wing Base

Grab your chicken wings and pat them completely dry using paper towels. This step ensures maximum crispiness when cooking.

• Salt
• Black pepper
• Garlic powder
• Paprika
• Cornstarch
• Olive oil

Thoroughly coat each wing evenly with the seasoning blend.

Step 2: Choose Your Cooking Adventure

You have three delicious cooking methods to transform these wings into crispy perfection:

Oven Method:

Preheat to 220C (425F).

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and place a wire rack on top. Spread wings in a single layer.

Bake for 40-45 minutes, flipping midway to ensure even browning.

Air Fryer Method:

Set temperature to 200C (400F).

Arrange wings in a single layer without overcrowding. Cook for 20-25 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through for consistent crispiness.

Deep Frying Method:

Heat oil to 180C (350F). Carefully fry wings in small batches for 8-10 minutes until golden and fully cooked.

Remove and drain excess oil on paper towels.

Step 3: Craft Magical Soy Garlic Sauce

• Soy sauce
• Honey
• Minced garlic
• Ginger
• Rice vinegar
• Sesame oil
• Chili flakes

Simmer for 2-3 minutes.

Stir in cornstarch-water mixture to thicken sauce. Cook for one additional minute, then remove from heat.

Step 4: Glaze and Garnish

Toss cooked wings generously in the soy garlic sauce until completely coated. Sprinkle with sesame seeds and chopped green onions for extra flavor and visual appeal.

Step 5: Serve and Devour

Plate immediately with extra sauce on the side. Enjoy these irresistibly crispy, flavor-packed wings while they’re hot!

Handy Tips for Crispy Soy Garlic Chicken Wings

• Pat chicken wings completely dry before seasoning to ensure a crispy, golden exterior that locks in juicy flavor.
• Choose between oven, air fryer, or deep frying based on your kitchen equipment and preference for healthier cooking techniques.
• Whisk cornstarch with water carefully to create a smooth, glossy sauce that perfectly coats the wings without becoming too thick or runny.
• Arrange wings in a single layer during cooking to guarantee even heat distribution and maximum crunchiness for each bite.
• Experiment with optional add-ins like grated fresh ginger or a splash of mirin to enhance the soy garlic sauce's depth and complexity.

Ways to Change Up Soy Garlic Chicken Wings

• Spicy Korean Gochujang Wings: Replace soy sauce with gochujang paste for a fiery, tangy Korean-style wing with intense heat and deep red color.
• Lemon Herb Chicken Wings: Swap soy sauce for lemon juice, add dried oregano and thyme, creating a bright Mediterranean-inspired wing with zesty freshness.
• Gluten-Free Tamari Option: Use gluten-free tamari instead of regular soy sauce, maintaining the savory flavor while accommodating gluten sensitivities.
• Low-Carb Keto Wings: Substitute honey with erythritol or stevia, use almond flour instead of cornstarch, keeping the wings crispy and diet-friendly.

Pairings for Soy Garlic Chicken Wing Platters

Crisp lager or pale ale cuts through the soy garlic’s richness, balancing the wing’s intense flavor and providing a refreshing palate cleanser.

Serve alongside steamed jasmine rice or cucumber salad to complement the wings’ savory-sweet sauce, adding textural variety and lightening the dish’s intensity.

Prepare a quick Korean-style pickled radish or kimchi as a side, whose bright acidity and crunch perfectly offset the wings’ deep umami profile and provide a palate-refreshing element.

Select a cold, zesty yuzu cocktail or sparkling citrus soda that brightens the wings’ deep soy garlic notes, adding a tangy counterpoint to the rich chicken.

How to Store Soy Garlic Chicken Wings After Cooking

• Store leftover wings in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Separate wings from sauce to maintain crispiness and prevent sogginess.
• Wrap cooled wings tightly in freezer-safe plastic wrap or container. Freeze for maximum 2 months. Place wax paper between layers to prevent sticking.
• Preheat oven to 175C (350F). Spread wings on baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Warm for 10-15 minutes, turning once halfway through. Brush with reserved sauce to restore moisture.
• Warm at 180C (350F) for 5-7 minutes. Shake basket midway to ensure even heating. Check internal temperature reaches 74C (165F) for food safety.

FAQs

• Can I use chicken drumsticks instead of wings?

Yes, you can substitute chicken wings with drumsticks. Just adjust the cooking time to ensure they are fully cooked through, which might take slightly longer due to their larger size.

• How spicy is this soy garlic sauce?

The sauce has a mild heat from chili flakes. If you prefer less spice, reduce the amount of chili flakes or omit them completely. For more heat, add extra chili flakes or a dash of hot sauce.

• Is cornstarch necessary for the wing coating?

Cornstarch helps create a crispy exterior by absorbing moisture and promoting browning. If you don’t have cornstarch, you can use baking powder as an alternative to achieve a similar crispy texture.

Soy Garlic Chicken Wings Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 22 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 4 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Sizzling Soy Garlic Chicken Wings deliver Korean-inspired flavor with crispy, glazed perfection. Garlicky umami and sweet-savory notes dance together, promising a memorable culinary experience you’ll crave again and again.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 2 lbs (900g) chicken wings, split into drumettes and flats

Seasoning and Coating:

• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch or baking powder
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

Sauce Ingredients:

• 1/3 cup soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons honey or brown sugar
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon grated ginger
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 1/2 teaspoon chili flakes
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon water

Garnish:

• 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds
• 2 tablespoons chopped green onions

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Thoroughly dry chicken wings using paper towels to ensure optimal crispiness and even seasoning coverage.
2. Create a flavorful coating by mixing salt, black pepper, garlic powder, paprika, cornstarch, and olive oil, ensuring each wing is uniformly seasoned.
3. Select your preferred cooking method:

• Oven: Preheat to 220C and arrange wings on a wire rack-lined baking sheet. Roast for 40-45 minutes, turning midway, until achieving a golden, crisp exterior.
• Air Fryer: Heat to 200C and cook wings for 20-25 minutes, shaking basket halfway through for even browning.
• Deep Frying: Heat oil to 180C and fry wings in batches for 8-10 minutes until golden and fully cooked, draining excess oil on paper towels.

1. Craft the soy garlic sauce by combining soy sauce, honey, minced garlic, ginger, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and chili flakes in a saucepan over medium heat.
2. Simmer sauce for 2-3 minutes, then thicken by incorporating a cornstarch-water mixture, cooking for an additional minute.
3. Generously coat cooked wings in the prepared soy garlic sauce, ensuring complete coverage.
4. Enhance presentation by sprinkling sesame seeds and chopped green onions as a final garnish.
5. Serve immediately, providing extra sauce on the side for additional dipping pleasure.

Notes

• Select chicken wings with even sizes to ensure uniform cooking and crispy texture.
• Use paper towels to remove excess moisture, helping achieve extra-crispy skin during cooking.
• Pat wings completely dry before seasoning to prevent steaming and promote perfect browning.
• Cornstarch or baking powder creates incredible crispiness by drawing out surface moisture during cooking.
• Adjust cooking time based on wing size and thickness to prevent undercooking or burning.
• Consider using low-sodium soy sauce for a healthier version with reduced salt content.
• Allow wings to rest briefly after cooking to maintain maximum crispiness and seal in juices.
• For gluten-free option, replace regular soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos.
• Customize heat level by increasing or decreasing chili flakes in sauce according to preference.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Category: Appetizer, Snacks, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Korean

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 290 kcal
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 620 mg
• Fat: 16 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 10 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg