Honey Sesame Chicken Wings Recipe

Indulge yourself in the sweet and savory flavors of these honey sesame chicken wings. These wings offer a perfect blend of flavors that will satisfy your palate while providing a delightful crunch from the sesame seeds. They're perfect for any occasion, from game night to a family dinner.

Photos of Honey Sesame Chicken Wings Recipe

The key ingredients for this recipe are chicken wings, soy sauce, kecap manis (a sweet Indonesian soy sauce), honey, and sesame seeds. You can find all these ingredients in a regular supermarket, however, kecap manis might require a visit to an Asian grocery store or a large supermarket with an international aisle.

Ingredients for Honey Sesame Chicken Wings

Chicken wings: The main ingredient of this dish. They have a great meat-to-skin ratio, absorbing the flavors of the marinade wonderfully while providing a satisfying crunch.

Soy sauce: Adds a savory, salty, and umami flavor to the chicken wings.

Kecap manis: This is a sweet soy sauce from Indonesia that adds a unique sweetness and depth of flavor.

Honey: Provides a natural sweetness that balances the salty soy sauce and enhances the overall flavor profile of the chicken wings.

Sesame oil: Gives a distinct nutty flavor.

Garlic: Fresh garlic adds a robust depth to the marinade.

Sesame seeds: Used for garnish, these small seeds give a delightful crunch and nutty flavor to the dish.

Lemon wedges: Used for serving, they add a refreshing tanginess that complements the sweet and savory flavors of the dish.

One reader, Diane-Marie Mccormick says:

These honey sesame chicken wings were a hit at my last gathering! The marinade was flavorful and the honey glaze added the perfect touch of sweetness. The wings were sticky and delicious, and the sesame seeds gave them a nice crunch. I'll definitely be making these again!

Diane-Marie Mccormick

Techniques Required for Making Honey Sesame Chicken Wings

How to marinate the chicken wings: Whisk together the soy sauce, kecap manis, honey, sesame oil, and garlic in a large shallow dish. Add the chicken and mix it into the sauce to coat. Refrigerate to marinate for 1 to 2 hours or overnight for a stronger flavor.

How to grill or broil the chicken wings: Arrange the marinated chicken wings skin side up onto an oven tray lined with aluminum foil, and drizzle with a little extra honey. Grill or broil for 8 to 10 minutes, or until they are golden brown. Turn the wings and grill/broil for a further 5 to 8 minutes more, or until they are golden, sticky, and cooked through.

How to make the honey sauce: Pour the reserved marinade into a small saucepan and bring it to a boil for 5 minutes. This will create a delicious honey sauce to pour over the wings before serving.

How to garnish the wings: Sprinkle the wings with sesame seeds before serving for added flavor and a beautiful presentation.

How To Make Sticky Honey Sesame Chicken Wings

This chicken wings recipe will let you enjoy a diet-friendly chicken meal. The balance of sweetness and saltiness is definitely irresistible.

Preparation: 2 hours

Cooking: 20 minutes

Total: 2 hours 20 minutes

Serves:

Ingredients

2lbschicken wingsdrumettes and wingettes
4tbspsoy sauce
2tbspKecap Manis (Sweet Soy Sauce)
2tbsphoney
½tbspsesame oil
2 clovesfresh garlic crushed or minced
2tbsphoney
2tbspSesame seedsfor garnish
lemon wedges to serve

Instructions

Preheat oven to grill or broil settings on high heat or 400 degrees F.
Wash and rinse chicken wings and pat dry. Cut the skin off of the wing drumettes, and leave it on for the wingettes.
In a large shallow dish, whisk together the soy sauce, Kecap Manis, honey, sesame oil, and garlic. Add the chicken and mix it into the sauce to coat. Refrigerate to marinate for 1 to 2 hours or overnight for a stronger flavor.
Remove wings from marinade and reserve liquid. Arrange chicken wings skin side up onto an oven tray lined with aluminum foil, and drizzle with a little extra honey.
Grill or broil for 8 to 10 minutes, or until they are golden brown. Turn the wings and grill/broil for a further 5 to 8 minutes more, or until they are golden, sticky, and cooked through.
While the wings are in the oven; pour the reserved marinade into a small saucepan, and bring to the boil for 5 minutes.
To serve, pour the honey sauce over the wings and garnish with sesame seeds.

Nutrition

Calories: 483.74kcal
Fat: 35.11g
Saturated Fat: 8.30g
Trans Fat: 0.11g
Monounsaturated Fat: 15.39g
Polyunsaturated Fat: 10.72g
Carbohydrates: 14.67g
Fiber: 0.77g
Sugar: 11.77g
Protein: 28.63g
Cholesterol: 167.83mg
Sodium: 1007.43mg
Calcium: 59.25mg
Potassium: 395.35mg
Iron: 1.52mg
Vitamin A: 13.68µg
Vitamin C: 4.72mg

Crucial Technique Tip for Perfecting Honey Sesame Chicken Wings

When marinating the chicken wings, ensure that all pieces are fully submerged in the marinade for an even distribution of flavor. If the marinade doesn't fully cover the wings, you can occasionally turn them in the dish to make sure each wing gets plenty of exposure to the marinade. Also, marinating overnight will allow the flavors to penetrate deeper into the chicken, resulting in a more flavorful dish.

Time-Saving Tips for Preparing Honey Sesame Chicken Wings

Prepare the marinade: Combine all the marinade ingredients in a resealable plastic bag and add the chicken wings. Seal the bag and massage the marinade into the wings, then refrigerate for at least 1 hour.

Use pre-cut chicken wings: Save time by purchasing pre-cut chicken wings, which eliminates the need for cutting and cleaning the wings yourself.

Line the baking tray: Line the baking tray with aluminum foil for easy cleanup and to prevent the wings from sticking to the tray.

Double the recipe: If you're expecting a larger crowd, consider doubling the recipe to have extra wings on hand. This can save time on preparing additional batches later.

Use a food processor: Use a food processor to mince the garlic quickly and efficiently, saving time compared to hand-mincing.

Substitute Ingredients For Honey Sesame Chicken Wings Recipe

chicken wings - Substitute with cauliflower florets: Cauliflower can be used as a vegetarian alternative to chicken wings, providing a similar texture and absorbing flavors well.
soy sauce - Substitute with tamari: Tamari is a gluten-free alternative to soy sauce, offering a similar umami flavor and saltiness.
kecap manis - Substitute with hoisin sauce: Hoisin sauce has a sweet and savory flavor similar to kecap manis, making it a suitable replacement in the recipe.
honey - Substitute with maple syrup: Maple syrup can be used as a natural sweetener with a similar viscosity and flavor profile to honey.
sesame oil - Substitute with avocado oil: Avocado oil has a mild, nutty flavor and a high smoke point, making it a suitable substitute for sesame oil in this recipe.
garlic - Substitute with shallots: Shallots can provide a milder, slightly sweet flavor similar to garlic, enhancing the dish without overpowering other ingredients.
honey - Substitute with agave nectar: Agave nectar offers a similar level of sweetness and viscosity to honey, making it a suitable alternative in this recipe.
sesame seeds - Substitute with chopped almonds: Chopped almonds can provide a crunchy texture and nutty flavor similar to sesame seeds, adding a delightful contrast to the dish.
lemon wedges - Substitute with lime wedges: Lime wedges can offer a similar citrusy brightness and acidity to the dish, complementing the flavors of the recipe.

Best Way to Serve Honey Sesame Chicken Wings

Elevate the plating: Arrange the chicken wings on a large, elegant platter, ensuring they are evenly spaced and presented with finesse.
Garnish with precision: Sprinkle the sesame seeds delicately over the wings, ensuring an even distribution and a visually appealing finish.
Incorporate color contrast: Consider adding a pop of color to the platter with a few strategically placed lemon wedges, enhancing the visual appeal of the dish.
Emphasize texture: Create a balance of textures by ensuring the skin of the wings is crispy and golden, while the honey glaze adds a glossy sheen, creating an enticing visual and sensory experience.
Utilize negative space: Allow the platter to breathe by leaving some areas empty, drawing attention to the beautifully presented honey sesame chicken wings.

Essential Tools for Making Honey Sesame Chicken Wings

Oven: You will need an oven to grill or broil the chicken wings at high heat, around 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
Aluminum foil: Use aluminum foil to line the oven tray, making cleanup easier and preventing the wings from sticking.
Whisk: A whisk is essential for mixing the marinade ingredients together thoroughly.
Large shallow dish: This will be used to marinate the chicken wings in the soy sauce, kecap manis, honey, sesame oil, and garlic.
Saucepan: You will need a saucepan to heat and reduce the reserved marinade to create a sticky honey sauce for the wings.
Oven tray: An oven tray lined with aluminum foil will be used to arrange and cook the chicken wings.

Storing and Freezing Honey Sesame Chicken Wings

Let the honey sesame chicken wings cool completely before storing them in an airtight container or resealable plastic bag. They can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
To reheat, place the wings on a baking sheet and warm them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. You can also reheat them in the microwave, but the skin may lose some of its crispiness.
If you want to freeze the wings, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, about 2 hours. Once frozen, transfer the wings to a freezer-safe container or resealable plastic bag, removing as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. Chicken wings can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months.
To reheat frozen wings, preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the frozen wings on a baking sheet and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until heated through and crispy. There's no need to thaw the wings before reheating.
If you have leftover honey sesame sauce, store it separately in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. Reheat the sauce in a small saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through. You can then toss the reheated wings in the warm sauce before serving.

How To Reheat Leftover Honey Sesame Chicken Wings

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the leftover honey sesame chicken wings on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or aluminum foil. Bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the wings are heated through and the skin is crispy. For an extra burst of flavor, brush the wings with a mixture of honey, soy sauce, and sesame oil before reheating.
If you prefer a quicker method, you can reheat the wings in the microwave. Place the wings on a microwave-safe plate and cover them with a damp paper towel. Microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, or until the wings are heated through. Keep in mind that the skin may not be as crispy as when reheated in the oven.
For a stovetop option, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add a small amount of sesame oil to the pan and place the wings in the skillet. Cover the skillet with a lid and cook for 3-4 minutes on each side, or until the wings are heated through and the skin is crispy.
If you have an air fryer, you can use it to reheat the wings and maintain their crispy texture. Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Place the wings in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not overcrowded. Cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the wings are heated through and the skin is crispy.
For a flavorful twist, you can also reheat the wings on a grill. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Brush the wings with a mixture of honey, soy sauce, and sesame oil. Place the wings on the grill and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until they are heated through and have nice grill marks.

Interesting Fact About Honey Sesame Chicken Wings

The honey sesame chicken wings recipe is a popular dish in Chinese cuisine. It is believed that the concept of cooking meat with honey dates back to ancient China, where honey was used not only as a sweetener but also for its medicinal properties. Honey sesame chicken wings are a perfect blend of sweet and savory flavors, and they are often enjoyed as a delicious appetizer or main course. The combination of soy sauce, kecap manis, and honey creates a unique glaze that caramelizes beautifully on the chicken wings when grilled or broiled. This dish is a delightful addition to any gathering or meal.

Is Making Honey Sesame Chicken Wings at Home Cost-Effective?

This honey sesame chicken wings recipe is quite cost-effective for a household. The main ingredients, chicken wings and soy sauce, are affordable and readily available. The addition of kecap manis and sesame oil may require a small initial investment, but these ingredients can be used in various other recipes. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people is around $15-$20. Considering the delicious flavor and the fact that it can serve as a main dish, this recipe is definitely worth the investment. I would rate this recipe an 8 for its affordability and versatility.

Are Honey Sesame Chicken Wings Healthy?

The honey sesame chicken wings recipe, while delicious, may not be the healthiest option due to a few factors:

The recipe calls for a significant amount of soy sauce and honey, which are high in sodium and sugar, respectively. Consuming too much of either can lead to health issues like high blood pressure and weight gain.
Chicken wings are often high in fat, particularly saturated fat, which can contribute to heart disease and other health problems when consumed in excess.
The cooking method involves grilling or broiling, which can lead to the formation of harmful compounds like heterocyclic amines (HCAs) and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) when the meat is exposed to high heat and flames.

To make this recipe healthier, consider the following suggestions:

Reduce the amount of soy sauce and honey used in the marinade, or opt for low-sodium soy sauce and a natural sweetener like stevia or monk fruit.
Remove the skin from all the chicken wings to reduce the overall fat content.
Instead of grilling or broiling, try baking the wings in the oven at a lower temperature (around 375°F) for a longer time (about 30-40 minutes) to minimize the formation of harmful compounds.
Serve the wings with a side of fresh, nutrient-dense vegetables like carrots, celery, or a leafy green salad to balance out the meal.
Use a leaner cut of chicken, such as chicken breast, and cut it into strips or chunks to create a healthier alternative to wings.

Editor's Opinion on This Honey Sesame Chicken Wings Recipe

The honey sesame chicken wings recipe is a delightful combination of sweet and savory flavors that will surely tantalize the taste buds. The marinade infuses the chicken wings with a rich umami taste, while the honey and sesame seeds add a delightful sweetness and nuttiness. The grilling process creates a beautiful caramelization, resulting in sticky, golden brown wings that are irresistible. The addition of kecap manis and sesame oil adds depth to the dish, making it a perfect appetizer or main course. This recipe is a surefire crowd-pleaser and a great addition to any gathering or meal.

Enhance Your Honey Sesame Chicken Wings Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:

Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes with a hint of garlic and chives, topped with a dollop of butter.

Roasted Vegetables: Colorful medley of roasted vegetables, including bell peppers, zucchini, and carrots, seasoned with herbs and olive oil.

Fruit Salad: Fresh fruit salad with a mix of seasonal fruits, such as strawberries, pineapple, and kiwi, drizzled with a honey-lime dressing.

Similar Recipes to Try If You Like Honey Sesame Chicken Wings

Garlic Parmesan Roasted Asparagus: This simple and flavorful side dish is perfect for any meal. The combination of garlic, parmesan, and roasted asparagus will have your taste buds dancing.

Mango BBQ Pork Ribs: These tender and juicy pork ribs are marinated in a sweet and tangy mango BBQ sauce, then grilled to perfection. The tropical flavors of mango add a delicious twist to classic BBQ ribs.

Coconut Lime Shrimp Curry: This creamy and aromatic curry is made with succulent shrimp, coconut milk, and a burst of fresh lime. It's a tropical delight that will transport you to the shores of a faraway island.

Appetizer and Dessert Pairings for Honey Sesame Chicken Wings

Appetizers:

Stuffed Mushrooms: Delight your guests with these savory stuffed mushrooms, filled with a flavorful mixture of herbs, cheese, and breadcrumbs. The perfect bite-sized appetizer to kick off any meal.

Bruschetta: Elevate your appetizer game with this classic Italian dish. Toasted bread topped with a fresh and zesty mixture of tomatoes, basil, garlic, and olive oil. A refreshing and vibrant start to any meal.

Desserts:

Chocolate Mousse: Indulge in a rich and creamy chocolate mousse, topped with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of cocoa powder. The smooth texture and decadent flavor will satisfy any sweet tooth.

Strawberry Cheesecake: Delight in a velvety smooth strawberry cheesecake, topped with a layer of sweet strawberry compote and fresh sliced strawberries. The combination of creamy cheesecake and tangy fruit creates a perfect balance of flavors.

Why trust this Honey Sesame Chicken Wings Recipe:

This recipe guarantees delicious chicken wings with a perfect balance of flavors. The combination of soy sauce, kecap manis, and honey creates a rich and savory marinade, while the addition of sesame oil and sesame seeds adds a delightful nuttiness. The use of fresh garlic enhances the aromatic profile, ensuring a mouthwatering experience. The careful grilling process ensures a crispy and golden exterior, while the sticky honey glaze adds a touch of sweetness. Trust in this recipe for a delightful chicken wings dish that will surely impress your taste buds.

Have you tried this Honey Sesame Chicken Wings Recipe? Let us know how it turned out or share your own twist on this dish in the Recipe Sharing forum!

FAQ:

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken wings for this recipe?

Yes, you can definitely use chicken thighs instead of chicken wings for this recipe. Keep in mind that the cooking time may need to be adjusted as thighs are larger and may require a longer cooking time.

Can I substitute kecap manis with something else?

If you don't have kecap manis, you can substitute it with a mixture of dark soy sauce and brown sugar. Use 1 tablespoon of dark soy sauce and 1 tablespoon of brown sugar for every 2 tablespoons of kecap manis.

Can I grill the chicken wings instead of broiling them?

Absolutely! Grilling the chicken wings will give them a delicious smoky flavor. Just preheat your grill to medium-high heat and grill the wings for about 15-20 minutes, turning occasionally, until they are cooked through and caramelized.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can marinate the chicken wings ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before cooking. You can also prepare the honey sesame sauce in advance and reheat it before serving with the wings.

How can I make the wings extra crispy?

For extra crispy wings, you can toss them in a light coating of cornstarch before baking or broiling. This will help to create a crispy exterior. Additionally, make sure to pat the wings dry before marinating them to remove excess moisture.