These Balsamic Glazed Chicken Wings are a tasty treat! They’re sticky, sweet, and have a hint of tanginess, making them perfect for any gathering or snack time.
Honestly, who can resist a plate of finger-licking wings? I love serving these at parties, and they always disappear fast. Plus, they’re super easy to make—just glaze and bake!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Wings: Fresh or frozen wings work well. If you’re looking for a healthier option, you could substitute with chicken drumsticks or thighs, but make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Balsamic Vinegar: This ingredient gives the wings a unique tangy flavor. If you don’t have balsamic, red wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar can serve in a pinch, but the overall taste will be a bit different.
Honey: Honey adds sweetness and helps the glaze stick. If you need a substitute, agave syrup or maple syrup can replace honey. If you’re watching sugar intake, consider using a sugar-free syrup.
Soy Sauce: Regular soy sauce works perfectly here, but for a gluten-free alternative, use tamari instead. You can also try coconut aminos for a slightly sweeter flavor.
Red Pepper Flakes: These add a nice little kick. If you prefer less heat, you can leave them out or substitute with black pepper, which brings a different kind of warmth.
How Do I Achieve Crispy Baked Wings?
Getting crispy chicken wings in the oven can be tricky, but it’s all about the prep and cooking method!
- Pat the wings dry really well with paper towels. The more moisture you remove, the crispier they’ll get.
- Using a wire rack helps improve airflow around the wings during cooking, which is key to achieving that crispiness.
- Flipping the wings halfway through baking promotes even cooking and browning on both sides.
Lastly, brushing on the remaining glaze in the final minutes adds flavor while giving that shiny, appealing look. Enjoy your crispy wings!
How to Make Balsamic Glazed Chicken Wings
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 pounds chicken wings
- 1/2 cup balsamic vinegar
- 1/2 cup honey
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- 2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)
- Lemon wedges (for serving)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and around 35-40 minutes to cook. Overall, you’ll be ready to enjoy these tasty wings in about an hour!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). While it’s heating up, line a baking sheet with aluminum foil to make for easy cleanup. Place a wire rack on top of the baking sheet—this will help the wings cook evenly and get crispy!
2. Make the Balsamic Glaze:
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the balsamic vinegar, honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, ground black pepper, salt, and red pepper flakes (if you like a bit of heat). This will be your delicious glaze for the wings!
3. Prepare the Chicken Wings:
Use paper towels to pat the chicken wings dry—this helps them get crispy when baking. Lightly season them with salt and pepper for extra flavor.
4. Coat the Wings:
Toss the chicken wings in the balsamic glaze, ensuring each wing is well-coated. All that flavor will make your wings super tasty!
5. Arrange and Bake:
Place the glazed wings in a single layer on the wire rack. Make sure they aren’t overlapping so they can cook properly. Remember to save any leftover glaze for later!
6. Bake Until Crispy:
Pop the wings into your preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes. Flip the wings halfway through cooking to ensure they get crispy and golden brown all over.
7. Brush with Extra Glaze:
During the last 5 minutes of baking, brush the wings with any remaining glaze. This adds even more flavor and gives them a beautiful shine!
8. Rest and Garnish:
When the wings are done cooking, take them out of the oven and let them rest for a few minutes. This helps lock in the juices!
9. Serve and Enjoy:
Garnish your wings with chopped green onions for a fresh touch. Serve them with lemon wedges on the side for squeezing over the top before digging in. Enjoy your tasty Balsamic Glazed Chicken Wings!
Can I Use Different Types of Chicken for This Recipe?
Absolutely! You can use chicken drumsticks or thighs instead of wings if you prefer. Just be aware that cooking times may vary slightly. Thighs will take a bit longer, about 45-50 minutes, while drumsticks are usually around 40 minutes. Ensure they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) to be fully cooked.
What Can I Substitute for Balsamic Vinegar?
If you don’t have balsamic vinegar, you can substitute it with red wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar mixed with a bit of sugar to replicate the sweetness. For each 1/2 cup of balsamic vinegar, use 1/4 cup of red wine vinegar (or apple cider vinegar) and add 1-2 tablespoons of brown sugar to bring some of that balsamic flavor into your glaze!
How Should I Store Leftover Chicken Wings?
Store any leftover wings in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, place them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until they are warmed through and crispy again. You can also toss them back in the broiler for a few minutes to crisp up the skin!
Can I Make the Balsamic Glaze Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the glaze ahead! Just mix all the glaze ingredients and store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. Before using, give it a good stir, as it may thicken in the fridge. You can also warm it slightly in the microwave to make it easier to brush onto the wings during baking.
