These Easy Balsamic Glazed Chicken Wings are tangy, sweet, and finger-licking good! The balsamic glaze gives them a delightful flavor, and they’re perfect for parties or a cozy night in.
I love how simple they are to make. Just toss them in the glaze, bake, and watch them disappear! Get ready for some saucy goodness on your plate. Yum! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Wings: Using fresh or frozen wings works well, but fresh is definitely best for flavor. If you prefer, you can also use chicken drumsticks as a substitute for a slightly different texture.
Balsamic Vinegar: This is the star of the dish! If you don’t have balsamic, you can use red or white wine vinegar, but honey or a bit of sugar may be needed to balance the acidity.
Honey: Honey adds sweetness, but if you’re looking for a healthier option, maple syrup or agave nectar can be good substitutes. You could also use brown sugar, just mix it well to dissolve in the glaze.
Soy Sauce: This adds a nice umami flavor. If you’re avoiding soy, try using tamari or coconut aminos for a gluten-free alternative.
Garlic: Fresh minced garlic gives great flavor, but garlic powder can work too if you’re in a pinch. Keep in mind that garlic powder is less potent than fresh garlic.
How Do I Ensure My Chicken Wings Are Crispy?
Getting crispy chicken wings in the oven is all about the cooking method. Here are my tips:
- Start by drying the chicken wings with paper towels. This helps remove moisture, leading to crispier skin.
- Arrange them in a single layer on the baking sheet to ensure even cooking. Crowding the pan can lead to steaming instead of crisping.
- Turning the wings halfway through their cooking time helps them brown evenly.
- For an even crispier finish, consider broiling them for the last few minutes, but watch closely to avoid burning.
Easy Balsamic Glazed Chicken Wings
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 pounds chicken wings, separated into drumettes and flats
- 1/2 cup balsamic vinegar
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Optional: chopped fresh parsley or thyme for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and 30-35 minutes to cook. So, in total, you’ll need around 45 minutes to enjoy these delicious wings!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheet:
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). While that’s heating, line a baking sheet with foil or parchment paper to make cleanup easier. Lightly grease the lined sheet so the wings don’t stick.
2. Make the Balsamic Glaze:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the balsamic vinegar, honey, minced garlic, soy sauce, olive oil, salt, and black pepper. This will create a tangy and sweet glaze for the wings. Set half of the glaze aside for later.
3. Coat the Chicken Wings:
Place the chicken wings in a large mixing bowl. Pour half of the balsamic glaze over the wings and toss them well so they’re evenly coated. Make sure every wing gets some of that delicious flavor!
4. Bake the Wings:
Arrange the coated wings in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. This will help them cook evenly. Now, pop them in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. Remember to turn them halfway through to ensure that both sides are crispy.
5. Glaze and Caramelize:
After 25-30 minutes, take the wings out of the oven. Brush the remaining glaze over the wings. Then, return them to the oven for an additional 5 minutes. This step will help caramelize the glaze and give the wings a nice, sticky finish.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Once those extra minutes are up, take the wings out of the oven and let them cool for a moment. If you like, sprinkle some chopped fresh parsley or thyme on top for garnish. Serve them warm, and enjoy your tasty balsamic glazed chicken wings!
Dig in and enjoy every bite of these tangy, sweet, and sticky wings! They’re sure to be a hit!
FAQ for Easy Balsamic Glazed Chicken Wings
Can I Use Frozen Chicken Wings for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken wings! Just make sure to thaw them completely beforehand. The best way to do this is to place them in the fridge overnight or put them in a sealed plastic bag and submerge them in cold water for quicker thawing.
How Can I Make the Wings Extra Crispy?
To achieve extra crispy wings, ensure they are thoroughly dried before coating them in the glaze. Avoid overcrowding the baking sheet, as this can cause them to steam rather than crisp up. You can also broil them for the last couple of minutes of cooking to enhance the crispiness!
Can I Make the Balsamic Glaze Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the balsamic glaze up to a week in advance and store it in the fridge in an airtight container. Just give it a good stir before using it on your chicken wings.
How to Store Leftover Chicken Wings?
Leftover wings can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, or microwave them for about 1-2 minutes, ensuring they are warmed evenly. You can add a little extra glaze before reheating for added flavor!
