Sticky Spicy Brown Sugar Chicken Wings

Spicy Brown Sugared Chicken Wings — tender baked wings tossed in a sweet-and-spicy brown sugar marinade with garlic, chili and soy, finished with sesame seeds and a drizzle of honey. These wings are easy to prepare, full of flavor and ideal for parties, game nights or a relaxed family dinner.

This straightforward recipe produces wings with a balanced flavor profile: the heat from chili paste and fresh sliced chili, the caramelized sweetness of brown sugar and honey, the umami of soy sauce, and the aromatic lift of coriander (cilantro). Baked onions add texture and a mild onion flavor, while sesame seeds provide a pleasant crunch and visual appeal.

Make a double batch for gatherings — these wings disappear fast. The marinade is simple to mix and benefits from a short chill time, which helps the flavors penetrate the meat. The oven finish gives an attractive glaze without the hassle of frying.

Ingredients

1 kg (about 2 lbs) chicken wings or drumsticks

The Marinade

100 ml (½ cup) olive oil
4 cloves garlic, chopped
1–2 teaspoons sambal chilli paste (adjust to taste) or other hot chili paste
5 tablespoons brown sugar
A handful of chopped coriander (cilantro), to taste
4 tablespoons soy sauce
A pinch of salt
1 fresh chili pepper, thinly sliced
Baked onions, thinly sliced and dried
Honey for drizzling and a handful of sesame seeds for sprinkling

Instructions

1. In a large bowl, combine the olive oil, chopped garlic, chilli paste, brown sugar, coriander, soy sauce, salt, sliced chili and the dried baked onions. Whisk or stir until the brown sugar is mostly dissolved and the ingredients are evenly mixed.

2. Add the chicken wings or drumsticks to the bowl and toss until every piece is well coated in the marinade. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours. If you’re short on time, 30–60 minutes will still add good flavor, but longer is best.

3. Preheat your oven to 175°C (325°F / Gas Mark 3). Line a baking tray with foil or parchment for easier cleanup and arrange the marinated chicken in a single layer on the tray.

4. Lightly drizzle honey over the top of the wings and sprinkle with sesame seeds. Bake in the preheated oven for about 25 minutes, or until the wings are cooked through and the skin is nicely caramelized. For extra crispness, finish under a hot grill for 2–3 minutes, watching carefully to avoid burning.

5. Remove from the oven and let the wings rest for a couple of minutes. Serve hot with steamed rice, a light salad, or your favorite dipping sauce. These wings pair well with cold beer or a refreshing soft drink.

Storage and reheating: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Reheat in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) for 8–10 minutes to restore crispness. You can also reheat gently in a skillet.

Variations and tips: adjust the amount of chilli paste to suit your heat tolerance. Swap brown sugar for coconut sugar or maple syrup for a slightly different sweetness. If you prefer a smokier flavor, add a small pinch of smoked paprika to the marinade. For a gluten-free option, use tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce.

This recipe was generously shared by a Lovefoodies supporter, Francien van Eijkel. If you try it, consider experimenting with the balance of sweet and spicy to make it your own.

Recipe Card

Spicy Brown Sugared Chicken Wings

Yield:
4

Prep Time:
5 minutes

Cook Time:
25 minutes

Total Time:
30 minutes

Sweet, spicy and savory baked chicken wings that are easy to make and crowd-pleasing. The marinade combines brown sugar, chilli paste, garlic and soy for a sticky glaze finished with sesame seeds.

Ingredients

• 1 kg (2 lbs) chicken wings or drumsticks

The Marinade

• 100 ml (½ cup) olive oil
• 4 pieces chopped garlic
• 1–2 teaspoons sambal chilli paste or hot chilli paste, to taste
• 5 tablespoons brown sugar
• Coriander (cilantro), amount to your liking
• 4 tablespoons soy sauce
• A pinch of salt
• 1 sliced chilli pepper
• Baked onions, sliced and dried
• Honey for drizzling and a handful of sesame seeds for sprinkling

Instructions

1. In a large bowl, mix all the marinade ingredients until combined.
2. Add the wings, coat well and refrigerate for 2 hours (or longer for more flavor).
3. Preheat the oven to 175°C / 325°F / Gas 3.
4. Arrange the chicken on a lined baking tray, drizzle with honey, sprinkle with sesame seeds and bake for 25 minutes until cooked and caramelized.
5. Serve with rice, a light salad and a cold drink.

Nutrition Information:

Yield: 4
Serving Size: 4

Amount Per Serving:
Calories: 1342
Total Fat: 100g
Saturated Fat: 28g
Cholesterol: 240mg
Sodium: 2350mg
Carbohydrates: 56g
Fiber: 4g
Sugar: 21g
Protein: 57g

Nutrition information isn’t always accurate and will vary by ingredients and portion sizes.

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