Citrus Honey Garlic Chicken Wings
These Citrus Honey Garlic Chicken Wings are the perfect combination of sweet, tangy, and savory flavors that burst with every bite. Marinated in a delicious blend of lime juice, honey, and garlic, these wings are ideal for gatherings, game days, or a delicious family dinner. With a crispy exterior and juicy meat, they are sure to be a hit! Bake them until golden brown, then glaze with the marinade for an extra punch of flavor.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
Lime Zest
2 (Zested)
Lime Juice
1/3 cup (Freshly squeezed)
Honey
1/4 cup (Raw or clover honey)
Garlic Cloves
2 (Crushed)
Soy Sauce
2 tablespoons (Low-sodium preferred)
Tabasco Sauce
1/4 teaspoon (Hot sauce)
Chicken Wings
3 lbs (Trimmed and cleaned)
Salt
to taste (For seasoning)
Instructions
1
In a medium bowl, combine the lime zest, lime juice, honey, crushed garlic, soy sauce, and Tabasco sauce to create a marinade.
2
Place the chicken wings inside a large zip-lock bag and pour the marinade over them. Seal the bag and ensure the wings are well-coated. Refrigerate for 3-4 hours, or overnight for deeper flavor.
3
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a cookie sheet with aluminum foil for easy cleanup and place a wire rack on top.
4
Arrange the marinated chicken wings on the wire rack in a single layer, allowing air to circulate around them.
5
Bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes, then carefully flip the wings over.
6
Brush the wings generously with any remaining marinade and return them to the oven. Bake for an additional 20-25 minutes or until the wings are golden brown and crispy.
7
Remove from the oven, let them cool slightly, and serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Citrus Honey Garlic Chicken Wings?
These are chicken wings marinated in a blend of lime juice, honey, garlic, soy sauce, and Tabasco, then baked until crispy and glazed for a sweet and savory flavor profile.
How long should I marinate the chicken wings?
For the best flavor, marinate the wings for at least 3 to 4 hours, or overnight for a deeper infusion of the citrus and garlic.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure the wings cook through and develop a crispy exterior.
Can I substitute lemon for lime in this recipe?
Yes, you can use lemon zest and juice as a substitute for lime if you prefer a different citrus flavor.
How do I make the wings extra crispy?
Using a wire rack placed on top of a cookie sheet allows hot air to circulate around the entire wing, resulting in a crispier texture.
Can I grill these wings instead of baking them?
Yes, you can grill the wings over medium-high heat, turning frequently and brushing with the marinade until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F.
Is this wing recipe spicy?
The recipe contains a small amount of Tabasco sauce, providing a mild kick that balances the sweetness of the honey without being overly spicy.
What type of honey is best for this glaze?
Raw honey or clover honey works perfectly for this recipe as they provide a smooth, sweet base for the marinade.
Can I use frozen chicken wings?
Yes, but ensure the wings are completely thawed and patted dry before marinating to prevent the sauce from being watered down.
How long do the wings need to bake?
The wings typically take about 35 to 40 minutes in total: 15 minutes on the first side and another 20 to 25 minutes after flipping and glazing.
Can I prepare this recipe in an air fryer?
Yes, air fry at 400°F for 18 to 22 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through and brushing with marinade during the last few minutes.
What are good side dishes for these wings?
These wings pair well with fresh celery sticks, carrots, ranch dressing, blue cheese dip, or a light cucumber salad.
How should I store leftover chicken wings?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days.
What is the best way to reheat these wings?
To maintain crispiness, reheat the wings in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, or use an air fryer for a few minutes.
Can I use chicken drumsticks instead of wings?
Yes, drumsticks can be used, but you will need to increase the baking time to approximately 45 to 50 minutes to ensure they are fully cooked.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
The recipe can be made gluten-free by substituting the soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos.
What can I use instead of soy sauce?
You can use tamari, coconut aminos, or a pinch of extra salt with a splash of Worcestershire sauce as a substitute.
Why do I need to flip the wings halfway through?
Flipping ensures that both sides of the wing brown evenly and allows you to apply extra marinade for a better glaze.
Can I use bottled lime juice?
Freshly squeezed lime juice is recommended for the best flavor, but bottled lime juice can be used in a pinch.
How many wings are in 3 lbs?
Depending on size, 3 lbs of wings usually equates to about 12 to 15 whole wings or 24 to 30 split wingettes and drumettes.
Can the marinade be made in advance?
Yes, you can whisk the marinade ingredients together and store them in the fridge for up to 2 days before using.
Can I double this recipe for a party?
Absolutely, just ensure you do not crowd the baking sheets so that the air can still circulate and keep the wings crispy.
What does the lime zest add to the recipe?
The zest contains essential oils that provide a much more intense citrus aroma and bright flavor than the juice alone.
Should I pat the wings dry before putting them in the marinade?
Yes, patting them dry helps the marinade and honey stick to the skin more effectively.
Can I use agave nectar instead of honey?
Yes, agave nectar or even maple syrup can be used as a 1:1 substitute for honey in this recipe.
How do I know the wings are fully cooked?
The wings are done when the skin is golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
Can I bake the wings directly on the foil?
You can, but the bottoms may become soggy. The wire rack is the key to achieving a crispy texture on all sides.
Why is soy sauce used in a honey garlic recipe?
Soy sauce provides the 'umami' or savory depth and the necessary salt to balance the sweetness of the honey.
Do I need to grease the wire rack?
Lightly spraying the wire rack with non-stick cooking spray can help prevent the wing skin from sticking.
Can I skip the marinating step?
While you can bake them immediately, the flavor will be much milder. If short on time, try to marinate for at least 30 minutes.