Prepare to elevate your culinary game with these irresistibly delicious Sweet Chili Chicken Wings! Crafted with a vibrant, homemade Thai-inspired red sauce, these wings strike a perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and a touch of heat. Whether you prefer the golden-brown crispness achieved in your oven or the undeniable crunch from an air fryer, these wings are guaranteed to be a showstopper. Finish them with a generous drizzle of our luscious, gooey sauce for a truly unforgettable appetizer or main course.
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Why This Sweet Chili Wing Recipe Stands Out
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“I may never order wings out again. These wings were delicious and made under 30 minutes. Winning!”
~Ty
Are you constantly on the hunt for the next great chicken wing recipe? Look no further! Our Sweet Chili Chicken Wings are a phenomenal addition to any collection, promising a burst of flavor that will leave your taste buds craving more. This recipe joins our popular series of sticky, succulent wings, delivering a perfect blend of sweetness, tanginess, and a subtle fiery kick. Many readers have crowned these as their new go-to, praising their incredible taste and quick preparation time. Imagine restaurant-quality wings, perfectly crispy and coated in a glorious homemade sauce, all made right in your kitchen in under 30 minutes! It’s a true win-win for busy weeknights or weekend gatherings.
For those who prefer their wings less saucy or “naked,” don’t worry! We’ve included special tips in the notes section of this post to help you achieve that amazing sweet chili flavor without the sticky mess. Whether you’re a fan of finger-licking goodness or a lighter touch, this recipe caters to all preferences. Be sure to check out the comprehensive recipe card at the bottom of the page for all the details and instructions.
Essential Ingredients for Perfect Sweet Chili Wings
Crafting these exceptional Sweet Chili Chicken Wings begins with selecting the right components. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in achieving that signature balance of flavors and textures.
- Chicken Wings: The foundation of our dish. We recommend using ‘party wings’ (already split into drumettes and flats) for even cooking and easier handling.
- All-Purpose Flour (Optional): Essential for creating that desirable crispy exterior. If you’re opting for breaded wings, flour provides a thin, crunchy coating.
- Sweet Chili Sauce: This is the star of our sauce! Look for a high-quality Thai sweet chili sauce that offers a good balance of sweet, sour, and a mild chili warmth. It forms the backbone of our flavorful glaze.
- Garlic: Freshly minced garlic adds an aromatic depth and pungent flavor that complements the sweet and spicy notes of the sauce beautifully.
- Brown Sugar or Sweetener: Enhances the sweetness and helps create that wonderful caramelization and sticky texture in the sauce. Brown sugar offers a rich, molasses-like undertone, but a suitable sweetener can be used for dietary adjustments.
- Soy Sauce: A critical element for umami and a salty counterpoint. It expertly balances the sweetness of the chili sauce, the acidity of the vinegar, and the heat of the spices, preventing the overall flavor from becoming overly saccharine.
- Sesame Oil:This ingredient is a game-changer for its rich, toasted, and distinct nutty flavor. Just a small amount adds incredible depth and an authentic Asian aroma to the sweet chili sauce, elevating the entire dish.
- Rice Wine Vinegar: A staple in many Asian-inspired recipes, including these Thai chili chicken wings. It delivers a subtle, bright tanginess that cuts through the richness and expertly balances the sweetness and heat, ensuring a well-rounded and complex flavor profile.
Choosing the Best Chicken Wings
The type of chicken wings you select can significantly impact the final texture and cooking experience. For this recipe, I highly recommend using “party wings,” which are chicken wings that have already been separated into drumettes and flats. This preparation is ideal because party wings cook much more evenly and consistently than whole chicken wings, ensuring every piece reaches perfect crispness and doneness simultaneously. The smaller, uniform size also helps them absorb the delicious sweet chili sauce more effectively.
While party wings are my preference, feel free to use whole chicken wings if that’s what you have on hand or prefer. Just be mindful that they may require a slightly longer cooking time and you might need to adjust the timing to ensure they are cooked through to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) without overcooking the exterior. Regardless of your choice, ensure the wings are patted thoroughly dry before seasoning and cooking, as this is a crucial step for achieving that coveted crispy skin.
The Irresistible Flavor of Sweet Chili Sauce
Sweet chili sauce is a wonderfully versatile condiment renowned for its captivating flavor profile. At its core, it delivers a harmonious blend of sweetness and tanginess, perfectly complemented by a gentle, underlying spicy kick. If you’re a fan of classic sweet and sour sauce, imagine that familiar deliciousness elevated with an exciting, subtle warmth that tantalizes the palate without being overpowering. It’s not aggressively spicy, but you’ll definitely notice the pleasant heat that differentiates it from purely sweet sauces.
This dynamic balance makes sweet chili sauce an exceptional ingredient for a wide array of dishes. Beyond these delectable wings, I frequently incorporate sweet chili sauce into other crowd-pleasing recipes. For instance, it’s the secret behind the vibrant flavor in my Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp and Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta recipes, where it adds that signature zest and a touch of intrigue. Its ability to marry diverse flavors makes it a pantry essential for anyone looking to add an exotic, yet approachable, flair to their cooking.
How to Craft Your Sweet Chili Chicken Wings
Creating these sensational Sweet Chili Chicken Wings is simpler than you might think, and the payoff in flavor is absolutely worth it. We’ll walk through the essential steps here, but for precise measurements and comprehensive instructions, remember to refer to the detailed recipe card conveniently located at the bottom of this post.
Here’s a simplified overview of the process:
- Prepare the Chicken: Begin by thoroughly patting your chicken wings dry. This crucial step ensures maximum crispiness. Once dry, place them in a large bowl or a sturdy plastic bag.
- Season and Coat: Add all-purpose flour (if you desire a breaded exterior), along with salt and pepper to taste. Toss vigorously until each wing is evenly and fully coated. This coating creates a fantastic crust.
- Cook to Perfection: Now, it’s time to cook the wings until they are golden and crispy. You have two excellent options: either bake them in the oven or air fry them. Both methods yield wonderfully tender and crunchy results.
- Whip Up the Sauce: While the wings are cooking, prepare your signature sweet chili sauce. In a saucepan heated over medium-high heat, combine the sweet chili sauce, brown sugar or your chosen sweetener, soy sauce, aromatic sesame oil, tangy rice wine vinegar, and minced garlic.
- Simmer and Thicken: Cook the sauce mixture for about 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until all the ingredients are well incorporated and the sauce begins to thicken slightly. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed to achieve your preferred balance.
- Glaze and Serve: Once the chicken wings are perfectly cooked and delightfully crispy, remove them from the oven or air fryer. Generously drizzle or toss them in your homemade sweet chili sauce, ensuring every wing is beautifully coated in that irresistible gooey goodness. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Amp Up the Heat: Making Them Spicy
While our sweet chili sauce offers a pleasant mild kick, sometimes you crave an extra burst of fiery flavor! Customizing the spice level of your Sweet Chili Chicken Wings is incredibly easy. To transform these from subtly spicy to truly sensational, simply incorporate additional heat-boosting ingredients into your sauce mixture.
My go-to additions for upping the spice factor are Sriracha sauce or cayenne pepper. Start with about ½ to 1 teaspoon of either, mix it into the simmering sweet chili sauce, and taste. You can gradually add more until you reach your desired level of heat. For a different kind of warmth, a pinch of red pepper flakes can also provide a delightful kick and visual appeal. Another fantastic option is to sprinkle some Cajun seasoning onto your chicken wings along with the salt and pepper before cooking. This not only adds heat but also introduces a complex blend of savory spices, creating a richer, more robust flavor profile that pairs wonderfully with the sweet chili glaze. Experiment with these additions to find your perfect spicy sweet chili wing experience!
Alternatives to Traditional Flour Breading
If you’re looking for an alternative to all-purpose flour for breading your chicken wings, or if you simply prefer a different texture, you have a couple of excellent options. One popular and effective substitute for flour is baking powder. When used correctly, baking powder creates a chemical reaction that helps dry out the chicken skin and achieve an incredibly crispy texture, often even crispier than flour alone.
To use baking powder, you’ll typically need about 1-2 tablespoons, or enough to lightly coat all of your chicken wings. Ensure it’s aluminum-free baking powder to avoid any metallic taste. Simply toss the thoroughly dried wings with the baking powder, along with your salt and pepper, until they are evenly coated. This method is particularly favored for air frying, as it excels at producing a super-crisp skin without a thick breading. Alternatively, you can choose to omit any breading entirely and prepare “naked” chicken wings, which are still wonderfully delicious and offer a lighter option while allowing the chicken’s natural flavor to shine through the sweet chili glaze. We’ll dive into how to make naked wings next!
Achieving Naked Wings: No Breading Required
For those who prefer their chicken wings without any breading, achieving delicious “naked” wings is incredibly straightforward. This method is perfect if you’re aiming for a gluten-free option, a lighter meal, or simply want to savor the pure flavor and texture of the chicken skin beneath the sweet chili sauce. The process is almost identical to preparing breaded wings, with one key difference: you simply omit the flour altogether.
To make naked sweet chili wings, start by ensuring your chicken wings are thoroughly patted dry, which remains paramount for achieving crispy skin. Season them generously with salt and pepper, or any other dry seasonings you prefer. Then, proceed with either the oven baking or air fryer instructions as outlined in the recipe card. The cooking times will remain largely the same, as the goal is still to get the chicken fully cooked and the skin beautifully rendered and crispy. Once your naked wings are cooked to golden perfection, simply toss them directly in the warm, homemade sweet chili sauce. The sauce will cling beautifully to the crispy skin, delivering all the incredible flavor without the added breading, allowing you to enjoy a different, yet equally satisfying, texture.
Versatility With Other Chicken Cuts
The delicious sweet chili sauce and cooking methods described here aren’t just for wings! This recipe is incredibly versatile and can be adapted for various other cuts of chicken. If you’re out of wings or simply prefer different parts, feel free to substitute with chicken tenders, chicken breasts, or chicken thighs. The sweet and savory sauce complements almost any chicken cut, making it a flexible option for your meal planning.
When using other cuts, the preparation for the chicken itself will be similar – pat dry and season with salt and pepper, and optionally coat with flour or baking powder for crispiness. However, cooking times and temperatures will need to be adjusted to ensure the chicken is cooked through and tender. For specific guidance on cooking times and methods for these alternative cuts, you can refer to my dedicated recipes: check out my Air Fryer Parmesan Chicken Tenders, Air Fryer Chicken Breasts, or Air Fryer Cilantro Chicken Thighs. These resources will provide you with the perfect cook times to ensure your sweet chili chicken, no matter the cut, turns out fantastic!
Reheating for Maximum Crispness
Leftover Sweet Chili Chicken Wings are a delightful treat, and reheating them properly is key to preserving their delicious taste and, most importantly, their crispy texture. While convenience might tempt you to use a microwave, I strongly advise against it. Microwaving wings tends to make them soggy and rubbery, completely diminishing their appeal.
The absolute best methods for reheating your wings are in either the oven or the air fryer. Both appliances excel at restoring that desirable crunch. To reheat in the oven, simply spread the wings in a single layer on a baking sheet and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until they are heated through and the skin has crisped up again. For the air fryer, place the wings in the basket in a single layer and air fry at 350°F (175°C) for 5-8 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. Keep a close eye on them to prevent over-drying. The goal is to heat them thoroughly while bringing back their initial crispness, making your leftovers almost as good as fresh!
Freezing and Meal Prep Tips
These Sweet Chili Chicken Wings are not only incredibly delicious but also fantastic for meal prepping and freezing! Having a batch on hand makes for quick and easy meals or impromptu appetizers whenever a craving strikes. To freeze your cooked wings, first ensure they have cooled completely to room temperature. This prevents ice crystals from forming, which can affect texture.
Once cooled, arrange the wings in a single layer on a baking sheet and flash freeze them for about 1-2 hours, or until solid. This step prevents them from sticking together. Then, transfer the frozen wings to an airtight freezer-safe bag or container. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 2-3 months without a significant loss in quality.
When you’re ready to enjoy them, the best way to defrost is overnight in the refrigerator. Once defrosted, reheat them using the oven or air fryer methods described above, at 350°F (175°C), until they are hot and crispy once more. Avoid reheating from frozen in the microwave to maintain texture. This preparation strategy ensures you always have a tasty, homemade option ready to go!
Perfect Pairings: What to Serve with Sweet Chili Wings
Sweet Chili Chicken Wings are incredibly versatile and can be served as a standout appetizer or the star of a full meal. To complete your dining experience, consider pairing them with these complementary side dishes that balance and enhance their bold flavors:
- Ranch Roasted Potatoes: The creamy, savory notes of ranch-seasoned potatoes offer a comforting contrast to the sweet and spicy wings.
- Mashed Sweet Potatoes: Their natural sweetness and smooth texture provide a delightful harmony with the chili flavors, adding a touch of richness.
- Air Fryer Green Beans: A healthy and fresh option, these crisp green beans add a vibrant crunch and a touch of earthiness.
- Air Fryer Asparagus: Lightly roasted asparagus offers a sophisticated, slightly bitter note that cleanses the palate between bites of flavorful wings.
More Dry Rub Wing Recipes to Explore
For those who love their wings with a crispy, seasoned crust and a burst of flavor from a savory dry rub, we have an array of fantastic recipes to satisfy your cravings. Dry rub wings offer a different kind of texture and a chance to explore a variety of spice blends. Here are some of our top picks:
- Air Fryer Fried Chicken Wings
- How to Grill Chicken Wings
- Crispy Ranch Chicken Wings
- Air Fryer Turkey Wings
- Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Chicken
- Cajun Chicken Wings
Discover More Flavored Wing Recipes
If you’ve fallen in love with these Sweet Chili Chicken Wings and are eager to explore even more exciting flavor combinations, you’re in luck! Our collection of flavored wing recipes offers a diverse range of tastes, from zesty and tangy to rich and smoky. Each recipe is designed to deliver maximum flavor and crispiness, ensuring your wing night is always a hit.
- Lemon Pepper Chicken Wings
- Hot Lemon Pepper Wings
- Mango Habanero Chicken Wings
- Teriyaki Chicken Wings
- Honey Hot Wings
- Air Fryer Buffalo Wings
- Garlic Parmesan Wings
- Honey BBQ Wings
- Keto Low Carb Chicken Wings (Maple BBQ)
- Traeger Smoked Chicken Wings
Additional Recipes You’ll Adore
If you enjoyed making these Sweet Chili Chicken Wings, you’ll love exploring other popular recipes from our kitchen. From quick weeknight dinners to comforting classics and hearty sides, we have something for every taste and occasion. Dive into these fan favorites and discover your next culinary adventure!
- How to Make Sweet Potato Fries in Air Fryer
- Catfish Fried
- Copycat Zuppa Toscana Soup
- Baked Purple Sweet Potato
- Oven Cooked Baby Back Ribs
- Salmon On Pellet Grill
- KFC Famous Bowl Recipe
- Keto Bacon Cheeseburger Casserole
- Southern Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe
- Cornbread Dressing with Chicken
- Smoked Ham on Pellet Grill
- Ground Beef Alfredo Pasta
- Turkey Bacon In the Oven
- Air Fry Turkey Wings
- Fish Sandwiches Recipe
- Pork Tenderloin on a Pellet Grill
- Pulled Pork Recipe Traeger
- How To Cook Chicken Skewers in Air Fryer
Sweet Chili Chicken Wings Recipe
Brandi Crawford
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Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need
- Cosori Air Fryer
- Air Fryer Oil Spray Bottle
- Sheet Pan
- Parchment Paper
Ingredients
- 2 pounds chicken wings I use drummettes/split wings for even cooking.
- salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- ⅓ – ½ cup all-purpose flour Use just enough to lightly and fully coat the chicken for crispiness.
- cooking oil spray I recommend olive oil spray for a fine mist.
For the Sweet Chili Sauce
- ½ cup Thai sweet chili sauce
- 2 teaspoons brown sugar or preferred sweetener
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon rice wine vinegar
- 3 garlic cloves Finely minced for maximum flavor.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Oven Baking Method
- Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190°C) to ensure it’s hot enough for crispy wings.
- Thoroughly pat the chicken wings dry with paper towels. Transfer them to a large bowl or a robust plastic bag.
- Add the all-purpose flour, salt, and pepper to the chicken. Toss vigorously until each wing is completely and evenly coated with the seasoned flour.
- Line a large sheet pan with parchment paper for easy cleanup and to prevent sticking. Arrange the coated wings in a single layer, ensuring they don’t touch, and lightly spritz them with cooking oil spray.
- Bake the wings for 20 minutes. After this time, carefully open the oven, flip each wing to the other side, and spritz again with cooking oil. Continue baking for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the chicken is golden-brown, wonderfully crisp, and cooked through to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- While the wings are baking, prepare the sweet chili sauce. Heat a small saucepan over medium-high heat. Add the sweet chili sauce, brown sugar (or sweetener), soy sauce, sesame oil, rice wine vinegar, and minced garlic.
- Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and cook for 3-5 minutes, stirring continuously, until the sauce is well incorporated and slightly thickened to a gooey consistency. Taste the sauce frequently to ensure the flavor suits your preference, adjusting ingredients like sugar or spice as needed.
- Once the wings are out of the oven, transfer them to a large mixing bowl. Pour the warm sweet chili sauce over the wings and toss gently until every piece is generously coated. Serve immediately and enjoy the sticky, crispy goodness!
Air Fryer Method
- Thoroughly pat the chicken wings dry with paper towels and place them in a large bowl or plastic bag.
- Add the all-purpose flour, salt, and pepper to the chicken. Toss vigorously until the chicken is fully and evenly coated, creating a light crust.
- Arrange the coated chicken wings in a single layer within the air fryer basket, ensuring not to overcrowd it (cook in batches if necessary). Lightly spritz the chicken with cooking oil spray.
- Air fry at 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200°C) for 15 minutes.
- Open the air fryer basket, carefully flip each chicken wing, and spritz them with additional cooking oil. Continue to air fry for an extra 5-10 minutes, or until the chicken is beautifully crispy, golden, and cooked completely through (165°F/74°C internal temperature).
- While the wings are cooking, prepare the sweet chili sauce. Heat a small saucepan over medium-high heat. Add the sweet chili sauce, brown sugar (or sweetener), soy sauce, sesame oil, rice wine vinegar, and minced garlic.
- Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and cook for 3-5 minutes, stirring continuously, until the sauce is well incorporated and slightly thickened to a gooey consistency. Taste the sauce frequently to ensure the flavor suits your preference, adjusting ingredients like sugar or spice as needed.
- Remove the crispy chicken from the air fryer. Transfer them to a large mixing bowl, pour the warm sweet chili sauce over them, and toss until thoroughly coated. Serve these irresistible sticky, crispy wings immediately!
Recipe Video Guide
Expert Tips and Notes
- For Less Sticky Wings: As written, this recipe yields wonderfully sticky wings. If you prefer a less saucy, baked-in flavor, remove the wings from the oven or air fryer about 5 minutes before they are fully cooked. Toss them thoroughly in the sweet chili sauce, then return them to the appliance for the final 5 minutes. This allows the sauce to bake onto the wings, creating a delicious caramelized glaze rather than a gooey coating.
- Nutritional Information: The macros provided assume the use of monk fruit sweetener. For the most accurate nutritional details, we recommend calculating the information with the specific brands and ingredients you use in your own recipe, utilizing your preferred nutrition calculator.
- Flour Alternatives: You can easily swap the all-purpose flour for baking powder to achieve an exceptionally crispy skin. Use 1-2 tablespoons of aluminum-free baking powder, enough to lightly coat the chicken. For a gluten-free or low-carb option, you can also omit flour or baking powder completely and make delicious naked chicken wings.
- Wing Type: While we prefer drumettes and flats for even cooking, feel free to use whole chicken wings if you wish. Be aware that you might need to slightly adjust the cooking time to ensure they are cooked through. Always ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Seasoning with Salt: Salt is absolutely crucial for enhancing all the flavors in the wings. I typically use ¼ – ½ teaspoon for this recipe, but I encourage you to salt to taste based on your dietary needs and personal preference. The spices alone provide flavor, but salt amplifies and completes the taste profile.
- Flour Coating: Start with ¼ cup of flour and add more only if necessary. The goal is a light, even coating over the entire surface of the chicken, not a thick batter.
- Even Crispiness: If you notice any white, uncoated areas of flour on your wings after they’ve been cooking for a bit, lightly spritz those spots with cooking oil to encourage even browning and crispiness.
- Parchment vs. Foil: While parchment paper is recommended, aluminum foil can be substituted for baking. Keep in mind that cook times might vary slightly with foil, so monitor your wings closely to ensure they reach the minimum safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Making Them Spicier: For an extra kick, mix in 1 to 1 ½ teaspoons of Sriracha sauce, cayenne pepper, or a good quality Cajun seasoning into your sweet chili sauce mixture. This will add a wonderful depth of heat!
Nutritional Information
Important Nutrition Data Disclaimer
Macros are provided as a courtesy and should not be construed as a guarantee. This information is calculated using MyFitnessPal.com. To obtain the most accurate nutritional information for a given recipe, you should calculate the nutritional information with the actual ingredients used in your recipe, utilizing your preferred nutrition calculator. You are solely responsible for ensuring that any nutritional information provided is accurate, complete, and useful for your dietary needs.