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Caramelized Chicken Wings

Caramelized Chicken Wings
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These Caramelized Chicken Wings offer a perfect balance of tender, juicy meat with a golden, crispy, and sweet-savory caramelized coating. Easy to prepare with simple pantry staples, they deliver a delightful texture and flavor that’s perfect for casual dinners, game day snacks, or party appetizers. Ready in under an hour, this recipe ensures crispy, flavorful wings that will impress your guests and satisfy your cravings.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 2 pounds fresh chicken wings, skin-on
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil or vegetable oil
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional)

For Garnish

  • Chopped green onions or parsley
  • Sesame seeds (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Marinade: In a large mixing bowl, combine 1/2 cup brown sugar, 1/4 cup soy sauce, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, and 2 tablespoons olive or vegetable oil. Whisk the mixture until the sugar dissolves slightly and the marinade is well blended, forming a flavorful base that will coat the chicken wings.
  2. Marinate the Wings: Add the 2 pounds of fresh, skin-on chicken wings to the marinade. Toss to coat each wing evenly. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours, to let the flavors infuse and tenderize the wings.
  3. Preheat Your Oven or Grill: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) or prepare your grill to medium-high heat. This temperature ensures the wings cook evenly and develop a golden caramelized crust without burning.
  4. Cook the Wings: Arrange the marinated wings evenly spaced on a foil-lined baking sheet or grill grate. Bake or grill for 35–40 minutes, turning the wings halfway through the cooking time to achieve an even caramelized crust on all sides.
  5. Optional Final Touch: During the last 5 minutes of cooking, brush the wings with any remaining marinade or a small amount of honey to intensify the shine and enhance the sweetness for a glossy finish.
  6. Rest and Garnish: Remove the wings from heat and let them rest for a few minutes to allow the juices to redistribute. Garnish with chopped green onions, parsley, or sesame seeds before serving for added freshness and color.

Notes

  • Pat wings dry thoroughly before marinating to ensure crispier skin.
  • Use a wire rack on the baking sheet for better air circulation and even caramelization.
  • Keep an eye on the wings while cooking to prevent the sugar from burning.
  • Marinate wings for up to 4 hours max to avoid a mushy texture.
  • Rest wings after cooking to keep them juicy and flavorful.

Nutrition

Keywords: caramelized chicken wings, crispy chicken wings, sweet and savory wings, game day snack, easy chicken wings, gluten-free chicken wings

Find it online: https://mealsbymary.com/caramelized-chicken-wings/