Sweet & Spicy Chicken Wings Recipe

Prep wings

Pat the chicken wings dry with paper towels. Removing surface moisture helps them crisp better.

In a large bowl, toss the wings with kosher salt, black pepper, and baking powder until evenly coated. The baking powder helps create a crisp skin when roasted.

If roasting: preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Arrange wings skin-side up on a wire rack set over a rimmed baking sheet lined with foil. Brush or lightly rub with the neutral oil. Roast for 35–45 minutes, turning once halfway, until skin is deep golden and crisp and internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). If frying: heat 2–3 inches of neutral oil in a deep pot to 350°F (175°C) and fry wings in batches 8–10 minutes until crisp and cooked through. Drain on paper towels.

While wings cook, make the sauce. In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add minced garlic and cook 20–30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.

Add the honey, sriracha, soy sauce, rice vinegar, lemon juice, and red pepper flakes. Stir to combine and bring to a gentle simmer for 2–3 minutes so flavors meld and sauce slightly thickens. Taste and adjust heat or sweetness: add more sriracha for heat or more honey to sweeten.

Remove from heat and keep warm. The sauce will thicken slightly as it cools.

Place the cooked wings in a large mixing bowl. Pour about 3/4 of the warm sauce over the wings and toss gently to coat evenly. Reserve the remaining sauce for drizzling or serving on the side.

Transfer wings to a serving platter. Sprinkle with chopped parsley and toasted sesame seeds if using. Serve immediately with extra sauce on the side.

While wings finish, arrange celery and carrot sticks on a platter around a small bowl for the blue cheese dip. Keep the vegetables chilled until serving.

In a medium bowl combine sour cream, mayonnaise, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper. Stir until smooth.

Fold in the crumbled blue cheese, reserving a small pinch for garnish. If the dip is too thick, add milk 1 tablespoon at a time until you reach desired consistency. Taste and adjust seasoning.

Transfer dip to a small serving bowl and garnish with reserved blue cheese crumbles.