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There's nothing quite like biting into perfectly crispy, sticky honey garlic wings. That satisfying crunch followed by the sweet, savory glaze makes these wings absolutely irresistible. If you've been missing out on this classic appetizer due to gluten concerns, I have excellent news for you - these gluten-free honey garlic wings deliver all the flavor without the gluten! A chicken wing recipe for everyone to enjoy.
Why You'll Love These Gluten-Free Honey Garlic Wings
These homemade chicken wings are a game-changer for anyone following a gluten-free diet. Using a specialized gluten-free flour blend ensures you get that perfect crispy exterior without compromising on texture. The sticky honey garlic sauce creates a beautiful glaze that caramelizes in the oven, delivering that signature sweet-savory balance that makes honey garlic wings so addictive.
What makes this recipe stand out is the combination of premium ingredients. Using high-quality honey (like the recommended Bee Inspired Honey) creates a depth of flavor that elevates these wings beyond your standard appetizer. The fresh ginger and garlic provide aromatic complexity that perfectly complements the natural sweetness of the honey.
The Secret to Extra Crispy Gluten-Free Chicken Wings
The challenge with many gluten-free recipes is achieving that perfect crispiness without the traditional flour coating. This recipe solves that problem with a few special techniques:
- Thoroughly drying the wings before coating them
- Using a light coating of gluten-free flour (GF Jules works perfectly)
- Spraying with avocado oil for even browning
- Optional foil technique to trap moisture initially, then uncovering for crispiness
- Finishing with a brief broil if needed
The result? Chicken wings that are crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and completely gluten-free!
Grill these wings at your Memorial Day Cookout
Perfect Occasions for Honey Garlic Wings
These gluten-free chicken wings are versatile enough for any occasion:
- Game day gatherings
- Family movie nights
- Backyard barbecues
- Holiday appetizer spreads
- Potluck contributions (just be sure to label them as gluten-free!)
The best part? No one will ever guess they're gluten-free unless you tell them!
Serve these wings at a Midsummer Eve party
How to Make Honey Garlic Chicken Wings
Ingredients
For the chicken wings, you'll need:
- Chicken wings
- Gluten-free flour
- Salt and pepper
- Avocado oil spray
For the honey garlic sauce, you'll need:
- Bee Inspired Honey
- Gluten-free soy sauce
- Minced garlic
- Grated ginger
- Corn starch
- Paprika
- Onion powder
- Hot sauce (optional)
One: Preparing and Baking the Wings
Preheat your oven to 425°F. Pat the chicken wings dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. In a large bowl, combine salt, pepper, and gluten-free flour. Coat each wing evenly with the flour mixture. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil and arrange the coated wings. Spray the wings lightly with avocado oil. For extra moisture, cover loosely with foil for the first 15 minutes to trap steam, then uncover. Bake uncovered for 25 minutes, then flip. Continue baking for another 20-25 minutes until golden and crispy. Ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F. If needed, broil for 2 minutes to reach your desired crispiness.
Two: Creating the Honey Garlic Sauce
While the wings are baking, combine honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, grated ginger, paprika, and onion powder in a small saucepan. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat. In a small bowl, mix cornstarch with a tablespoon of water to create a slurry. Stir the cornstarch slurry into the simmering sauce. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the wing sauce thickens and becomes glossy. Remove from heat and add hot sauce if desired.
We used Sweet Clover Honey in our sauce
Three: Finishing the Wings
When the chicken wings are done baking, toss them in the sauce or brush the sauce on generously. Return the sauced honey garlic chicken wings to the oven for 5-7 more minutes to let the sauce caramelize. Serve immediately while they're still sticky, crispy, and hot!
Tips for the Perfect Honey Garlic Wings
- Wing Selection: For the best results, use a mix of drumettes and flats.
- Sauce Consistency: If your sauce becomes too thick, add a tablespoon of water at a time until you reach your desired consistency.
- Extra Crispiness: Make sure to pat the wings completely dry before coating them with the flour mixture.
- Make Ahead: You can prepare the sauce a day in advance and reheat it when needed.
- Leftovers: Store any leftover wings in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through.
Try different types of honey in this recipe for slightly different flavor profiles
Delicious Variations to Try
Looking to mix things up? Here are some exciting variations on our gluten-free honey garlic wings that will keep your taste buds guessing:
Asian-Inspired Sesame Wings
Add 1 tablespoon of rice vinegar to the sauce for tanginess and sprinkle toasted sesame seeds over the finished wings. Garnish with thinly sliced green onions for freshness and color. The rice vinegar balances the sweetness of the honey while the sesame seeds add a delightful crunch.
Spicy Honey Garlic Wings
For those who enjoy heat, add red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper to the sauce mixture. Start with ¼ teaspoon and adjust to your preferred spice level. The contrast between sweet honey and spicy pepper creates an addictive flavor combination that's perfect for spice lovers.
Cooking Method Variations
While the recipe calls for baking, these wings are incredibly versatile. For air fryer enthusiasts, arrange the flour-coated wings in a single layer in your air fryer basket and cook at 380°F for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through. For a traditional approach, deep fried wings offer unmatched crispiness – heat oil to 375°F and fry in batches for 10-12 minutes until golden brown. Both methods work wonderfully with the honey garlic sauce.
Try serving these wings with Air Fryer Kale Chips
Garlic Lover's Edition
Can't get enough garlic? Substitute the minced fresh garlic with double the amount of garlic powder in the sauce for a more intense flavor profile. For an even bolder garlic experience, add both fresh garlic AND garlic powder, then toss extra minced garlic onto the wings right after coating them in sauce.
Mediterranean Twist
Replace half the honey with olive oil and add a Mediterranean herb blend to the flour mixture. The olive oil creates a different texture in the sauce while maintaining that beautiful glaze we all love. Finish with a squeeze of lemon juice and more green onions for brightness.
Each of these variations stays true to the gluten-free nature of the original recipe while offering new and exciting flavor profiles to explore!
Make Honey Garlic Chicken Wings!
The next time you're craving that perfect combination of sweet, savory, and sticky, these gluten-free honey garlic wings will definitely hit the spot. The crispy exterior, juicy interior, and that irresistible honey garlic glaze make these wings a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, whether you're following a gluten-free diet or not!
Frequently Asked Questions About Honey Garlic Wings
Can I make these wings in an air fryer?
Yes! Air fry at 380°F for about 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through. Then toss in the sauce and air fry for an additional 2-3 minutes.
Is cornstarch gluten-free?
Yes, pure cornstarch is naturally gluten-free. However, always check the packaging to ensure it's processed in a gluten-free facility to avoid cross-contamination.
Can I make these wings ahead of time?
For best results, serve these wings fresh. However, you can prepare the sauce ahead of time and keep the baked wings warm in a low oven (200°F) until you're ready to coat them with sauce.
What can I serve with honey garlic wings?
These wings pair perfectly with celery sticks, carrot sticks, and gluten-free ranch or blue cheese dressing. For a complete meal, serve with a side salad or gluten-free coleslaw.
