Sticky Sesame Chicken Wings

There’s something unbelievably satisfying about the aroma of freshly baked Sticky Sesame Chicken Wings wafting through your kitchen. I remember the first time I tried making these wings; the anticipation was palpable. As the chicken cooked, the sweet and savory scent mingled, drawing everyone in. It’s an experience that transforms an ordinary weeknight into something special. Whether I’m hosting friends for game night or just treating my family, these wings never disappoint. As I serve them up, I see the excitement on everyone’s faces, eager for that first bite, and it’s a moment I cherish. The sticky glaze, bursting with flavor, always leaves them wanting more. These Sticky Sesame Chicken Wings are not just food; they’re a celebration of flavors that bring people together.

What’s In This Sticky Sesame Chicken Wings

When it comes to making Sticky Sesame Chicken Wings, the ingredients play a crucial role in achieving that mouthwatering flavor. Each ingredient complements the others, creating a balance that makes these wings irresistible. The star players here are the chicken, soy sauce, and maple syrup, which together create a sticky glaze that’s simply delicious.

• 2 pounds chicken wingettes and drumettes (either one or a combo of both): These are the main ingredient, perfect for absorbing all the flavors of the marinade.
• ½ teaspoon kosher salt: Enhances the flavor of the chicken and brings out the other ingredients.
• ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper: Adds a mild heat and depth to the dish.
• 3 garlic cloves (minced): Infuses the wings with a robust aroma and flavor.
• ½ cup pure maple syrup: Provides sweetness and helps create the sticky glaze.
• ¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce: Adds umami and saltiness, balancing the sweetness of the syrup.
• 1½ tablespoons ginger paste or 1 tablespoon freshly ground ginger: Offers a warm, spicy note that enhances the flavor profile.
• ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper (red pepper flakes): Adds a kick of heat to the dish.
• 2 tablespoons toasted sesame seeds: Used for garnish, they add a nutty flavor and nice crunch.
• Garnish: 2 scallions or green onions (thinly sliced at an angle): Brightens up the dish with a fresh touch.

How to Assemble Sticky Sesame Chicken Wings

Making Sticky Sesame Chicken Wings is both fun and straightforward. The process allows you to be hands-on with the ingredients, ensuring every piece of chicken is packed with flavor. Here’s how to do it!

1. Start by gathering two 2-gallon sized resealable plastic bags. This double-bagging method is essential to avoid leaks. Open the first bag, and pat the chicken dry with paper towels. Season the chicken lightly with kosher salt and black pepper. This initial seasoning adds a foundational flavor to the meat.
2. In the inside plastic bag, combine ½ teaspoon kosher salt, ¼ teaspoon black pepper, minced garlic, maple syrup, soy sauce, ginger paste, and crushed red pepper. This mixture is where the magic happens! It’s important to measure accurately for a balanced flavor.
3. Add the seasoned chicken pieces to the bag with the marinade. Zip the bag closed, making sure to squeeze out as much air as possible. This helps the marinade cling to the chicken for maximum flavor absorption.
4. Seal the outside bag around the inside bag, then turn the chicken over a few times. You want to ensure that every piece is coated with the marinade. This can be a fun step, especially if you have kids who want to help!
5. Refrigerate the chicken for at least 1 hour or overnight. This marination time is crucial and will help in tenderizing the chicken while infusing it with flavor.
6. When you’re ready to cook, preheat your oven to 425°F. While it heats up, line a medium-sized baking dish with parchment paper or spray it with nonstick cooking spray. This step ensures easy cleaning and prevents sticking.
7. Carefully place the marinated chicken in the baking dish, ensuring there’s a little space between each piece. Pour any remaining marinade over the top. This will create a delicious glaze as they cook.
8. Cook the chicken for 20 minutes. During this time, the chicken will start to caramelize and develop a rich color.
9. After 20 minutes, flip each piece of chicken over and brush them with pan drippings or marinade from the bottom of the dish. This ensures even cooking and adds additional flavor.
10. Sprinkle the chicken with toasted sesame seeds and continue to cook for another 10 to 15 minutes, or until the glaze has thickened and caramelized. The chicken should be cooked for a total of 30 to 35 minutes. Look for a golden-brown color and a slight char for the best outcome.
11. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the oven and let it cool slightly. This helps to settle the juices and ensures every bite is tender.
12. Garnish with thinly sliced scallions or green onions for a fresh finish. Enjoy your delicious Sticky Sesame Chicken Wings!

Substitutions and Tips

If you’re considering making these Sticky Sesame Chicken Wings, here are some helpful tips to enhance the experience. These suggestions will ensure your wings turn out perfectly every time!

• Storage: Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: You can freeze the uncooked marinated chicken. Just make sure to thaw it in the refrigerator before cooking.
• Pairing: These wings pair wonderfully with a fresh salad or coleslaw to balance the rich flavors.
• Extra Crispy: For extra crispy wings, place them under the broiler for a couple of minutes after baking.
• Homemade Sauce: Feel free to experiment with adding your favorite hot sauce to the marinade for an extra kick!

Side Dish Ideas for Sticky Sesame Chicken Wings

Serving Sticky Sesame Chicken Wings can be as fun as making them! Here are some delightful side dishes and ideas for different occasions:

• Rice: Serve the wings over a bed of steamed rice to soak up the delicious sauce. It’s a classic pairing!
• Vegetable Stir-Fry: A colorful stir-fry with seasonal vegetables complements the wings perfectly and adds nutrition.
• Potato Wedges: Crispy potato wedges seasoned with herbs can provide a hearty side that’s sure to please.
• Fresh Salad: A bright salad with a tangy vinaigrette can cut through the richness of the wings.
• Coleslaw: Creamy coleslaw adds a crunchy texture that contrasts wonderfully with the sticky wings.
• Occasions: These wings are perfect for game day, casual dinners, or even festive gatherings. They fit any occasion!

FAQ

Conclusion

The magic of Sticky Sesame Chicken Wings lies in their perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors, making them a standout dish that everyone loves. I encourage you to try making these wings at home; they’re sure to impress your family and friends. Not only are they easy to prepare, but they’re also a fun way to gather around the table and enjoy good food together.

Sticky Sesame Chicken Wings

The ultimate comfort food, these Sticky Sesame Chicken Wings are sweet, sticky, and packed with flavor. Perfect for parties and gatherings, they're always a crowd-pleaser. Make them tonight for an easy weeknight dinner that everyone will love!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 35 minutes mins

Total Time 45 minutes mins

Servings: 6 servings

Course: Dinner

Cuisine: American

Calories: 350

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 2 pounds chicken wingettes and drumettes either one or a combo of both
• ½ teaspoon kosher salt plus more to taste
• ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 3 cloves garlic minced
• ½ cup pure maple syrup
• ¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce
• 1½ tablespoons ginger paste or 1 tablespoon freshly ground ginger
• ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper red pepper flakes
• 2 tablespoons toasted sesame seeds
• 2 scallions or green onions thinly sliced at an angle

Equipment

• Frying Pan
• Chef's Knife
• Oven

Method

 

1. Start by gathering two 2-gallon sized resealable plastic bags. This double-bagging method is essential to avoid leaks. Open the first bag, and pat the chicken dry with paper towels. Season the chicken lightly with kosher salt and black pepper.
2. In the inside plastic bag, combine ½ teaspoon kosher salt, ¼ teaspoon black pepper, minced garlic, maple syrup, soy sauce, ginger paste, and crushed red pepper. This mixture is where the magic happens!
3. Add the seasoned chicken pieces to the bag with the marinade. Zip the bag closed, making sure to squeeze out as much air as possible.
4. Seal the outside bag around the inside bag, then turn the chicken over a few times. You want to ensure that every piece is coated with the marinade.
5. Refrigerate the chicken for at least 1 hour or overnight.
6. When you’re ready to cook, preheat your oven to 425°F. While it heats up, line a medium-sized baking dish with parchment paper or spray it with nonstick cooking spray.
7. Carefully place the marinated chicken in the baking dish, ensuring there’s a little space between each piece. Pour any remaining marinade over the top.
8. Cook the chicken for 20 minutes.
9. After 20 minutes, flip each piece of chicken over and brush them with pan drippings or marinade from the bottom of the dish.
10. Sprinkle the chicken with toasted sesame seeds and continue to cook for another 10 to 15 minutes, or until the glaze has thickened and caramelized.
11. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the oven and let it cool slightly.
12. Garnish with thinly sliced scallions or green onions for a fresh finish. Enjoy your delicious Sticky Sesame Chicken Wings!

Notes

• Extra Crispy: For extra crispy wings, place them under the broiler for a couple of minutes.
• Sesame Seeds: If you can’t find toasted sesame seeds, heat a small skillet over medium heat, spread the seeds in an even layer, and cook until they are lightly browned, approximately 4-5 minutes.

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Meet Jade Summer

Reliability is just as important as flavor. I am the one double checking measurements and testing temperatures. I cooked this recipe repeatedly, troubleshooting any tricky parts, so you can trust that it will turn out perfectly the very first time you try it.