Chicken wings are a favorite comfort food for many, often enjoyed at parties, barbecues, or as a satisfying snack. However, frying wings can be messy and unhealthy, so baking them offers a healthier and easier alternative. These Baked Chicken Wings with Honey Mustard are not only crispy but also packed with flavor. The honey mustard sauce adds a perfect sweet and tangy glaze that complements the savory baked wings.
In this recipe, we’ll guide you through how to bake crispy wings in the oven, season them to perfection, and finish them with a mouthwatering honey mustard sauce. This dish is simple to prepare, and the baked wings come out juicy on the inside and crispy on the outside. Let’s dive into the steps!
Ingredients:
For the Chicken Wings:
- 2 lbs chicken wings (drumettes or flats, or a mix of both)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional, for added smokiness)
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme or rosemary (optional, for an herbaceous flavor)
For the Honey Mustard Sauce:
- 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (for a bit of tang)
- 1 tablespoon mayonnaise or Greek yogurt (for creaminess)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (optional, to thin the sauce if needed)
For Garnish:
- Fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped (optional, for garnish)
- Lemon wedges (optional, for serving)
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken Wings
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). This high temperature is key to getting the wings crispy without deep frying.
- Pat the wings dry: Pat the chicken wings dry with paper towels. The drier the wings, the crispier they will become when baked. Removing excess moisture is important to achieve that perfect crispy texture.
- Season the wings: In a large bowl, toss the chicken wings with 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Then, season the wings with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika (if using), and dried thyme or rosemary (if using). Toss everything together to ensure the wings are evenly coated with the seasoning.
- Line a baking sheet: Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or foil for easy cleanup. You can also use a wire rack placed on top of the baking sheet to elevate the wings for maximum crispiness, but this is optional.
- Arrange the wings: Place the seasoned wings in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Make sure they are not overcrowded, as this will allow the hot air to circulate around the wings and help them cook evenly.
Step 2: Bake the Chicken Wings
- Bake the wings: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, flipping the wings halfway through cooking to ensure they cook evenly. The wings should be golden brown and crispy on the outside when done. If you prefer extra crispy wings, you can broil them for an additional 3-5 minutes at the end of the baking time, but be sure to watch them closely to avoid burning.
- Check for doneness: To ensure the wings are cooked through, check that the internal temperature of the wings reaches 165°F (74°C) using a meat thermometer. Once the wings are done, remove them from the oven and set them aside.
Step 3: Make the Honey Mustard Sauce
- Combine the ingredients: In a small bowl, whisk together the Dijon mustard, honey, apple cider vinegar, mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt), and garlic powder. Taste the sauce and add salt and pepper as needed. If you prefer a thinner sauce, you can add 1 tablespoon of olive oil to reach your desired consistency.
- Adjust sweetness and tang: If you prefer your sauce sweeter, add a little more honey. For more tang, add an extra splash of vinegar. Stir until all ingredients are well combined, and adjust the flavor to your liking.
Step 4: Coat the Wings in Honey Mustard Sauce
- Coat the wings: Once the wings are done baking and slightly cooled, transfer them to a large bowl. Pour the honey mustard sauce over the wings, and toss them gently to coat the wings evenly. Be sure to cover all the wings with the sauce, ensuring each piece is glazed.
- Optional step – Bake again: For a more caramelized glaze, you can return the coated wings to the oven for an additional 5-7 minutes. This will help the sauce set on the wings and make it more sticky and flavorful. Keep an eye on the wings to avoid burning.
Step 5: Serve and Garnish
- Plate the wings: Transfer the honey mustard-coated wings to a serving platter or individual plates.
- Garnish and serve: Garnish the wings with freshly chopped parsley or cilantro for a fresh pop of color and flavor. Serve the wings with lemon wedges on the side, as the acidity will balance the sweetness of the honey mustard sauce.
- Enjoy: Serve the wings immediately while they’re hot and crispy. These honey mustard chicken wings are perfect for dipping in extra sauce, and they go wonderfully with a side of veggies, fries, or a fresh salad.
Tips for Perfect Baked Chicken Wings with Honey Mustard:
- Get the wings crispy: If you want extra crispy wings, make sure they are as dry as possible before baking. You can also use a wire rack on the baking sheet to elevate the wings and allow heat to circulate around them more evenly.
- Customize the honey mustard sauce: The honey mustard sauce is highly customizable. Add a little hot sauce or cayenne pepper to give the sauce a spicy kick, or use whole-grain mustard for a bit of texture and additional flavor. You can also adjust the balance of honey and mustard to suit your preference.
- Add a glaze: If you love a sticky glaze, bake the wings with the sauce for a few more minutes to get that perfect caramelized layer. Be sure to watch closely to prevent burning.
- Use fresh herbs: Fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro add color and freshness to the dish. You can also add finely chopped green onions or chives for extra flavor.
- Make ahead: You can prepare the wings ahead of time by baking them in advance and storing them in the fridge. When ready to serve, reheat the wings in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for 5-10 minutes, then toss them in the sauce. This makes for an easy, quick meal.
- Side dish options: Serve these wings with a side of crispy French fries, roasted vegetables, or a light salad. The rich, tangy sauce pairs well with a fresh green salad or even some tangy pickles to cut through the sweetness.
Variations and Creative Twists:
- Spicy Honey Mustard Wings: Add a tablespoon of hot sauce or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the honey mustard sauce to bring some heat to the dish. This variation is perfect for those who enjoy a balance of sweet and spicy flavors.
- Baked Boneless Wings: If you prefer boneless wings, you can substitute the chicken wings with boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs. Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces, season, and bake as you would the wings. Once cooked, toss them in the honey mustard sauce for a boneless version.
- Honey Mustard Glazed Chicken Thighs: For a heartier meal, you can make this recipe with bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs instead of wings. Follow the same cooking steps, but be sure to cook the thighs longer (about 35-40 minutes) until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Once baked, glaze the chicken thighs with honey mustard sauce for a deliciously sticky and flavorful dish.
Serving Suggestions:
- Sides: These honey mustard baked wings are perfect with crispy French fries, roasted vegetables like carrots or Brussels sprouts, or a light coleslaw to balance the richness of the wings.
- Dips: Serve the wings with extra honey mustard sauce or a creamy ranch dip on the side. You can also pair them with a tangy barbecue sauce for a fun dipping option.
Conclusion:
Baked Chicken Wings with Honey Mustard are a crowd-pleasing, flavorful dish that’s perfect for any occasion. The crispy baked wings paired with the sweet, tangy honey mustard sauce create a delightful combination of flavors that will leave everyone coming back for more. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner, game day, or a special gathering, these wings are sure to be a hit. With easy-to-find ingredients and simple steps, you can make these delicious wings right in your own kitchen and enjoy them fresh out of the oven. Enjoy your crispy, sweet, and tangy honey mustard chicken wings!