If you’re craving a finger-licking, flavor-packed snack that wakes up your taste buds, then you have to try this Spicy Orange Chicken Wings Recipe. These wings deliver the perfect harmony of zesty citrus, sweet honey, and a fiery kick of sriracha, all wrapped up in crispy, golden chicken wings. Whether you’re hosting a game day party or just want to spice up your weeknight dinner, this recipe will quickly become a go-to favorite for its addictive sauce and satisfyingly crunchy texture.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Don’t let the ingredient list intimidate you—these simple staples come together in a way that balances the sweet, spicy, and tangy flavors perfectly. Each one is chosen not just for taste, but for the important roles they play in creating the ideal texture and aroma of these unforgettable wings.
- 2 lbs chicken wings, split into flats and drumettes: The star of the dish that crisps up beautifully when baked.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Helps to coat the wings evenly and promotes crispiness in the oven.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for enhancing the natural flavors of the chicken.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Adds a subtle, savory depth of flavor.
- 1 teaspoon onion powder: Boosts the savory base, complementing the garlic nicely.
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional): Introduces a smoky warmth that pairs beautifully with the orange zest.
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (for extra crispiness): The secret weapon for irresistibly crunchy wings.
- 1 cup orange juice (freshly squeezed or store-bought): Brings vibrant citrus brightness to the sauce.
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce: Adds umami richness and a slight saltiness.
- 2 tablespoons honey: Balances heat with natural sweetness for that perfect glaze.
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar: Provides acidity that cuts through richness and elevates the flavors.
- 2 teaspoons sriracha (adjust based on your spice preference): Gives the dish its fiery punch.
- 1 tablespoon grated ginger: Imparts a fresh, zesty warmth.
- 1 tablespoon garlic, minced: Adds fresh pungency to the sauce.
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (for thickening): Used to create that luscious, sticky sauce coating.
- Zest of 1 orange: Intensifies the citrus aroma and flavor for extra zing.
How to Make Spicy Orange Chicken Wings Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken Wings
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or use a wire rack to ensure even cooking and airflow. This setup is key for getting your wings crisp and golden.
Step 2: Season and Coat the Wings
Pat your wings dry with paper towels—that’s crucial for crispiness! Toss them in olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika if using, and a tablespoon of cornstarch. Make sure each wing is well coated to help that perfect crunch develop.
Step 3: Bake Until Crispy and Golden
Arrange the wings on your prepared baking sheet in a single layer. Bake them for 35 to 45 minutes, flipping halfway through. This flipping step guarantees even browning so every bite is wonderfully crispy.
Step 4: Make the Orange Sauce
While the wings bake, combine orange juice, soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sriracha, grated ginger, minced garlic, and orange zest in a small saucepan over medium heat. This aromatic blend simmers and melds into that signature sauce flavor.
Step 5: Simmer the Sauce
Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer, stirring from time to time, for about 5 minutes. This soft cooking helps the flavors marry beautifully and intensifies the sweet-heat balance.
Step 6: Thicken the Sauce
Dissolve 1 tablespoon cornstarch in 2 tablespoons of water to create a slurry, then whisk it into the simmering sauce. Stir for 2–3 minutes until the sauce thickens to a glossy, sticky texture that clings perfectly to your wings. Remove from heat.
Step 7: Coat the Wings with Sauce
Once your wings are crispy and golden, transfer them to a large bowl and pour the luscious orange sauce over the top. Toss gently but thoroughly until each wing is evenly coated in that irresistible glaze.
Step 8: Serve Immediately
Serve your spicy orange wings hot from the bowl for the best texture and flavor. They’re ready to impress with their perfect balance of spice, sweet, citrus, and crunch.
How to Serve Spicy Orange Chicken Wings Recipe
Garnishes
I’d highly recommend sprinkling chopped green onions or toasted sesame seeds on top of these wings. This not only adds a burst of color and freshness but also a little crunch and nuttiness that complements the sticky sauce beautifully. Plus, a little extra zing of zest or chopped fresh cilantro can lift things up even more.
Side Dishes
Serve these wings alongside some cooling cucumber salad or crunchy carrot sticks to balance their heat. A bowl of steamed jasmine rice or garlic fried rice also makes a perfect partner, soaking up that bright orange sauce without stealing the spotlight.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try piling these wings on a platter lined with lettuce leaves and scatter thin slices of fresh chili or mandarin segments for a festive flair. Serving with individual dipping bowls of extra sauce or ranch dressing lets your guests customize each bite for a party-ready vibe.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, store leftover wings in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for up to 3 days. Re-coating with a little extra sauce before reheating can help revive their flavor and moisture.
Freezing
You can freeze cooked wings in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. Frozen wings keep well for up to 2 months. Defrost overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
For the best texture, reheat wings in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes until warmed through and crispy. Microwaving can make them soggy, so if you’re in a hurry, use the microwave and then quickly broil to regain some crispiness.
FAQs
Can I use frozen chicken wings for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before seasoning. Dry wings crisp up so much better in the oven.
How spicy is the Spicy Orange Chicken Wings Recipe?
The heat level largely depends on how much sriracha you use. Start with 2 teaspoons and adjust to your taste, adding more if you love that extra kick.
Can I grill the wings instead of baking?
Yes! Grilling brings a smoky flavor that pairs wonderfully with the citrus sauce. Just grill over medium heat, flipping often until cooked through and crispy, then toss in the sauce.
Is corn starch necessary for this recipe?
While optional, cornstarch plays a crucial role in achieving that crispy skin on baked wings and thickening the sauce to the perfect glaze consistency. It’s well worth including.
Can I make the orange sauce ahead of time?
You can prepare the sauce up to 2 days in advance and store it in the fridge. Just reheat gently on the stove before tossing with freshly baked wings.
Final Thoughts
This Spicy Orange Chicken Wings Recipe is a delightful mix of sweet, spicy, and tangy flavors wrapped in crispy, juicy wings that never fail to impress. Whether for a casual night in or a crowd-pleasing appetizer, it’s one of those recipes that just makes you smile with every bite. I can’t wait for you to try it and make it your own signature snack!
Print
Spicy Orange Chicken Wings Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 to 4 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Spicy Orange Chicken Wings offer a perfect balance of crispy baked chicken wings coated in a tangy, sweet, and spicy orange sauce. With a delightful combination of fresh orange juice, honey, sriracha, and ginger, this dish delivers a flavorful kick that’s perfect as a tasty appetizer or a party snack.
Ingredients
Chicken Wings
- 2 lbs chicken wings, split into flats and drumettes
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (for extra crispiness)
Orange Sauce
- 1 cup orange juice (freshly squeezed or store-bought)
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 2 teaspoons sriracha (adjust based on your spice preference)
- 1 tablespoon grated ginger
- 1 tablespoon garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (for thickening)
- Zest of 1 orange
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken Wings: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or place a wire rack over the baking sheet for better air circulation.
- Season and Coat Wings: Pat the chicken wings dry using paper towels. Toss them in olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and 1 tablespoon cornstarch. Make sure each wing is evenly coated for extra crispiness.
- Bake the Wings: Arrange the wings in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet or wire rack. Bake in the preheated oven for 35-45 minutes, flipping the wings halfway through to ensure even crispness. They should be golden brown and crispy when done.
- Prepare Orange Sauce: While the wings bake, combine orange juice, soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sriracha, grated ginger, minced garlic, and orange zest in a small saucepan. Heat over medium heat.
- Simmer the Sauce: Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally. Let it cook for about 5 minutes to meld the flavors together.
- Thicken the Sauce: In a small bowl, dissolve 1 tablespoon of cornstarch in 2 tablespoons of water. Add this mixture to the simmering sauce, stirring continuously until the sauce thickens, about 2-3 minutes. Remove from heat.
- Coat the Wings: Once the wings are crispy and fully cooked, transfer them to a large mixing bowl. Pour the thickened orange sauce over the wings and toss thoroughly to coat evenly.
- Serve: Serve the wings immediately. Optionally garnish with chopped green onions or sesame seeds for added flavor and presentation.
Notes
- For extra crispiness, use a wire rack on the baking sheet to allow air circulation around the wings.
- Adjust the amount of sriracha to make the wings milder or spicier according to your taste.
- You can substitute honey with maple syrup for a vegan variation.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days and reheated in the oven to maintain crispiness.
- Serving the wings right after coating with the sauce keeps them crisp; letting them sit too long may make them soggy.
