Flavorful Sweet and Sour Chicken Wings Recipe

These crispy, baked Sweet and Sour Chicken Wings are the perfect appetizer for game day gatherings, tailgating, potlucks, and more. Or pair them with some rice and sautéed veg for a great family dinner. 

Sweet and Sour Chicken Wings are the perfect food. They’re the quintessential game day fare, the perfect movie snack or afternoon protein pick-me-up, and I adore them for meal prep because of their versatility.

These wings are lightly breaded and baked until crispy, then tossed in a delicious sweet and tangy sauce made with simple, super common ingredients you are certain to have. 

They’re obviously great for a party or game day appetizer, but they also make a complete lunch or dinner option when paired with rice and vegetables.

Why Try These Sweet and Sour Wings

• Delicious – These wings are breaded, baked and tossed in a sweet and tangy sauce
• Simple – Made with common, everyday ingredients you probably have on hand.
• Versatile – These wings are great as a party appetizer, a snack, or a lunch or dinner when paired with rice or vegetables.

Sweet and Sour Chicken Wing Ingredients

This recipe uses simple everyday ingredients. Always use fresh ingredients for the best tasting results.

Chicken wings – split into drumettes and flats

All purpose flour – use GF flour for gluten free wings

Cornstarch

Spices – salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika

Oil – for baking

Ketchup 

Apple cider vinegar

Soy sauce – you can use low sodium if you want. See below for GF options

Sesame seeds – optional, for garnish

Chopped green onions – for garnish

Equipment Needed To Make 

• Large bowl
• Cookie sheet
• Saucepan
• Serving dish

Substitutions & Alterations

• You can use chicken thighs and drumsticks instead of wings.  Just ensure the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165° before serving.
• For spicier wings you can add a little hot sauce.
• Use your favorite gluten free flour and soy sauce for GF wings
• Sub soy sauce for gluten free Tamari or Bragg’s liquid aminos
• You can make these wings in an air fryer, see alternate directions below.

How to Make Sweet and Sour Wings

This is a very abbreviated version of the full recipe instructions found at the bottom of the post.

Step 1 – Prepare chicken seasonings.

Step 2 – Toss the wings in the flour mixture to coat.

Step 3 – Place wings on baking sheet and bake as directed in recipe card.

Step 4 – Prepare Sweet and Sour wing sauce.

Step 5 – Pull baked wings from the oven

Step 6 – Place wings in a bowl and coat well with sauce

Step 6 – Transfer to a serving plate and garnish with sesame seeds and green onions.

Time Saving Tips & Tricks for the Best Chicken Wings

• These wings are best enjoyed fresh out of the oven when they’re hot, crispy, and coated with the warm sauce.
• Mix the cornstarch and water thoroughly to avoid lumps in your sauce. Stir constantly as the sauce heats to ensure a smooth texture.
• Add a teaspoon of sriracha or a pinch of chili flakes to the sauce for a kick of heat.
• If you have an air fryer, cook the wings at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. This is a quicker alternative to baking the wings.

How to Serve Sweet and Sour Chicken Wings

Serve with carrot sticks and celery sticks with optional Ranch Dressing or Blue Cheese Dressing if serving as an appetizer. These also make a flavorful addition to charcuterie or wing boards.

Serve with white rice, brown rice, or Garlic Rice and Mixed Vegetables or Asian Cucumber Salad if served as a main dish.  

Storage Suggestions

Allow leftover wings to cool fully before storing. Place wings in an airtight container or freezer bag and store in the fridge for 3-4 days.

How to Reheat Leftover Wings

Reheat leftover chicken wings in the oven, air fryer, or microwave. *Microwave wings will not retain their crispiness as those reheated in an oven or air fryer.

In the Oven – Preheat to 400° and place the wings in an even layer. Heat for about 10 minutes or until warmed through completely.

In the Air Fryer – Preheat to 400° and place the wings in an even layer. Heat for 5-7 minutes until heated through.

In the Microwave – Place wings on a microwave safe dish and heat on high for 1 minute. Check the wings and reheat in 30 second bursts until hot. 

More Chicken Wing Recipes

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