Chinese Chicken Wings Recipe
This mouthwatering recipe for sticky soy garlic chicken wings is an easy yet delicious dish perfect for gatherings or a cozy night in. With a balance of savory and sweet flavors, these wings are sure to impress. Heres how to prepare them:
Ingredients:
- 2 cups soy sauce
- 2 cups brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons garlic powder
- 5 pounds chicken wings, split and tips discarded
Directions:
- Step 1: In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the soy sauce, brown sugar, and garlic powder. Stir continuously until the sugar has fully dissolved into the sauce.
- Step 2: Once the sugar is dissolved, remove the saucepan from heat and let the mixture cool down.
- Step 3: While the sauce is cooling, place the chicken wings into a large bowl. Pour the cooled soy sauce mixture over the wings.
- Step 4: Toss the chicken wings well to ensure they are evenly coated with the sauce.
- Step 5: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the chicken wings for at least 8 hours, or overnight if possible, to marinate.
- Step 6: Preheat your oven to 350F (175C). Prepare a 9x13-inch baking dish.
- Step 7: Transfer the marinated chicken wings along with the sauce into the prepared baking dish. Cover the dish with aluminum foil.
- Step 8: Bake the wings in the preheated oven for about 45 minutes, or until they are thoroughly heated through.
- Step 9: After 45 minutes, remove the aluminum foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes to allow the wings to crisp up and caramelize.
- Step 10: Remove from the oven and serve the wings hot. Enjoy your sticky, flavorful chicken wings!
Nutrition Facts (per serving):
| Calories | 256 |
| Total Fat | 9g (12%) |
| Saturated Fat | 3g (13%) |
| Cholesterol | 40mg (13%) |
| Sodium | 2451mg (107%) |
| Total Carbohydrate | 28g (10%) |
| Dietary Fiber | 1g (2%) |
| Total Sugars | 25g |
| Protein | 16g (31%) |
| Vitamin C | 0mg (0%) |
| Calcium | 36mg (3%) |
| Iron | 2mg (9%) |
| Potassium | 227mg (5%) |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Chinese Chicken Wings are a delicious and flavorful appetizer commonly served in Chinese cuisine. These wings are marinated in a savory blend of soy sauce, brown sugar, and garlic powder, giving them a distinct sweet and salty flavor that is irresistible. This dish is popular in Chinese restaurants worldwide, offering a delightful balance of sweet, salty, and umami flavors that appeal to a wide range of tastes.
Origin Story
The origins of Chinese Chicken Wings can be traced back to traditional Chinese cooking techniques that emphasize bold flavors and marinades. The use of soy sauce, garlic, and sugar is rooted in the culinary practices of ancient China, where these ingredients were essential to creating complex flavors. Over time, these wings became a staple in Chinese-American cuisine, often featured on the appetizer menu in Chinese restaurants across the United States. As Chinese food gained popularity globally, the recipe for Chinese Chicken Wings was adapted and refined, with many variations appearing in homes and restaurants alike.
Regional Variations
Chinese cuisine is known for its regional diversity, and Chinese Chicken Wings reflect this diversity in various ways. In regions such as Sichuan, where spicy food is prominent, the recipe might include chili peppers or Sichuan peppercorns to add a fiery kick. Meanwhile, in Cantonese cuisine, which emphasizes mild and sweet flavors, the wings are often glazed with honey or sweet hoisin sauce. In some coastal areas, like Hong Kong, the wings are sometimes deep-fried before being coated in the marinade, creating an extra crispy texture. This adaptability makes Chinese Chicken Wings a versatile dish that can be tailored to local tastes and preferences.
Differences from Similar Dishes
Chinese Chicken Wings are often compared to other popular chicken wing recipes, such as Buffalo wings or BBQ wings, but there are key differences. Unlike the tangy, spicy sauces of Buffalo wings, Chinese Chicken Wings feature a sweeter, umami-rich marinade due to the combination of soy sauce and brown sugar. The sweetness of the brown sugar contrasts beautifully with the savory soy sauce, giving the wings a balanced flavor profile. Additionally, Chinese Chicken Wings are usually marinated for several hours, allowing the flavors to fully infuse into the meat, whereas many other wing recipes are either fried or coated in sauces immediately before cooking.
Where They Are Served
Chinese Chicken Wings are commonly found in Chinese restaurants around the world, especially in those offering a mix of traditional and Americanized Chinese cuisine. They are often served as a starter or appetizer, making them a popular choice for sharing at family-style meals or large gatherings. These wings also appear on menus of takeout Chinese restaurants, where they are a quick and satisfying option for people craving a flavorful snack. Additionally, they are a popular choice at parties and casual gatherings, where they are often served alongside other finger foods and appetizers.
Interesting Facts
- The marinade for Chinese Chicken Wings often contains a combination of soy sauce, sugar, and garlic powder, which are staples in Chinese cuisine, each adding a layer of complexity to the flavor.
- Although these wings are popular in Chinese-American restaurants, they have their origins in traditional Chinese cooking methods, particularly the use of soy sauce as a key seasoning.
- Chinese Chicken Wings are versatile; some people add extra ingredients like ginger, sesame oil, or even hoisin sauce to enhance the flavor.
- The recipe can be easily adapted for different cooking methods, including grilling, deep-frying, or air-frying, depending on personal preference or available equipment.
- In some variations, the wings are coated with sesame seeds or green onions for added texture and flavor before serving.
Conclusion
Chinese Chicken Wings offer a unique and delicious twist on the traditional chicken wing. With their balance of sweet and savory flavors, they make a perfect appetizer or snack for any occasion. Whether you're enjoying them at a Chinese restaurant or preparing them at home, Chinese Chicken Wings are sure to please anyone who loves bold and flavorful cuisine. Their versatility allows for numerous variations, making them a dish that can be tailored to suit every taste preference. So why not try this dish at your next gathering and experience the delightful combination of flavors that has made it a global favorite?
FAQ about Chinese Chicken Wings Recipe
Comments
teddybearplus2
10/06/2025 01:52:54 PM
I like the ingredients but I thought it needed a little bit more to it. So I also added ginger powder, kechup and fresh garlic. My husband loved it and even my 3 year old ate his.
Minnie RaHo
02/11/2012 07:10:30 PM
3 stars as is, but I made a bunch of changes and then they were awesome. 2 cups of soy sauce made it WAY too salty!!! and i use low sodium soy sauce and put less than the full two cups but even so, it was HORRIBLY salty. I basically had to start over and this is how i made it: sautee 4-6 cloves of garlic, fresh ginger, sliced green onions, and 1-2 sliced jalapeno peppers in sesame oil. then add 1/2 c. soy sauce, 1 c. pinapple juice, and about 1/2 c brown sugar. add black pepper, red pepper flakes, white pepper, sracha sauce, and a little honey. at that pnt you can re-evaluate the soy sauce and add more if need be. i tossed my wings in this on the stove and allowed them to cook as the sauce caramelized on top of them. then took them out of the sauce and broiled them for 25 min, tossed them in the sauce on the stove again and let them cook on the stove for another 5 min, and then re-broiled for 10 minutes before serving. my wings were pre-cooked so you may need to broil for longer to cook through, but they cme out amazing
ChillyAle3960
10/27/2024 06:53:47 PM
Air fryer for 25 minutes. Marinated for 36 hours and added ginger,garlic and onion powder. Cut the brown sugar in half. They were excellent. Definitely tastes Chinese. Will make again
Michael Hatala
01/13/2015 05:45:19 PM
I marinated the wings for 24 hours and cooked them this evening. They were absolutely delicious. I used Liquid Aminos as opposed to soy sauce and lowered the amount to 1/2 cup. Also added 1-1/2 Tbsp Garlic Powder - 1-1/2 Tsp Ginger - 1/2 Tsp Crushed Red Pepper - 2 Tbsp Rice Vinegar. I followed the cooking directions - 45 minutes foil covered - 15 minutes uncovered then finished on the grill over coals. Very tasty.
rdturner127
10/25/2024 12:28:52 AM
Baked it in the air fryer for 15 minutes and they turned out perfectly.
Emily Crawford
06/19/2019 08:41:10 PM
I used less soy sauce and diluted it a little with water and also marinated them for longer; these are delicious cooked on the grill!!
TamePoke6293
11/04/2022 11:22:47 AM
Great flavor, but couldn't get crispy skin. Next time I will pour off most of marinade before baking and/or try finishing on the grill. Definitely worth a second try!
wrrnneal
07/18/2015 12:28:58 PM
Made as directed, family loved it! Now I make this at least monthly, but have added a good dose of Sriracha to the mix (about a tablespoon), and finish them on the grill for a little extra crispiness, which my family prefers. Excellent!
Vikki Cooper
01/27/2013 02:07:41 PM
I made this dish for Sunday dinner today. I made a few alterations. First I made the maranade, I added three minced cloves of garlic and fresh ginger and set it to the side. I oven fried the chicken. Once the chicken was done, I dipped them in the sauce and let them cook at 400 for about 7 minutes. Can't wait to make them again!
Pamela
03/04/2011 05:11:32 PM
Excellent, although I added fresh ginger & garlic along with sesame seed oil and cooking wine with a hint of hoison sauce. I also tossed before the last 15 minutes of cooking to insure a good coating of the marinade. Oh yeah!
lovetotaste
08/27/2011 08:29:53 PM
only marinated for 3 hrs and slow cooked in a crock pot (rather than baking) for an hour it was delicious, also added some rice wine vinegar, and fresh garlic and ginger
RowdyKiwi6658
02/09/2025 10:47:15 PM
I have been making wings this way for quite a few years. Always a favorite. This is the only way I make wings.
Christopher Wilson
10/12/2024 03:31:57 PM
Can’t believe how easy and good it is.
Aaron Baker
07/06/2024 07:46:29 PM
I didn’t expect it to come out this perfect.
Cynthia Anderson
04/10/2024 09:28:58 PM
This is going straight into my favorites folder.
Larry Torres
02/19/2024 11:56:12 PM
Tastes way better than it looks online.
StrongFlour2913
04/27/2023 05:44:52 PM
Of course as usual I made and sampled this dire recipe. Far, far too much sugar. 1 tsp is quite enough. 1.5 'cups' soy quite sufficient, if not less. Would not really bother again, very sadly. Additionally extremely salty.
Cindy Fermoyle
06/08/2022 12:48:50 AM
So awesome tasting ! I make these all the time. The taste is incredible !
Sherry
03/03/2021 10:43:36 PM
Hubby and I did not care for these at all. Tasted like chicken dipped in soy sauce. Luckily a cut the recipe in half
julius
03/01/2021 12:13:56 AM
ok