Some of the best kitchen memories are made with sticky fingers and sweet-smoky aromas drifting from the oven. These Caramelized Baked Chicken Wings were born from one of those “let’s-just-try-it” nights, when sweet soy sauce met garlic, brown sugar, and a dash of spice — and magic happened. They’ve been a go-to ever since — perfect for game night, lazy weekends, or potlucks where they disappear before you can say “save me one!”

📝 Ingredients:
2 lbs (about 1 kg) chicken wings

1/3 cup soy sauce

1/4 cup brown sugar

1/4 cup honey

2 tbsp ketchup

1 tbsp olive oil or sesame oil

3 garlic cloves, minced

1/2 tsp ground ginger

1/4 tsp black pepper

Optional: pinch of red pepper flakes or sriracha for heat

Green onions & sesame seeds (for garnish)

🔥 Instructions:
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with foil and place a wire rack on top (optional, for crispier wings).

Make the sauce: In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar, honey, ketchup, oil, garlic, ginger, and pepper until smooth.

Toss the wings: Place chicken wings in a large bowl or ziplock bag. Pour the sauce over the wings and toss to coat evenly. Let marinate for at least 30 minutes (or up to overnight in the fridge for deeper flavor).

Arrange & bake: Place the wings in a single layer on the rack or baking sheet. Bake for 25 minutes, then flip them over and brush with more marinade.

Caramelize: Bake for another 20–25 minutes, or until wings are golden, sticky, and slightly charred on the edges. You can broil them for 2–3 minutes at the end for extra caramelization.

Serve hot, garnished with green onions and sesame seeds if you like.

💡 Note:
These wings are just as tasty the next day — if there are any left! For extra flavor, reserve some sauce before marinating and simmer it down into a thick glaze to brush over the wings before serving.