Are you ready to elevate your snack game with an irresistible flavor explosion? This Spicy Orange Chicken Wings Recipe perfectly marries zesty citrus with a fiery kick, creating wings that are crispy on the outside and dripping with sticky, bold sauce on the inside. Whether you’re hosting a party, craving a cozy night in, or just love experimenting with flavors, this recipe brings excitement to your taste buds with every bite. The combination of fresh orange juice, ginger, and sriracha is downright addictive, guaranteed to make these wings your new go-to favorite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
All the ingredients in this Spicy Orange Chicken Wings Recipe are simple yet vital—they each add a layer of flavor, texture, or color that transforms ordinary wings into an extraordinary dish. From the cornstarch that crisps up the skin to the fresh orange zest that brightens the sauce, every element plays its part perfectly.
- 2 lbs chicken wings, split into flats and drumettes: The star of the show, these provide the perfect canvas for bold flavors and a crispy bite.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Helps wings crisp up beautifully in the oven without drying out.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Basic seasoning that enhances the natural flavor of the chicken.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Adds a warm, savory depth to the wings.
- 1 teaspoon onion powder: Complements the garlic for a rich, rounded flavor.
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional): Infuses a subtle smoky undertone that pairs amazingly with the spicy orange glaze.
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (for extra crispiness): A secret weapon for crispy, non-greasy skin.
- 1 cup orange juice: Freshly squeezed or store-bought, this brightens the sauce with natural sweetness and citrusy tang.
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce: Adds savory umami balance to the sweet and spicy sauce.
- 2 tablespoons honey: Brings natural sweetness and a lovely sticky texture to the glaze.
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar: Introduces a tangy acidity that cuts through the sweetness.
- 2 teaspoons sriracha: Adjust this for your preferred spice level and enjoy the fiery depth it offers.
- 1 tablespoon grated ginger: Fresh ginger gives the sauce a zesty, aromatic kick.
- 1 tablespoon garlic, minced: Fresh garlic intensifies the savory layers.
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (for thickening): Used to thicken the sauce for that perfect clingy texture.
- Zest of 1 orange: Adds a burst of citrus aroma and flavor to the glaze.
How to Make Spicy Orange Chicken Wings Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken Wings
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C), and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a wire rack. This ensures even cooking and easy cleanup.
Step 2: Season the Wings Thoroughly
Pat your chicken wings dry with paper towels to help the skin crisp up nicely. Toss them in olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and cornstarch. Make sure every wing is fully coated—this seasoning blend is what creates that mouthwatering crust.
Step 3: Bake Until Crispy
Arrange the wings in a single layer on your prepared baking sheet. Bake for 35-45 minutes, turning halfway through to ensure they brown evenly. You’ll know they are ready when they turn golden and irresistibly crispy.
Step 4: Whip Up the Orange Sauce
While your wings are baking, combine orange juice, soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sriracha, grated ginger, minced garlic, and orange zest in a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir occasionally as the flavors meld together.
Step 5: Simmer for Flavor Depth
Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer and let it cook for about 5 minutes. This step allows the ingredients to marry and the sauce to reduce slightly, intensifying its taste.
Step 6: Thicken the Sauce
Mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water in a small bowl until dissolved. Gradually add this slurry to your simmering sauce and stir continuously. In just a few minutes, the sauce will thicken to that perfect glaze consistency. Remove from heat to prevent over-thickening.
Step 7: Toss the Wings in Sauce
Once crispy and cooked through, transfer the wings to a large mixing bowl. Pour the luscious orange sauce over them and toss until every wing is evenly coated and dripping with flavor.
Step 8: Ready to Serve
Serve these vibrant, spicy orange chicken wings immediately to enjoy their crispy texture and sticky sauce at their best.
How to Serve Spicy Orange Chicken Wings Recipe
Garnishes
Adding garnishes like chopped green onions or toasted sesame seeds not only adds a burst of color but enhances the texture and adds subtle, complementary flavors that elevate the entire dish.
Side Dishes
These wings pair beautifully with crunchy celery sticks and creamy blue cheese or ranch dressing to balance the heat. Alternatively, a fresh Asian slaw or steamed jasmine rice can also make great accompaniments, rounding out your meal wonderfully.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, arrange the wings on a platter garnished with thin orange slices and fresh cilantro for a festive look. Serving them with small bowls of extra sauce or pickled vegetables provides a delightful interactive experience that guests will love.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover wings in an airtight container and refrigerate. They will stay fresh for up to 3 days, making them perfect for next-day snacking or a quick meal.
Freezing
To freeze, arrange cooked wings in a single layer on a baking sheet to flash freeze, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 2 months without sacrificing flavor.
Reheating
The best way to reheat these wings is in a hot oven or air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for about 10 minutes, which restores their crispiness. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep that signature crunch!
FAQs
Can I use bottled orange juice for the sauce?
Absolutely! Freshly squeezed gives the brightest flavor, but bottled orange juice works well too. Just make sure it’s 100% juice without added sugars or flavors for the best taste.
How spicy is this Spicy Orange Chicken Wings Recipe?
The heat primarily comes from the sriracha. You can easily adjust the spice level by adding more or less, making this recipe flexible depending on your spice tolerance.
What if I don’t have a wire rack for baking?
No worries! Just line your baking sheet with parchment paper and turn the wings halfway through cooking to help them crisp evenly.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Use tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce alternative, and double-check your other ingredients to keep everything gluten-free.
Is it okay to bake the wings instead of frying?
Definitely. Baking at a high temperature with cornstarch yields wonderfully crispy wings without the extra oil and mess of frying. It’s a healthier approach that doesn’t sacrifice flavor or texture.
Final Thoughts
This Spicy Orange Chicken Wings Recipe has quickly become a personal favorite and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. With its perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and spicy flavors wrapped around crispy, tender wings, it’s a dish you just have to try. So go ahead, gather the ingredients, and treat yourself and your loved ones to something truly special today!
Print
Spicy Orange Chicken Wings Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 4 to 4.5 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These spicy orange chicken wings are baked to crispy perfection and coated with a tangy, sweet, and spicy orange glaze. The wings are tossed with a flavorful blend of spices and finished with a homemade orange sauce featuring fresh ginger, garlic, and a hint of sriracha for heat. Perfect as a crowd-pleasing appetizer or game day snack.
Ingredients
For the 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)
For the 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 on top for even air circulation.
- Season the Wings: Pat the chicken wings dry with paper towels to ensure crispiness. Toss them in olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and 1 tablespoon of cornstarch until they are evenly coated with the seasoning mix.
- 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 the baking time to ensure they crisp evenly and turn golden brown.
- 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.
- Simmer the Sauce: Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally, and let it cook for about 5 minutes to blend the flavors and reduce slightly.
- Thicken the Sauce: In a small bowl, dissolve 1 tablespoon of cornstarch in 2 tablespoons of water to make a slurry. Add this to the simmering sauce and stir continuously until it thickens, around 2-3 minutes. Remove from heat once thickened.
- Coat the Wings: When the wings are crispy and fully cooked, transfer them to a large mixing bowl. Pour the thickened orange sauce over the wings and toss well to coat evenly with the flavorful glaze.
- Serve: Serve the orange-glazed chicken wings immediately. Optionally, garnish with chopped green onions or sesame seeds for added flavor and presentation.
Notes
- Patting the wings dry before baking is key to achieving crispy skin.
- Adjust the amount of sriracha to control the spice level according to your preference.
- For even crispier wings, you can place them on a wire rack while baking to allow airflow underneath.
- Use fresh orange juice and zest for the most vibrant flavor in the sauce.
- This recipe can be doubled for larger groups and leftovers reheat well in the oven.
