Mediterranean Garlic Chili Honey Chicken Wings
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Serves: 3–4
These Mediterranean Garlic Chili Honey Chicken Wings are the perfect mix of sweet heat, sticky glaze, and aromatic Mediterranean flair. They’re baked (or air-fried) to crispy perfection, then tossed in a glossy honey-garlic-chili sauce that hits every note — sweet, salty, spicy, and tangy. The soy and oyster sauce add depth, while fresh chilies bring just enough kick to make them addictive. Perfect for game nights, casual dinners, or anytime you want bold, finger-licking flavor without deep frying.
Ingredients
1 lb (450 g) chicken wings
1 tbsp soy sauce
1 tbsp oyster sauce
1 tbsp honey
1 tbsp sugar
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 small onion, finely chopped
1 tbsp oil (olive or vegetable)
2 red chilies, sliced (adjust to heat preference)
2 green chilies, sliced
1 tsp sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
Preheat the oven:
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking tray with foil and place a wire rack on top (this helps the wings crisp evenly).
Prepare the wings:
Pat the chicken wings dry with paper towels. Lightly season them with salt and a touch of oil. Arrange them in a single layer on the rack.
Bake the wings:
Bake for 25–30 minutes, turning halfway through, until golden and crisp.
(Alternatively, air fry at 390°F (200°C) for 18–20 minutes, shaking halfway.)
Make the sauce:
While the wings bake, heat 1 tbsp oil in a skillet over medium heat.
Add chopped onion and sauté for 2–3 minutes until translucent.
Add minced garlic and sliced chilies, cook for another minute until fragrant.
Add the seasonings:
Stir in soy sauce, oyster sauce, honey, and sugar.
Simmer for 2–3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly and becomes glossy.
Coat the wings:
Once the wings are cooked and crispy, transfer them to a large bowl.
Pour the hot sauce over the wings and toss to coat evenly.
Finish and serve:
Sprinkle with sesame seeds and serve immediately. These are best enjoyed hot, with a side of lemon wedges or a cooling yogurt dip.
Tips & Variations
Crispy Wings Every Time:
Pat the wings dry before baking — moisture is the enemy of crispiness.
For even more crunch, toss wings lightly in 1 tablespoon of cornstarch before baking.
Balance the Heat:
Adjust chili levels to taste. For a milder version, remove seeds or use fewer chilies.
Want more fire? Add a small pinch of chili flakes or a drizzle of hot sauce.
Alternative Cooking Methods:
Grill: Cook wings on a hot grill for a smoky touch, about 5–6 minutes per side.
Pan-Fry: Sear wings in a skillet with a little oil, then toss in sauce.
Sweetness Control:
Use more honey for a thicker glaze or reduce sugar for a lighter finish.
A splash of lemon juice can balance the sweetness beautifully.
Add Mediterranean Flair:
Add a sprinkle of dried oregano or thyme to the sauce.
Garnish with fresh parsley or a crumble of feta for a Mediterranean twist.
Make Ahead:
Bake or air fry the wings ahead, refrigerate, and reheat in the oven for 10 minutes before tossing in the sauce.
The sauce can be made and stored in a jar in the fridge for up to 5 days.
Q&A
Q: Can I use chicken drumettes or thighs instead?
Yes, you can. Just adjust the cooking time — thighs may need an extra 5–7 minutes depending on size.
Q: Can I skip the oyster sauce?
You can replace it with hoisin sauce, or simply use extra soy sauce plus ½ tsp vinegar for depth.
Q: How do I make it less sticky?
Add 2 tablespoons of water to the sauce while simmering for a lighter coating.
Q: Can I make it in an air fryer?
Yes! Air fry the wings at 390°F (200°C) for 18–20 minutes, flipping halfway through. Toss in the sauce afterward.
Q: Are these very spicy?
They’re mildly to moderately spicy — just enough heat to balance the sweetness. Adjust chilies to taste.
Q: Can I store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven for 10 minutes at 350°F (175°C) to regain crispness.
Nutrition
(Per Serving, Approximate)
Calories: 290
Protein: 23 g
Fat: 17 g
Carbohydrates: 14 g
Sugar: 9 g
Sodium: 410 mg
(Values vary slightly depending on sauce amount and wing size.)
Conclusion
These Mediterranean Garlic Chili Honey Chicken Wings strike the perfect balance between sweet, spicy, and savory. The garlic-chili-honey glaze clings to each crispy wing, delivering layers of flavor in every bite. They’re easy to make, simple to customize, and guaranteed to be a hit whether you serve them as an appetizer, snack, or main dish. Pair them with a cool yogurt or tzatziki dip and a squeeze of lemon for the ultimate Mediterranean-style wing experience.