Ginger Orange Glazed Chicken Wings: A Zesty and Savory Delight

Are you looking for a chicken wing recipe that’s anything but ordinary? Something that bursts with flavor and leaves everyone wanting more? Look no further! These Ginger Orange Glazed Chicken Wings are the perfect combination of sweet, savory, and spicy, making them an ideal appetizer for game day, a party snack, or even a flavorful weeknight dinner. The vibrant glaze, made with fresh ginger, juicy oranges, soy sauce, and a touch of honey, creates a sticky, irresistible coating that will have you licking your fingers clean. This recipe is easy to follow, and the results are guaranteed to impress.

## Why These Ginger Orange Glazed Chicken Wings Are a Must-Try

* **Unforgettable Flavor:** The combination of ginger and orange creates a uniquely balanced flavor profile that’s both refreshing and warming.
* **Easy to Make:** With simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, anyone can make these wings.
* **Crowd-Pleasing:** These wings are always a hit, whether you’re serving them at a party or enjoying them with family.
* **Versatile:** Serve them as an appetizer, snack, or main course.
* **Customizable:** Adjust the amount of ginger and orange to suit your personal preferences.

## Ingredients You’ll Need

Before you start cooking, gather these ingredients:

**For the Chicken Wings:**

* 2 pounds chicken wings, tips removed and drumettes and flats separated
* 1 tablespoon olive oil
* 1 teaspoon salt
* ½ teaspoon black pepper
* ½ teaspoon garlic powder
* ½ teaspoon onion powder

**For the Ginger Orange Glaze:**

* 1 cup freshly squeezed orange juice (about 4-5 oranges)
* ¼ cup soy sauce
* 2 tablespoons grated fresh ginger
* 2 tablespoons honey
* 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
* 1 teaspoon orange zest
* 1 clove garlic, minced
* 1 tablespoon cornstarch
* 2 tablespoons water
* Optional: Red pepper flakes, to taste (for a spicy kick)
* Optional: Sesame seeds, for garnish
* Optional: Chopped green onions, for garnish

## Step-by-Step Instructions: Making the Magic Happen

Here’s how to make these delectable Ginger Orange Glazed Chicken Wings:

**Step 1: Prepare the Chicken Wings**

1. **Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).** This temperature ensures that the wings will cook through evenly and get nice and crispy.
2. **Prepare the chicken wings:** If you bought whole wings, cut them at the joints to separate the drumettes and flats. Pat the wings dry with paper towels. This is a crucial step! Drying the wings allows them to get crispy in the oven. Excess moisture will cause them to steam instead of crisp.
3. **Season the wings:** In a large bowl, toss the chicken wings with olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Make sure the wings are evenly coated with the seasonings. This simple seasoning blend provides a flavorful base for the glaze.

**Step 2: Bake the Chicken Wings**

1. **Arrange the wings on a baking sheet:** Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup. Arrange the wings in a single layer, making sure they are not overcrowded. Overcrowding the pan will prevent the wings from browning properly. If necessary, use two baking sheets.
2. **Bake the wings:** Bake the chicken wings for 30-40 minutes, or until they are cooked through and golden brown. Flip the wings halfway through cooking to ensure even browning. The internal temperature of the wings should reach 165°F (74°C). Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness.

**Step 3: Prepare the Ginger Orange Glaze**

1. **Juice the oranges:** Squeeze the juice from 4-5 oranges until you have 1 cup of fresh juice. Freshly squeezed orange juice is key to the bright, vibrant flavor of the glaze. Bottled juice will not provide the same result.
2. **Grate the ginger:** Grate the fresh ginger using a microplane or fine grater. Fresh ginger is essential for this recipe. Dried ginger will not provide the same pungent flavor.
3. **Zest the orange:** Zest one orange, being careful to avoid the white pith, which is bitter. The orange zest adds another layer of citrusy flavor to the glaze.
4. **Combine the glaze ingredients:** In a medium saucepan, combine the orange juice, soy sauce, grated ginger, honey, rice vinegar, orange zest, and minced garlic. Whisk well to combine.
5. **Cook the glaze:** Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat. In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and water to create a slurry. Gradually whisk the cornstarch slurry into the simmering sauce. Continue to cook, stirring constantly, until the glaze thickens, about 2-3 minutes. The cornstarch slurry helps to thicken the glaze, giving it a sticky, coating consistency.
6. **Taste and adjust:** Taste the glaze and adjust the seasoning as needed. If you prefer a spicier glaze, add a pinch of red pepper flakes. If you prefer a sweeter glaze, add a little more honey. If it’s too sweet, add a touch more soy sauce or rice vinegar.

**Step 4: Glaze the Chicken Wings**

1. **Toss the wings in the glaze:** Once the chicken wings are cooked, remove them from the oven and transfer them to a large bowl. Pour the ginger orange glaze over the wings and toss to coat evenly. Make sure every wing is coated with the luscious glaze.
2. **Broil (optional):** For extra sticky and caramelized wings, you can broil them for a few minutes. Place the glazed wings on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Broil for 2-3 minutes per side, watching carefully to prevent burning. The high heat of the broiler will caramelize the glaze, creating a beautiful, glossy finish.

**Step 5: Garnish and Serve**

1. **Garnish:** Sprinkle the wings with sesame seeds and chopped green onions, if desired. These garnishes add visual appeal and a touch of flavor.
2. **Serve immediately:** Serve the Ginger Orange Glazed Chicken Wings immediately while they are hot and sticky. These wings are best enjoyed fresh.

## Tips and Tricks for Perfect Ginger Orange Glazed Chicken Wings

* **Use fresh ingredients:** Freshly squeezed orange juice and freshly grated ginger are essential for the best flavor. Don’t substitute bottled juice or dried ginger.
* **Dry the wings:** Patting the wings dry before baking is crucial for achieving crispy skin.
* **Don’t overcrowd the pan:** Arrange the wings in a single layer on the baking sheet to ensure even browning. If necessary, use two baking sheets.
* **Adjust the glaze to your liking:** Taste the glaze and adjust the seasoning as needed. Add more honey for sweetness, soy sauce or rice vinegar for tanginess, or red pepper flakes for heat.
* **Broil for extra caramelization:** Broiling the wings for a few minutes after glazing will create a beautiful, glossy finish.
* **Use a meat thermometer:** To ensure the wings are cooked through, use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
* **Make ahead:** You can prepare the glaze ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply reheat the glaze before using.
* **Double or triple the recipe:** This recipe can easily be doubled or tripled to serve a larger crowd.
* **Air Fryer Option:** You can also cook these wings in an air fryer! Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Place the wings in the air fryer basket in a single layer, being careful not to overcrowd. Cook for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the wings are cooked through and golden brown. Then, toss with the glaze as directed.

## Serving Suggestions

These Ginger Orange Glazed Chicken Wings are incredibly versatile and can be served in a variety of ways:

* **Appetizer:** Serve them as an appetizer at your next party or gathering.
* **Game Day Snack:** They’re the perfect snack for watching your favorite sports team.
* **Main Course:** Serve them with a side of rice, noodles, or vegetables for a complete meal.
* **Pair with:** Try pairing them with a light and refreshing salad or coleslaw.
* **Dipping Sauces:** Offer a variety of dipping sauces, such as ranch, blue cheese, or sweet chili sauce.

## Variations and Substitutions

* **Spicy:** Add more red pepper flakes to the glaze for a spicier kick. You can also add a dash of Sriracha or chili garlic sauce.
* **Sweeter:** Add more honey or brown sugar to the glaze for a sweeter flavor.
* **Tangier:** Add more rice vinegar or orange juice to the glaze for a tangier flavor.
* **Lemon:** Substitute lemon juice for orange juice for a different citrusy flavor.
* **Maple Syrup:** Use maple syrup instead of honey for a different flavor profile.
* **Gluten-Free:** Use tamari instead of soy sauce to make the recipe gluten-free.
* **Vegetarian “Wings”:** Use cauliflower florets instead of chicken wings for a vegetarian option. Toss the cauliflower in olive oil and seasonings, then bake or air fry until tender. Toss with the glaze as directed.

## Nutritional Information (Approximate)

*Please note that the nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.*

* Serving Size: 3-4 wings
* Calories: 350-450
* Fat: 20-30g
* Saturated Fat: 5-8g
* Cholesterol: 100-120mg
* Sodium: 500-700mg
* Carbohydrates: 20-30g
* Sugar: 15-20g
* Protein: 25-35g

## Recipe Card

**Ginger Orange Glazed Chicken Wings**

**Prep Time:** 20 minutes
**Cook Time:** 35-45 minutes
**Yield:** 6-8 servings

**Ingredients:**

* 2 pounds chicken wings, tips removed and drumettes and flats separated
* 1 tablespoon olive oil
* 1 teaspoon salt
* ½ teaspoon black pepper
* ½ teaspoon garlic powder
* ½ teaspoon onion powder

**Ginger Orange Glaze:**

* 1 cup freshly squeezed orange juice
* ¼ cup soy sauce
* 2 tablespoons grated fresh ginger
* 2 tablespoons honey
* 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
* 1 teaspoon orange zest
* 1 clove garlic, minced
* 1 tablespoon cornstarch
* 2 tablespoons water
* Optional: Red pepper flakes, sesame seeds, chopped green onions

**Instructions:**

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Prepare chicken wings by cutting them at the joints if needed and patting them dry.
2. In a large bowl, toss chicken wings with olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
3. Arrange wings in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
4. Bake for 30-40 minutes, flipping halfway through, until cooked through and golden brown. Internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
5. While wings are baking, prepare the glaze. In a medium saucepan, combine orange juice, soy sauce, ginger, honey, rice vinegar, orange zest, and garlic. Bring to a simmer.
6. Whisk together cornstarch and water. Gradually whisk into simmering sauce. Cook, stirring constantly, until thickened, about 2-3 minutes.
7. Remove wings from oven and transfer to a large bowl. Pour glaze over wings and toss to coat evenly.
8. (Optional) Place glazed wings on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Broil for 2-3 minutes per side, watching carefully.
9. Garnish with sesame seeds and green onions, if desired. Serve immediately.

Enjoy these zesty and savory Ginger Orange Glazed Chicken Wings! They are sure to be a hit at your next gathering or a delicious addition to your weeknight meal. Let us know in the comments how they turned out for you!