These Chinese Takeout Wings deliver the ultimate flavor bomb, combining crispy fried chicken with a sticky, savory garlic soy glaze. Every bite is an explosion of umami, with hints of sweetness from honey and deep soy richness. They’re the kind of wings that keep you coming back for more!
Perfect for a casual get-together, game night, or a weeknight treat, these wings are effortless to make but taste like they came straight from your favorite Chinese restaurant. The crunchy exterior paired with the luscious, sticky sauce makes them completely irresistible. Serve them with a side of steamed rice, extra dipping sauce, or a cool cucumber salad for the ultimate experience!
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs chicken wings, split into drumettes and flats
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- Vegetable oil, for frying
For the Sauce:
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp oyster sauce
- 1 tbsp hoisin sauce
- 2 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp fresh ginger, minced
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water (slurry)
- 1 tbsp sesame seeds, for garnish
- 2 green onions, chopped, for garnish
Directions:
- Prepare the Wings: In a large bowl, combine buttermilk and soy sauce. Add the chicken wings and marinate for at least 30 minutes (or overnight for best results).
- Coating: In a separate bowl, mix flour, cornstarch, baking powder, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and cayenne pepper. Remove wings from marinade and dredge in the dry mixture, ensuring an even coating.
- Frying the Wings: Heat vegetable oil in a deep fryer or heavy pot to 350°F (175°C). Fry wings in batches for about 8–10 minutes until golden brown and crispy. Drain on a wire rack.
- Prepare the Sauce: In a saucepan over medium heat, add sesame oil, garlic, and ginger. Sauté until fragrant. Add soy sauce, honey, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar, and red pepper flakes. Simmer for 2–3 minutes.
- Thicken the Sauce: Stir in the cornstarch slurry and cook until the sauce thickens, about 1 minute.
- Coat the Wings: Toss the crispy wings in the sticky garlic sauce until evenly coated.
- Garnish & Serve: Sprinkle sesame seeds and chopped green onions over the wings. Serve immediately with extra sauce for dipping.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 35 minutes
Kcal: 385 kcal per serving | Servings: 4
Chinese Takeout Wings – The Ultimate Crispy & Saucy Delight
Chinese Takeout Wings are the perfect fusion of crunchy, juicy chicken and sticky, flavorful glaze, making them an irresistible dish for any occasion. Whether you’re craving takeout flavors at home or looking for an easy yet impressive party dish, these wings bring bold Asian flavors, a crispy bite, and a luscious sticky glaze that will keep you coming back for more.
But what makes these wings so special? Let’s dive into the history, benefits, and why this recipe stands out among the many chicken wing variations.
The Origins of Chinese Takeout Wings
While crispy fried chicken is often associated with American Southern cuisine, Asian cultures have a long tradition of deep-fried, glazed, or marinated chicken dishes. In China, salt and pepper chicken wings, soy sauce chicken, and Peking-style wings have been popular street foods for centuries. These recipes focus on bold seasonings, crispy textures, and rich, umami-packed glazes.
The Chinese-American takeout culture further popularized deep-fried and sauced wings, evolving them into a staple dish that balances sweet, savory, and spicy flavors. Inspired by sauces like General Tso’s, honey garlic, and hoisin-based glazes, these wings offer the best of traditional Asian flavors with the crispiness that makes them a worldwide favorite.
Why This Recipe is the Best Choice
1. The Perfect Crispy Coating
The combination of flour, cornstarch, and baking powder creates an ultra-light yet crispy texture. Unlike traditional battered wings, this method ensures a shatteringly crisp crust without feeling greasy or heavy. The double-frying technique (if you choose to fry twice) enhances the crispiness even further, making these wings restaurant-quality.
2. The Ultimate Sticky Sauce
The glaze is the star of the show – a blend of:
✅ Soy sauce for depth and umami
✅ Honey for a natural sweetness and stickiness
✅ Oyster & hoisin sauce for a rich, slightly smoky taste
✅ Rice vinegar to balance out the sweetness
✅ Garlic & ginger for warmth and fragrance
✅ Red pepper flakes (optional) for a hint of heat
This sauce coats the wings perfectly, offering just the right amount of sweetness, saltiness, and spice.
3. Takeout-Style at Home – Healthier & More Affordable
Ordering takeout can be expensive, and restaurant versions are often deep-fried in oils that are reused multiple times. Making these at home means you control the ingredients, the oil quality, and the seasoning levels. Plus, it’s way more budget-friendly to make a big batch at home!
4. Customizable to Your Taste
This recipe is incredibly versatile! You can:
- Make it spicier by adding extra chili flakes or Sriracha
- Go sweeter with a drizzle of honey
- Make it keto-friendly by substituting flour with almond flour and using sugar-free sweeteners
- Turn it into a meal by serving with steamed rice, stir-fried vegetables, or noodles
5. Perfect for Any Occasion
Whether you need an easy appetizer for parties, a game-day snack, or a delicious weeknight dinner, these wings fit any occasion. They’re finger-licking good and always a hit with guests!
The Science Behind Crispy Fried Wings
Achieving the perfect crunch isn’t just about frying—it’s about science! The key to super crispy wings is:
- Cornstarch + Flour: This combo creates an airy, crisp crust that isn’t too heavy. Cornstarch reduces the protein content in the coating, preventing toughness.
- Baking Powder: Reacts with heat to create tiny air pockets in the crust, enhancing crispiness.
- Resting Before Frying: Allowing wings to sit after dredging in flour helps the coating stick better.
- High-Heat Frying: 350°F-375°F is the optimal frying temperature to cook the wings evenly while sealing in juices.
- Double Frying (Optional): Frying once at a lower temperature and then again at a higher temp removes excess moisture and maximizes crunch.
Healthier Alternatives for Cooking
Want to enjoy these wings without deep frying? Here are some alternative methods:
1. Air Fryer Method
✅ Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C)
✅ Lightly spray wings with oil
✅ Air fry for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway
✅ Toss in sauce and serve!
This method reduces oil consumption by 70%, making it a healthier yet crispy option!
2. Oven-Baked Method
✅ Preheat oven to 425°F (218°C)
✅ Arrange wings on a wire rack over a baking sheet
✅ Bake for 45-50 minutes, flipping halfway
✅ Coat in sauce and broil for 2 minutes for extra crispiness
Though not as crispy as deep-fried, oven-baked wings are still delicious, golden, and healthier!
Pairing Suggestions – What to Serve with Chinese Takeout Wings
These wings pair beautifully with Asian-inspired sides like:
Steamed Jasmine Rice – balances out the bold flavors
Garlic Fried Rice – adds extra texture and umami
Crispy Egg Rolls – a crunchy contrast to the wings
Asian Slaw – light and refreshing with a tangy bite
Stir-Fried Vegetables – a healthy complement to the wings
Cucumber Salad – cools down the heat and adds crunch
For drinks, try pairing with green tea, iced Thai tea, or a refreshing ginger beer.
Storage & Reheating Tips
If you have leftovers (though they might disappear fast!), here’s how to store them:
- Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freeze: Freeze in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer bag. Keeps well for up to 2 months.
How to Reheat for Maximum Crispiness:
Air Fryer: 375°F for 5-6 minutes
Oven: 375°F for 10-12 minutes
Skillet: Toss in a hot pan for 3-4 minutes
Avoid microwaving, as it makes the wings soggy.
Fun Facts About Chicken Wings
National Chicken Wing Day is celebrated on July 29th!
The Buffalo wing was first created in Buffalo, New York, in 1964.
Americans eat about 1.4 billion chicken wings during Super Bowl weekend alone!
In China, chicken wings are considered a delicacy, often served braised, grilled, or fried.
Final Thoughts – Why You Need to Try These Wings
If you love crispy, saucy, and flavor-packed wings, this recipe is a must-try! It combines the best of Chinese takeout flavors with a homemade twist that’s easy, affordable, and absolutely mouthwatering.
- Easy to make with simple ingredients
- Healthier and fresher than takeout
- Perfectly crispy, sticky, and packed with umami
- Customizable with different flavors and spice levels
So what are you waiting for? Whip up a batch of these Chinese Takeout Wings today and bring the irresistible flavors of your favorite takeout spot right to your kitchen!
Conclusion
Chinese Takeout Wings are the perfect combination of crispy, juicy chicken and a sticky, flavorful glaze, bringing restaurant-quality flavors straight to your home kitchen. This recipe balances sweet, savory, and spicy elements, making every bite irresistibly delicious. Whether you’re making them for a casual dinner, game night, or a party, these wings will be a hit with everyone.
Not only are they easy to make and budget-friendly, but they’re also versatile—allowing you to adjust the flavors to your preference. With options for deep-frying, air-frying, or baking, you can enjoy these wings in a way that best suits your lifestyle.
So why settle for takeout when you can create crispy, sticky, and flavor-packed wings at home? Try this recipe today and indulge in a homemade classic that’s even better than your favorite takeout spot!