Wings & Apps

Sweet And Sour Chicken Wings

Name: Sweet And Sour Chicken Wings
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 2 lbs (1 kg) chicken wings; 1 cup (120 g) cornstarch; 2 tbsp (30 g) flour; 1 tsp (5 g) salt; 1 tsp (5 g) black pepper; 1 tsp (5 g) garlic powder; 1 tsp (5 g) onion powder; 1 cup (240 ml) ketchup; 1/2 cup (120 ml) vinegar; 2 tbsp (30 g) sugar; 2 tbsp (30 g) soy sauce; 2 tbsp (30 g) butter

By Delia Ingram · June 19, 2026 · Wings & Apps

Prep20 min

Cook30 min

Total50 min

Serves4

I still remember the first time I made sweet and sour chicken wings for my family. It was a Sunday evening, and we were all gathered in the living room, watching a movie together. I had decided to try out a new recipe, and as the aroma of the wings wafted through the house, everyone's eyes lit up with excitement.

The combination of the crispy exterior and the tangy, sweet sauce was an instant hit. From that day on, sweet and sour chicken wings became a staple in our household, and I've been perfecting the recipe ever since.

What I love about this recipe is that it's incredibly easy to make and requires minimal ingredients. The key is to use high-quality chicken wings and to not be afraid to experiment with different seasonings and sauces.

In this recipe, I'll walk you through the steps to make the perfect sweet and sour chicken wings. From preparation to cooking, I'll share my tips and tricks to ensure that your wings turn out crispy, flavorful, and utterly delicious.

Whether you're a seasoned cook or a beginner, this recipe is perfect for anyone looking to impress their family and friends with a mouth-watering dish. So, let's get started and dive into the world of sweet and sour chicken wings!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is easy to make and requires minimal ingredients.
The sweet and sour sauce is a game-changer and adds a depth of flavor that elevates the dish.
The wings are crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside, making them perfect for snacking or as a main course.
This recipe is family-friendly and can be made in large quantities for parties or gatherings.
The wings can be made ahead of time and refrigerated or frozen for later use.
This recipe is budget-friendly and can be made with ingredients that are easily found in most supermarkets.

Why This Recipe Works

The secret to making great sweet and sour chicken wings lies in the combination of the right ingredients and the right cooking technique. By using a mixture of cornstarch, flour, and spices, we create a crispy exterior that complements the tender interior of the chicken.

The sweet and sour sauce is another crucial element of this recipe. Made with a combination of ketchup, vinegar, sugar, and soy sauce, it adds a depth of flavor that elevates the dish to the next level.

Finally, the key to achieving the perfect balance of flavors is to cook the wings in a way that allows them to develop a nice crust on the outside while remaining juicy on the inside. This is achieved by baking the wings in the oven before finishing them off in a skillet with the sweet and sour sauce.

By following these steps and using the right ingredients, you'll be able to create sweet and sour chicken wings that are sure to impress your family and friends.

Ingredients You’ll Need

When it comes to making sweet and sour chicken wings, the ingredients are just as important as the cooking technique. In this recipe, we'll be using a combination of chicken wings, cornstarch, flour, spices, and a sweet and sour sauce made with ketchup, vinegar, sugar, and soy sauce.

When shopping for the ingredients, make sure to choose high-quality chicken wings that are fresh and have no signs of damage. For the sweet and sour sauce, you can use store-bought ketchup and soy sauce, or make your own using fresh ingredients.

2 lbs (1 kg) chicken wingsChoose fresh, high-quality chicken wings with no signs of damage. You can also use chicken drumsticks or thighs if you prefer.
1 cup (120 g) cornstarchCornstarch helps to create a crispy exterior on the chicken wings. You can also use flour or panko breadcrumbs as a substitute.
2 tbsp (30 g) flourFlour adds texture and helps to bind the seasonings to the chicken wings. You can use all-purpose flour or whole wheat flour.
1 tsp (5 g) saltSalt enhances the flavor of the chicken wings and helps to bring out the other seasonings. You can use kosher salt or sea salt.
1 tsp (5 g) black pepperBlack pepper adds a nice kick to the chicken wings and complements the other seasonings. You can use freshly ground black pepper for the best flavor.
1 tsp (5 g) garlic powderGarlic powder adds a savory flavor to the chicken wings and pairs well with the sweet and sour sauce. You can use fresh garlic if you prefer.
1 tsp (5 g) onion powderOnion powder adds a sweet, savory flavor to the chicken wings and complements the other seasonings. You can use fresh onions if you prefer.
1 cup (240 ml) ketchupKetchup is the base of the sweet and sour sauce and adds a sweet, tangy flavor to the chicken wings. You can use store-bought ketchup or make your own using fresh ingredients.
1/2 cup (120 ml) vinegarVinegar adds a tangy, sour flavor to the sweet and sour sauce and helps to balance out the sweetness of the ketchup. You can use apple cider vinegar or white vinegar.
2 tbsp (30 g) sugarSugar adds a sweet flavor to the sweet and sour sauce and helps to balance out the sourness of the vinegar. You can use granulated sugar or brown sugar.
2 tbsp (30 g) soy sauceSoy sauce adds a savory, umami flavor to the sweet and sour sauce and helps to bring out the other seasonings. You can use store-bought soy sauce or make your own using fresh ingredients.
2 tbsp (30 g) butterButter adds a rich, creamy flavor to the sweet and sour sauce and helps to bring out the other seasonings. You can use salted or unsalted butter.

Ingredients for Sweet And Sour Chicken Wings

Equipment You’ll Need

Large bowlWhiskMeasuring cups and spoonsBaking sheet lined with parchment paperOvenSkillet or wokInstant-read thermometer

How to Make Sweet And Sour Chicken Wings

1
Preheat the oven to 400 F (200 C).
2
In a large bowl, whisk together the cornstarch, flour, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
3
Add the chicken wings to the bowl and toss to coat evenly with the cornstarch mixture.
4
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and arrange the chicken wings in a single layer. Bake for 30 minutes, or until the wings are cooked through and lightly browned.
5
While the wings are baking, prepare the sweet and sour sauce. In a small saucepan, combine the ketchup, vinegar, sugar, and soy sauce. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for 5 minutes.
6
Remove the wings from the oven and increase the oven temperature to broil (high).
7
Add the butter to the sweet and sour sauce and stir until melted. Brush the sauce evenly over the chicken wings.
8
Broil the wings for 5-7 minutes, or until crispy and golden brown. Check the internal temperature of the wings with an instant-read thermometer to ensure they reach 165 F (74 C).
9
Remove the wings from the oven and let them rest for 5 minutes before serving.
10
Serve the sweet and sour chicken wings hot, garnished with chopped green onions and sesame seeds if desired.

Expert Tips

To ensure crispy chicken wings, make sure to pat them dry with paper towels before coating with the cornstarch mixture.
For an extra crispy coating, you can chill the coated chicken wings in the refrigerator for 30 minutes before baking.
To prevent the sweet and sour sauce from becoming too thick, stir it constantly while it's simmering.
If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can add a little more cornstarch or flour to the sauce and stir well.
To make the dish more substantial, you can serve the chicken wings with steamed vegetables or a side salad.
For a spicy kick, you can add a few dashes of hot sauce to the sweet and sour sauce.
To make the dish more indulgent, you can sprinkle grated cheese over the chicken wings before serving.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Not patting the chicken wings dry before coating with the cornstarch mixture, resulting in a soggy coating.
Overcrowding the baking sheet, leading to uneven cooking and a lack of crispiness.
Not stirring the sweet and sour sauce constantly while it's simmering, causing it to become too thick.
Not checking the internal temperature of the chicken wings, resulting in undercooked or overcooked meat.
Not letting the chicken wings rest before serving, causing the juices to run out and the meat to become dry.
Not using high-quality ingredients, resulting in a lackluster flavor and texture.

Variations and Substitutions

To make the dish more substantial, you can add diced vegetables such as bell peppers or carrots to the sweet and sour sauce.
For a different flavor profile, you can use different types of vinegar such as balsamic or white wine vinegar.
To make the dish spicier, you can add more hot sauce or use spicy ingredients such as diced jalapenos.
To make the dish more indulgent, you can sprinkle grated cheese over the chicken wings before serving.
For a lighter version, you can use less sugar and soy sauce in the sweet and sour sauce.
To make the dish more exotic, you can add ingredients such as diced pineapple or chopped fresh cilantro to the sweet and sour sauce.
For a vegetarian version, you can substitute the chicken wings with tofu or tempeh.

What to Serve With Sweet And Sour Chicken Wings

Sweet and sour chicken wings are perfect for serving as an appetizer or main course. You can serve them with a variety of sides, such as steamed vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a side salad.

For a more substantial meal, you can serve the chicken wings with a bowl of rice or noodles. You can also serve them with a variety of dipping sauces, such as soy sauce, hot sauce, or ranch dressing.

Serve with steamed vegetables or a side saladServe with a bowl of rice or noodlesServe with a variety of dipping sauces, such as soy sauce or hot sauceServe as an appetizer or main courseServe at a party or gatheringServe with a side of mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables

Make-Ahead, Storage, Freezing and Reheating

To store sweet and sour chicken wings, you can place them in an airtight container and refrigerate them for up to 3 days.

To freeze, you can place the chicken wings in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then, transfer the frozen wings to a freezer-safe bag or container and store for up to 3 months.

To reheat, you can bake the chicken wings in the oven at 400 F (200 C) for 10-15 minutes, or until crispy and golden brown. You can also reheat them in the microwave or on the stovetop, but be careful not to overcook.

It's also important to note that the sweet and sour sauce can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. You can also freeze the sauce and thaw it when you're ready to use it.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best way to cook chicken wings?

The best way to cook chicken wings is to bake them in the oven until crispy and golden brown, then finish them off in a skillet with your favorite sauce.

How do I make the sweet and sour sauce?

To make the sweet and sour sauce, combine ketchup, vinegar, sugar, and soy sauce in a small saucepan and bring to a boil over medium heat. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 5 minutes, stirring constantly.

Can I make the chicken wings ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the chicken wings ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator or freezer. Simply reheat them in the oven or microwave when you're ready to serve.

What is the internal temperature of cooked chicken?

The internal temperature of cooked chicken should be at least 165 F (74 C). Use an instant-read thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken wings.

Can I use different types of vinegar?

Yes, you can use different types of vinegar such as balsamic or white wine vinegar to give the sweet and sour sauce a unique flavor.

How do I prevent the sweet and sour sauce from becoming too thick?

To prevent the sweet and sour sauce from becoming too thick, stir it constantly while it's simmering and add a little more water or vinegar if necessary.

Can I add other ingredients to the sweet and sour sauce?

Yes, you can add other ingredients such as diced vegetables or grated cheese to the sweet and sour sauce to give it more flavor and texture.

How do I store the sweet and sour sauce?

You can store the sweet and sour sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week or freeze it for up to 3 months.

The Full Recipe

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