If you’re looking for the ultimate five spice sticky wings recipe, these crispy oven-baked chicken wings deliver bold, restaurant-quality flavor without frying. Coated in a glossy glaze made with soy sauce, honey, garlic, ginger, and Chinese five spice, these wings strike the perfect balance of sweet, savory, and aromatic.
These sticky chicken wings are baked until golden and crispy, then tossed in a rich, caramelized sauce that clings to every bite. Whether you’re making Asian-inspired wings for game day, parties, or an easy appetizer, this recipe is simple, reliable, and packed with flavor.
🍗 Why You’ll Love This Five Spice Sticky Wings Recipe
If you love bold flavor and crispy texture, these five spice sticky wings are going to be a favorite. They are oven baked until golden and crisp, then coated in a glossy glaze made with soy sauce, honey, garlic, ginger, and Chinese five spice for the perfect balance of sweet, savory, and aromatic flavor.
Crispy without frying
These crispy oven baked chicken wings give you all the texture you want without the mess of deep frying. A hot oven and a simple baking powder coating help the skin turn golden, blistered, and deliciously crisp.
Bold sweet and savory flavor
The sticky glaze is packed with rich flavor from Chinese five spice, soy sauce, honey, garlic, and ginger. Every bite has a warm, fragrant taste with just the right amount of sweetness and savory depth.
Perfect for parties and game day
These sticky chicken wings are a crowd-pleasing appetizer for game day, parties, and family dinners. They look impressive, taste amazing, and disappear fast.
Easy to make at home
This five spice wings recipe uses simple ingredients and an easy oven baked method, so you can make restaurant-style wings right in your own kitchen. No complicated steps, no frying, and no special equipment needed.
Glossy sticky glaze that clings to every wing
The sauce is simmered until glossy and lightly thickened, which helps it coat each wing beautifully. The result is a sticky wings recipe with caramelized flavor and a rich finish that still lets the crispy skin shine through.
🧂 Ingredients Notes for Five Spice Sticky Wings
These five spice sticky wings use simple ingredients that come together to create a bold, sweet and savory glaze with a perfectly crispy texture. Each ingredient plays an important role in building flavor and achieving the best results.
Chicken wings
Use split chicken wings (drumettes and flats) for even cooking. Patting the wings completely dry is essential for making crispy oven baked chicken wings without frying.
Baking powder
A small amount of aluminum-free baking powder helps the skin crisp up in the oven by breaking down proteins and encouraging browning. This is the key to achieving that crispy texture in this baked chicken wings recipe.
Soy sauce
Low-sodium soy sauce is recommended to keep the glaze balanced. It provides deep savory flavor and helps create that classic sticky wings glaze without becoming overly salty.
Honey and brown sugar
This combination creates the perfect sticky texture. The honey adds gloss and sweetness, while brown sugar brings a slight caramel depth to these sweet and savory chicken wings.
Chinese five spice powder
Chinese five spice is the signature flavor in this recipe, adding warm, aromatic notes from spices like star anise, cinnamon, and fennel. A small amount goes a long way in these five spice chicken wings.
Garlic and ginger
Fresh garlic and ginger give the glaze a bold, aromatic base. They balance the sweetness and enhance the overall flavor of these Asian-inspired sticky wings.
Rice vinegar
Rice vinegar adds a subtle tang that balances the sweetness of the glaze, preventing it from tasting too heavy or overly sweet.
Hoisin sauce
Hoisin sauce adds depth, richness, and a slightly sweet umami flavor that complements the five spice perfectly in this sticky chicken wings recipe.
Sesame oil
A small amount of sesame oil adds a nutty finish and enhances the overall aroma of the glaze.
Garnishes
Sesame seeds and sliced green onions add texture, color, and a fresh finish to these crispy five spice sticky wings.
🍗 How to Make Five Spice Sticky Wings
These five spice sticky wings are easy to make at home and packed with bold, sweet and savory flavor. The wings are baked until crispy, then coated in a glossy glaze made with soy sauce, honey, garlic, ginger, and Chinese five spice for the perfect balance of texture and taste.
1. Prep the chicken wings
Pat the chicken wings completely dry with paper towels. This step is essential for getting crispy oven baked chicken wings. Toss the wings with kosher salt, black pepper, and aluminum-free baking powder until evenly coated.
2. Arrange the wings
Line a baking sheet with foil and place a wire rack on top. Lightly oil the rack, then arrange the wings in a single layer with space between each piece. This allows the hot air to circulate and helps the wings crisp evenly.
3. Bake until crispy
Bake the wings in a preheated 425°F oven for 20 minutes. Flip them over, then continue baking for another 25 to 30 minutes, or until the skin is deeply golden, blistered, and crispy with no soft spots remaining.
4. Make the five spice sticky glaze
While the wings bake, combine the soy sauce, honey, brown sugar, rice vinegar, hoisin sauce, Chinese five spice powder, grated ginger, sesame oil, and minced garlic in a small saucepan. Simmer the mixture over medium heat for 4 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the glaze is glossy, lightly thickened, and still pourable.
5. Let the wings rest briefly
Once the wings come out of the oven, let them rest for 2 minutes. This helps prevent steam from loosening the glaze and keeps the wings crisp.
6. Glaze the wings
Toss the baked wings with half of the five spice sticky glaze. Return them to the oven for 3 minutes so the first layer of glaze can set onto the wings.
7. Add the final glaze
Remove the wings from the oven and toss them with the remaining glaze until evenly coated. If you want extra sticky, caramelized edges, broil them for 30 to 60 seconds, watching closely so the glaze does not burn.
8. Garnish and serve
Transfer the sticky chicken wings to a serving plate and garnish with sesame seeds and sliced green onions. Serve immediately while hot, crispy, and glossy.
🔥 Pro Tips for the Best Five Spice Sticky Wings
Follow these expert tips to make perfectly crispy five spice sticky wings with a glossy glaze and bold, balanced flavor every time.
Pat the wings completely dry
Removing moisture is the most important step for achieving crispy oven baked chicken wings. Use paper towels to dry the skin thoroughly before seasoning.
Use baking powder for crispiness
A small amount of aluminum-free baking powder helps the wings develop a golden, blistered skin in the oven without frying.
Don’t overcrowd the pan
Space the wings apart on the rack so hot air can circulate. Overcrowding traps steam and prevents the wings from getting crispy.
Use a wire rack if possible
A wire rack allows heat to circulate around the wings, helping them cook evenly and stay crisp on all sides.
Watch the glaze carefully
The five spice sticky glaze should be thin and glossy, not thick. Over-reducing can make it too salty or cause it to burn when coating the wings.
Let the wings rest before glazing
Allow the wings to sit for a couple of minutes after baking. This prevents steam from loosening the sauce and helps the glaze stick better.
Coat the wings in layers
For the best sticky chicken wings, apply the glaze in two stages. A light first coat sets in the oven, while the final glaze adds shine and flavor without making the wings soggy.
Broil for extra caramelization
For a restaurant-style finish, broil the wings briefly after glazing. Keep a close eye on them to avoid burning the honey-based sauce.
Serve immediately for best texture
These five spice wings are best enjoyed hot and fresh. The glaze will soften the skin over time, so serve right away for maximum crispiness.
✨ Variations for Five Spice Sticky Wings
These five spice sticky wings are easy to customize, so you can adjust the flavor to match your taste or the occasion. Try one of these delicious variations for a new twist on this crispy baked wings recipe.
Spicy five spice sticky wings
Add chili crisp, sriracha, or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the glaze for a spicy version of these sticky chicken wings. The heat pairs beautifully with the sweet and savory five spice glaze.
Orange five spice wings
Stir a little fresh orange zest and a splash of orange juice into the glaze for a bright citrus twist. This variation adds a fresh, fragrant flavor that works especially well with Chinese five spice wings.
Extra savory wings
For deeper umami flavor, add a small splash of fish sauce or a little extra hoisin sauce to the glaze. This creates an even richer finish for these Asian-inspired sticky wings.
Air fryer five spice wings
If you want to make crispy five spice wings in the air fryer, cook them at 400°F for about 22 to 25 minutes, flipping halfway through. Toss with the glaze after cooking, then air fry for another 1 to 2 minutes if needed to set the sauce.
Grilled five spice wings
For a smoky version, grill the wings instead of baking them. Brush them lightly with the glaze during the last few minutes of cooking, then toss with the remaining sauce before serving.
Boneless version
You can use the same five spice sticky glaze on boneless chicken pieces or chicken tenders. Just adjust the cooking time so the chicken stays juicy and tender.
Party-style appetizer wings
Serve these sticky wings for game day with extra sesame seeds, sliced green onions, and a side of dipping sauce for a fun party platter that feels restaurant quality.
🧊 Storage and Make Ahead for Five Spice Sticky Wings
These five spice sticky wings are best enjoyed fresh, but they can also be stored and reheated while still maintaining great flavor. Follow these tips to keep your crispy baked chicken wings tasting their best.
How to store leftovers
Allow the wings to cool completely, then transfer them to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The glaze will continue to soften the skin, but the flavor will remain rich and delicious.
How to reheat sticky wings
For the best texture, reheat the wings in the oven at 375°F until warmed through and slightly crisp again. You can also use an air fryer to bring back some of the crispiness. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the wings soft.
Make ahead tips
You can prepare the five spice sticky glaze up to 3 days in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Reheat gently before tossing with freshly baked wings.
Prep the wings in advance
For even better results, season the wings and let them sit uncovered in the refrigerator for several hours or overnight. This helps dry out the skin and improves crispiness when baking.
Freezing instructions
Cooked wings can be frozen in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight, then reheat in the oven to restore texture before serving.
Best way to keep wings crispy
If you are making these sticky chicken wings ahead of time for a party, bake the wings first and store them without sauce. Reheat until crispy, then toss with the glaze just before serving to maintain the best texture.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Five Spice Sticky Wings
What does Chinese five spice taste like?
Chinese five spice has a warm, aromatic flavor that is slightly sweet, savory, and earthy. It often includes notes of star anise, cinnamon, fennel, cloves, and pepper, which give these five spice sticky wings their signature bold flavor.
Can I make five spice sticky wings without a wire rack?
Yes, you can still make crispy baked chicken wings without a wire rack. Line your baking sheet with parchment paper and flip the wings a little more often during baking so they cook evenly and crisp up as much as possible.
How do I keep sticky wings crispy?
To keep sticky chicken wings as crispy as possible, bake them until fully crisp before adding the glaze, let them rest for a couple of minutes after baking, and coat them lightly with sauce instead of drenching them.
Can I use regular soy sauce instead of low-sodium soy sauce?
Yes, but the wings may taste saltier. If using regular soy sauce in this five spice wings recipe, you may want to slightly reduce the added salt when seasoning the wings.
Can I air fry these five spice sticky wings?
Yes, these five spice sticky wings work well in the air fryer. Cook them at 400°F for about 22 to 25 minutes, flipping halfway through, then toss with the glaze and cook a little longer if needed to set the sauce.
Can I make the glaze ahead of time?
Yes, the five spice sticky glaze can be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat it gently before using so it becomes smooth and pourable again.
Why are my baked wings not crispy?
If your oven baked chicken wings are not crispy, the wings may not have been dried well enough before baking, the pan may have been overcrowded, or they may need more baking time to fully render the fat and crisp the skin.
Can I make these wings spicier?
Absolutely. Add chili crisp, sriracha, red pepper flakes, or another spicy ingredient to the glaze if you want a hotter version of these Asian-inspired sticky wings.
Are five spice sticky wings good for parties?
Yes, these sticky wings for game day are perfect for parties, gatherings, and appetizers because they are flavorful, easy to serve, and always a crowd-pleasing choice.
Five Spice Sticky Wings (Crispy Oven-Baked Asian Chicken Wings)
Equipment
- Baking sheet
- Wire rack (recommended for crispy wings)
- aluminum foil or parchment paper
- Large mixing bowl
- Tongs
- Small saucepan
- Whisk or spoon
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Paper towels (for drying wings)
Ingredients
Wings
- 2 lbs chicken wings split, tips removed
- 3/4 tsp kosher salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp aluminum-free baking powder
Five Spice Sticky Glaze
- 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 2 1/2 tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 2 tsp hoisin sauce
- 3/4 tsp Chinese five spice powder
- 1 tsp grated ginger
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 3 cloves garlic finely minced
Garnish
- Sesame seeds
- Sliced green onions
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with foil and place a wire rack on top. Lightly oil the rack.
- Prep wings: Pat wings completely dry. Toss with salt and pepper, then evenly coat with baking powder.
- Arrange: Place wings on the rack in a single layer, spaced apart.
- Bake: Bake for 20 minutes. Flip wings, then bake another 25–30 minutes until deeply golden and crispy.
- Make glaze: In a saucepan, combine soy sauce, honey, brown sugar, rice vinegar, hoisin sauce, five spice powder, ginger, sesame oil, and garlic. Simmer over medium heat for 4–5 minutes until slightly thickened and glossy.
- Rest wings: Let wings rest for 2 minutes after baking.
- First coat: Toss wings with half the glaze. Return to oven for 3 minutes.
- Final glaze: Toss with remaining glaze.
- Optional broil: Broil for 30–60 seconds for a caramelized finish.
- Serve: Garnish with sesame seeds and green onions. Serve immediately.
Notes
🍗 More Chicken Wing Recipes You’ll Love
If you enjoyed these five spice sticky wings, here are more flavorful and creative chicken wing recipes from Sugar Cloud Baking that are perfect for game day, parties, or easy dinners. Each one brings a unique twist with bold sauces and global-inspired flavors.
- Passionfruit Glazed Chicken Wings – A sweet and tangy tropical twist with a bright, glossy glaze.
- Nigerian Suya Chicken Wings – Spicy, smoky wings coated in a bold peanut spice blend.
- Guava BBQ Chicken Wings – Sweet, smoky, and slightly tangy wings with a tropical BBQ flavor.
- Root Beer BBQ Chicken Wings – Rich, caramelized BBQ wings with a unique root beer glaze.
- Persimmon Gochujang Chicken Wings – Sweet heat wings with a bold Korean-inspired flavor.
These recipes are perfect if you want to explore more sticky chicken wings, baked wings recipes, and bold flavor combinations while keeping that crispy texture and glossy finish.



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