Sweet Chili Chicken Wings Recipe | Life's Ambrosia (2024)

Sweet Chili Chicken Wings are a little sweet, a little spicy. Baked chicken wings are tossed in a delectable, sticky sweet chili sauce.
Chicken wings. They are always a hit. Whether they are sauced, or dry. Fried or baked, chances are they will be a favorite no matter them who you serve them too.

When it comes to wing sauce, classic chicken wings are sauced with a buffalo style sauce. It’s a little tangy and spicy. This Sweet Chili Chicken recipe has the heat you expect from wings but also a touch of sweetness thanks to Sweet Thai Chili Sauce.

What is Sweet Thai Chili Sauce?

It is a sauce that is commonly made with chiles, rice vinegar, garlic, fish sauce and honey (or other sweetener). You’ll often find it served alongside coconut shrimp, wontons and spring rolls.

You can make your own or you can easily find it in most US supermarkets. I find it in the Asian food aisle at my local grocery store.

What ingredients do you need to make sweet chili chicken?

CHICKEN WINGS: I prefer to use “party wings”. Those are wings that are already cut at the joint and trimmed. If you want to buy whole wings and cut them yourself, this video is handy showing you how to break down chicken wings.

CANOLA/PEANUT OIL

SOY SAUCE: Adds saltiness and the classic umami flavor.

GARLIC: Use the fresh stuff and mince it fine.

FRESH GINGER: It adds to the sweetness of the dish.

CHILI OIL: This is optional but adds a bit more heat to the wings.

FISH SAUCE: Like soy sauce, fish sauce adds a savory umami flavor to dishes.

RICE VINEGAR: You should be able to find this in the section with all of the other vinegars at the grocery store. It is made with fermented rice and has a mild, slightly sweet flavor.

SWEET THAI CHILI SAUCE

SRIRACHA: For added heat! I use 1 teaspoon when I want to serve it to people who are sensitive to heat. A tablespoon if I really want to spice things up!

Step by Step Photos and Instructions:

Step #1: Combine oil, 1 tablespoon soy sauce, garlic, ginger, chili oil, fish sauce and rice vinegar in a bowl. Pour over chicken wings. Toss to coat. Cover and marinate for about an hour.

DES’ TIP:If you need to cut the time short, they will still be good! I wouldn’t marinate it longer than 4 hours.

Step #2: Place chicken wings in a single layer on top of a cooling rack that is on top of a baking sheet. This will allow the air to circulate around the chicken as it cooks. Bake the chicken at 400 degrees for 20 minutes, turn and bake for another 20 minutes.

Step #3: Whisk together sweet Thai chili sauce, soy sauce and sriracha together in a bowl. Pour in a saucepan and cook just until warmed.

Step #4: Pour sauce over wings and toss to coat. Sprinkle with green onions as garnish.

Can you make sweet chili chicken in the air fryer?

YES! You can totally make these in the air fryer. Marinate the chicken as directed. Then cook in an air fryer at 390 degrees for 30 minutes. You’ll want to shake the basket halfway through. Once cooked, toss in sweet chili sauce and enjoy!

You could also grill the chicken and then coat it in the chili sauce!

Do you have to use chicken wings?

You can certainly make this with other cuts of chicken. You’ll want to use the same amount, about 3 pounds of whatever cut. Keep in mind that the cooking time will vary depending on the size and cut you choose.

If you loved these Sweet Chili Chicken Wings, you’ve got to check out my other chicken wing recipes.

Dill Pickle Chicken Wings

Air Fryer Chicken Wings

Deep Fried Chicken Wings

Beer Brined Chicken Wings

Note: This recipe was originally posted in 2010. It was updated with new photos, a slightly modified recipe and nutrition facts in 2021.