I’ve always enjoyed trying new recipes with classic foods like chicken wings. This recipe is special because it adds a sweet and savory twist to them.
These wings are great for parties, game days, or even a fun dinner at home.
The vanilla bean glaze is what makes these wings different. It adds a sweet taste that goes well with the chicken. You’ll want to taste this!
Recipe Overview
These Vanilla Bean Glazed Chicken Wings have a great mix of sweet and savory flavors.
They are crispy, sticky, and full of taste.
The vanilla bean gives a gentle, warm sweetness that makes the chicken taste even better.
You can serve these wings as a starter, a main dish with rice or salad, or with other snacks.
Everyone will love them!
Ingredients for Vanilla Bean Glazed Chicken Wings
Here’s what you need to make these yummy wings:
- 2 pounds chicken wings, cut into flats and drumettes
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 vanilla bean, split and scraped (or 1 teaspoon vanilla extract)
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- Sesame seeds, for topping (optional)
- Chopped green onions, for topping (optional)
About the vanilla bean: If you use a whole bean, split it open and scrape out the seeds. The seeds have all the vanilla flavor! If you use vanilla extract, just mix it into the sauce.
For the soy sauce, it is better to use the one with less salt. You can use any oil you have.
Step-by-Step Instructions
First, dry the chicken wings with paper towels. This helps make the skin crispy.
Next, mix the honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, vanilla bean seeds (or extract), ginger, garlic powder, and black pepper in a small pot.
Heat the pot over medium heat.
Cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring now and then, until the glaze gets a bit thicker. It should stick to the back of a spoon. Take out the vanilla bean pod if you used a whole one.
In a big bowl, mix the chicken wings with the vegetable oil. Make sure all the wings are covered.
Now, you can cook them in two ways: baking or air frying.
For baking: Heat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Put the wings on a baking sheet covered with parchment paper. Bake for 25-30 minutes, flipping them halfway, until they are cooked and golden brown.
For air frying: Heat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Put the wings in the air fryer basket, but don’t overcrowd it (you might need to cook in batches). Air fry for 15-20 minutes, flipping them halfway, until they are cooked and crispy.
When the wings are cooked, put them in a big bowl.
Pour the vanilla bean glaze over the hot wings and mix well.
Add sesame seeds and chopped green onions on top, if you like.
Serve right away and enjoy!
Variations & Tips
- Make it spicy: Add a little bit of red pepper flakes to the glaze for some heat.
- Make it early: You can make the glaze a day or two before and keep it in the fridge. You can also cook the wings ahead of time, then mix them with the warm glaze before serving.
- Leftovers: You can keep leftover wings in a sealed container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Heat the wings in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until they are warm. You can also use the air fryer for a few minutes.
- Serve with: You can enjoy these wings with your favorite sauce, like ranch. They are also tasty with celery sticks or a salad.
Key Details for Vanilla Bean Glazed Chicken Wings
- Prep time: 15 minutes
- Cook time: 30 minutes (baking) / 20 minutes (air frying)
- Total time: 45 minutes (baking) / 35 minutes (air frying)
- Servings: 4-6 people
- Equipment: Small pot, large bowl, baking sheet or air fryer, parchment paper (if baking).
FAQ
Can I use chicken without bones and skin?
Yes! Just change the cooking time. Chicken breasts or thighs without bones and skin will cook faster. Watch them so they don’t overcook.
Can I cook the wings on a grill?
Yes! Heat your grill to medium-high heat. Grill the wings for about 20-25 minutes, flipping them now and then, until they are cooked. Add the glaze in the last few minutes.
What if I don’t have rice vinegar?
You can use apple cider vinegar or white vinegar. The taste will be a little different, but it will still be good.
Can I make the glaze with less sugar?
Of course! Use less honey. You can start with 2 tablespoons and add more if you want.
My glaze is too watery. What should I do?
If the glaze is too watery, cook it for a few more minutes until it gets thicker. Or, mix 1 teaspoon of cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of cold water and add it to the glaze to make it thicker quickly.
Can I use this glaze on other foods?
Yes! This vanilla bean glaze is also great on grilled chicken, fish, or roasted vegetables. Try new things and have fun!
Vanilla Bean Glazed Chicken Wings
Ingredients
- 2 pounds chicken wings cut into flats and drumettes
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 vanilla bean split and scraped (or 1 teaspoon vanilla extract)
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- Sesame seeds for topping (optional)
- Chopped green onions for topping (optional)
Instructions
- Dry the chicken wings with paper towels.
- Mix honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, vanilla bean seeds (or extract), ginger, garlic powder, and black pepper in a small pot.
- Heat the pot over medium heat and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the glaze thickens. Remove vanilla bean pod if used.
- In a large bowl, mix chicken wings with vegetable oil.
- For baking: Heat oven to 400°F (200°C). Bake wings on a parchment-lined baking sheet for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway, until cooked and golden brown.
- For air frying: Heat air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Air fry wings in batches for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway, until cooked and crispy.
- Put cooked wings in a large bowl.
- Pour vanilla bean glaze over hot wings and mix well.
- Top with sesame seeds and chopped green onions, if desired.
- Serve immediately.