Craving the perfect balance of sweet and tangy in every bite? Sticky Honey Mustard Chicken Wings deliver just that, with a glossy glaze that clings to crispy skin and makes every finger-licking moment worth it. Whether you’re planning a game-day spread, an appetizer for friends, or just want to treat yourself, these wings check every box.
The beauty of these wings is how they marry simplicity with bold flavor. You don’t need a culinary degree or a pantry full of rare spices to make them shine. The magic lies in the sticky honey mustard sauce that caramelizes beautifully in the oven, locking in juiciness and giving you that irresistible golden finish.
Preparation Phase & Tools to Use
To nail Sticky Honey Mustard Chicken Wings, having the right tools is half the battle. First, a baking sheet with a wire rack is crucial. The rack elevates the wings, allowing air to circulate for an even crisp while excess fat drips away. Next, mixing bowls help you toss the wings in seasoning and later coat them in the sticky sauce. A whisk ensures your honey mustard glaze is smooth and emulsified. And don’t forget parchment paper or aluminum foil for easy cleanup, because no one loves scrubbing baked-on sauce. Finally, kitchen tongs let you flip and handle the wings without tearing the skin, keeping them gorgeous and intact.
Ingredients for the Sticky Honey Mustard Chicken Wings
- Chicken Wings: The star of the show! Choose a mix of drumettes and flats for variety. They provide the perfect balance of meat and skin, ideal for crisping up and soaking in the glaze.
- Honey: This brings the sweetness and stickiness. As it bakes, the honey caramelizes, giving that gorgeous glossy coat.
- Dijon Mustard: The tangy kick that balances the sweet honey, adding depth and a slight sharpness.
- Garlic Powder: A must for adding subtle savory notes that round out the sauce.
- Soy Sauce: Adds umami and a hint of saltiness to balance the flavors.
- Butter: Enriches the sauce and helps it cling better to the wings.
- Salt & Pepper: Simple but crucial for seasoning the wings before they even meet the sauce.


How To Make the Sticky Honey Mustard Chicken Wings
Step 1: Prep the Wings
Pat the chicken wings dry with paper towels and season with salt and pepper. Dry wings = crispier skin!
Step 2: Bake or Air-Fry
Arrange wings on a wire rack over a baking sheet. Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 40-45 minutes, flipping halfway. For extra crisp, you can air-fry them at 380°F (195°C) for about 25 minutes.
Step 3: Make the Honey Mustard Sauce
While the wings cook, combine honey, Dijon mustard, soy sauce, garlic powder, and melted butter in a bowl. Whisk until smooth and silky.
Step 4: Toss and Coat
Once the wings are cooked and crispy, transfer them to a clean bowl. Pour over the honey mustard sauce and toss until each piece is gloriously coated.
Step 5: Final Broil (Optional)
For extra stickiness, pop the sauced wings back under the broiler for 2-3 minutes. Watch carefully—they can caramelize fast!
Serving and Storing Sticky Honey Mustard Chicken Wings
Serve these wings hot, straight from the oven, with extra honey mustard sauce on the side for dipping. They pair beautifully with crisp celery sticks, carrot batons, or even a light coleslaw. If you’re entertaining, stack them high on a platter for a mouthwatering display that invites everyone to dig in.
For storing, let the wings cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. They’ll keep in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop them in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 10 minutes to restore their crispiness—microwaving will make them soggy, so skip that!
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I make the wings extra crispy?
Make sure to pat them completely dry before baking, and use a wire rack to allow air circulation. Air-frying is also a great option for crispier results.
Can I use boneless chicken?
Yes! Boneless chicken tenders or thighs work well, but reduce the cooking time slightly since they cook faster than wings.
Is there a substitute for Dijon mustard?
You can use yellow mustard or spicy brown mustard for a different flavor profile, though Dijon gives the best tangy balance.
Can I make these ahead of time?
You can bake the wings ahead, but toss them in the sauce just before serving to keep them sticky and fresh.
How spicy is this recipe?
It’s mild! If you like heat, add a pinch of cayenne or a splash of hot sauce to the honey mustard mixture.
Want More Chicken Appetizer Ideas?
If you’re hooked on these Sticky Honey Mustard Chicken Wings, you’ll love exploring other finger-licking options on LadyPlate. Check out the Air Fryer Crispy Honey Sriracha Chicken Bites for a sweet-and-spicy punch, or dive into the Buffalo Chicken Lasagna Recipe for a bold, layered comfort dish.
For lighter fare, try the Italian Grinder Salad, bursting with fresh veggies and Italian meats, or the Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Soup for a cozy pairing. Craving something hearty? The Delicious Beef Bowtie Pasta is a must-try.
For even more recipe inspiration, visit my Pinterest page where I share daily creations and crowd-pleasers: LadyPlate Pinterest.
Pin and Tell Me How Yours Turned Out
Want to save this recipe for your next party or cozy night in? Hit the Pin button and add it to your appetizer board.
When you make these wings, I’d love to hear how they turned out! Did you add a spicy twist or maybe a garlic upgrade? Drop a comment below or tag me—I’m always excited to see your kitchen creations.


Sticky Honey Mustard Chicken Wings
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
Sticky Honey Mustard Chicken Wings deliver the ultimate sweet and tangy bite. With crispy skin coated in a glossy honey mustard glaze, they are the perfect crowd-pleaser for game day, parties, or a satisfying appetizer.
Ingredients
2 lbs chicken wings
1/3 cup honey
1/4 cup Dijon mustard
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 teaspoon garlic powder
2 tablespoons butter, melted
Salt, to taste
Black pepper, to taste
Instructions
1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Pat chicken wings dry with paper towels and season with salt and pepper.
2. Arrange wings on a wire rack over a baking sheet lined with foil or parchment. Bake for 40-45 minutes, flipping halfway, or air-fry at 380°F (195°C) for 25 minutes.
3. While wings cook, whisk together honey, Dijon mustard, soy sauce, garlic powder, and melted butter until smooth.
4. Transfer cooked wings to a bowl and toss with the honey mustard sauce until well coated.
5. For extra caramelization, broil wings for 2-3 minutes, watching closely.
Notes
For extra crispy skin, make sure wings are completely dry before baking.
To add heat, stir in 1 teaspoon hot sauce or 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper into the sauce.
Leftover wings can be reheated in the oven at 375°F for 10 minutes to stay crisp.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 batch
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 16
- Sodium: 720
- Fat: 27
- Saturated Fat: 9
- Unsaturated Fat: 15
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 18
- Fiber: 0
- Protein: 28
- Cholesterol: 130
Keywords: chicken wings, honey mustard, appetizer
