Caramelized Baked Chicken Wings

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June’s caramelized baked chicken wings are marinated and cooked in a flavorful sauce made of brown sugar, soy sauce and butter. They are tender, succulent and easy to make.

Hand holding golden brown chicken wing with sticky sauce on it.

If you want a great wing recipe that delivers on taste without being hot and spicy. They are perfect for a meal or as a game day snack.

Not too long ago, I asked on my Facebook page what everyone’s favorite wings are. My coworker, June, shared a recipe and I instantly knew I had to give it a try.

She said her mom originally got this recipe from the Enquirer. The recipe was Betty White’s, so that makes them even better.

Wings soaking in marinade made with soy sauce, brown sugar and butter.

June and her sister have been making this recipe ever since, over 40 years! She says the sauce is also great on drumsticks if you don’t have wings.

June suggests you serve these with baked potatoes, just toss them in the oven while the wings are cooking to cook them through. She also said corn casserole and coleslaw are great side dish options with these yummy wings.

Possible additions

We love the recipe as written. It is tasty with that lovely sweet and savory balance.

However, you can easily add a little more spice if you want. A little garlic would be absolutely delicious.

Pan filled with sticky baked wings fresh from the oven.

You can also use some red pepper flakes for a little heat. Or add ginger to really dial up the Asian flavor flare.

How do you keep the wings warm?

As with most things, these wings are best fresh from the oven. However, you can hold them in. Slow cooker if you want to keep them warm for a while.

More easy chicken marinades and sauces

A little sweet and a little heat will have you licking your fingers and coming back for more. Baked peach habanero chicken wings are perfect game day food and you don’t have the mess of frying.

Greek chicken is marinated in lemon, yogurt and herbs. Grill it for an extra tasty dinner entrée.

Plate of sticky caramel wings with pan of additional wings in the background.

Char siu chicken is a twist on the red pork you see at Chinese restaurants. It soaks for a long time in a great marinade giving it that color and tons of flavorful.

Tequila lime chicken has all of the flavor of your restaurant favorite and it stays so juicy and flavorful. Fire up the grill for Cinco de May or any day of the week!

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Yield: 9 Servings

Baked Caramelized Wings

June's caramelized baked chicken wings are marinated and cooked in a flavorful sauce made of brown sugar, soy sauce and butter. They are tender, succulent and easy to make.

Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 1 hour 40 minutes

Additional Time 1 hour

Total Time 2 hours 50 minutes

Ingredients

1 cup soy sauce,
1 cup brown sugar,
3/4 cup water,
1/2 cup butter
1/2 tsp dry mustard
3 pounds chicken wings
optional: garlic and/or red pepper flakes

Instructions

In a saucepan, warm soy sauce, brown sugar, water, mustard and butter over medium heat until the butter is melted and the sugar is dissolved. Allow to cool to room temperature.
Arrange wings in a 9x13-inch pan. Pour marinade over the top. Marinate for at least one hour. if you plan to marinate the chicken for longer than an hour, put the pan in the refrigerator until ready to bake.
Bake in a preheated 375°F for an hour and a half to two hours. or until sauce is thickened and chicken is cooked through.