Introduction to the Recipe

If you’re craving wings with the perfect balance of sweet, savory, and garlicky, look no further than these Honey Garlic Parmesan Wings. This recipe combines the rich, nutty flavor of parmesan cheese with the sweetness of honey and the bold kick of garlic, creating a mouthwatering bite every time. Whether you’re hosting a game day gathering, a casual dinner, or just treating yourself, these wings deliver crispy, juicy satisfaction that’s hard to beat.

What sets these wings apart is the brine, a flavorful soak featuring salty water, a splash of spicy pickle juice, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, and a touch of honey—infusing the chicken with incredible depth and tenderness before cooking. After brining, the wings are tossed in a luscious butter-garlic-parmesan sauce seasoned with Dan-O’s Original Seasoning, a blend that adds a unique savory twist. The finishing touch of fresh parsley brings brightness and a pop of color.

If you want to explore the art of brining poultry for juicier results, this detailed guide to brining chicken is a great resource. For mastering garlic sauces and flavor combinations, check out this garlic cooking tips article.

These Honey Garlic Parmesan Wings are crispy on the outside, tender and juicy inside, and perfectly coated with a sticky, flavorful glaze that will keep everyone coming back for more.

Basic Recipe: Ingredients and Instructions

Honey Garlic Parmesan Wings

Author: Sarah White

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Description

Crispy honey garlic parmesan wings with a buttery, garlicky sauce and flavorful brine. Perfect for parties and easy weeknight dinners.

Ingredients

Scale

For the wings:

14 chicken drumettes or flats

Canola oil (for frying)

For the brine:

2 cups water
2 tbsp salt
Splash of spicy pickle juice

Dash of hot sauce
Dash of Worcestershire sauce
A few cracks of black pepper

1 tbsp honey
1 tbsp Dan-O’s Original Seasoning

For the sauce:

½ cup parmesan cheese (freshly grated)
2 large cloves garlic (minced)

½ stick butter (melted)
2 tbsp Dan-O’s Original Seasoning
1 tbsp honey

Fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish)

Instructions

Prepare the brine:
In a large bowl, combine water, salt, spicy pickle juice, hot sauce, Worcestershire sauce, black pepper, honey, and Dan-O’s Original Seasoning. Stir until salt and honey dissolve.
Brine the wings:
Submerge the chicken wings in the brine. Cover and refrigerate for 2 to 4 hours. This step tenderizes the meat and infuses flavor.

Heat the oil:
Preheat canola oil in a deep fryer or heavy skillet to 350°F (175°C). Use enough oil to fully submerge the wings.
Dry and fry the wings:
Remove wings from brine, pat dry with paper towels. Carefully add wings to hot oil in batches, frying for about 8–10 minutes or until golden brown and crispy. Drain on paper towels.
Make the sauce:
In a large bowl, whisk together melted butter, minced garlic, honey, Dan-O’s Original Seasoning, and parmesan cheese until combined.

Toss wings in sauce:
Add the fried wings to the sauce bowl and toss until each piece is thoroughly coated.
Serve:
Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and extra parmesan if desired. Serve hot.

Notes

Pat wings dry before frying for maximum crispiness.

Adjust honey to taste for more or less sweetness.

Use fresh parmesan for better flavor and texture—avoid pre-grated powder.

For baking instead of frying, bake wings at 425°F (220°C) for 40-45 minutes, flipping halfway, then toss in sauce.

Advanced Techniques

Perfecting the Brine for Juicy Wings

Brining is essential for juicy wings. The salty, flavorful liquid tenderizes the meat while allowing it to absorb seasoning deeply. Using pickle juice adds a tangy complexity that balances the honey’s sweetness. For best results, keep wings refrigerated during brining and do not brine longer than 4 hours to avoid overly salty meat.

Achieving Ultra-Crispy Skin

To get irresistibly crispy skin, make sure wings are thoroughly dried before frying. Double frying—frying once at a lower temperature, letting them rest, then frying again at a higher temperature—creates an extra-crisp crust. Avoid overcrowding the pan so oil temperature stays steady.

Infusing Garlic Flavor into Butter Sauce

Mince garlic finely and gently sauté it in butter over low heat before mixing with other sauce ingredients. This mellows the raw sharpness, creating a smooth garlicky base that clings to the wings. Avoid burning garlic—it turns bitter quickly.

Balancing Sweet and Savory with Honey and Seasoning

Honey provides sweetness and sticky texture, but too much can overwhelm. Start with 1 tablespoon and adjust after tasting. Dan-O’s Original Seasoning adds savory, herby notes that contrast perfectly with honey’s sweetness, rounding out the sauce beautifully.

Using Fresh Parmesan for Maximum Flavor Impact

Freshly grated parmesan cheese melts evenly and adds a rich, nutty flavor and slight texture to the sauce. Avoid pre-grated cheese with anti-caking agents, as it can affect melting and taste. Add parmesan last to maintain its integrity.

See more advanced recipes at cookingwhite.com

Storage, Shelf Life, and Maintenance Tips

Refrigerating Leftover Wings

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in an oven or air fryer at 350°F (175°C) to restore crispiness, avoiding the microwave which can make skin soggy.

Freezing Wings for Later

You can freeze cooked wings for up to 2 months. Cool completely, wrap tightly in foil or freezer bags, and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. Reheat in the oven or air fryer to crisp.

Keeping Sauce Fresh

If you want to store sauce separately, refrigerate in a sealed jar for up to 5 days. Reheat gently before tossing with wings. Stir well to recombine.

Avoiding Sauce Sogginess

Toss wings in sauce just before serving to keep skin crispy. If you prepare sauce too early, it can make wings soggy over time.

Best Containers for Storage

Use airtight containers or resealable bags to maintain flavor and prevent moisture buildup. For freezing, vacuum-sealed bags extend shelf life and reduce freezer burn.

Dietary Adaptations and Substitutions

Baking Instead of Frying for Healthier Wings

Swap frying for baking to reduce oil and calories. Bake at 425°F for 40-45 minutes, flipping halfway. Finish by broiling a few minutes to crisp skin. Toss in sauce as usual.

Dairy-Free Version

Replace parmesan with nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor without dairy. Use vegan butter or olive oil instead of butter in the sauce.

Low-Sodium Adaptation

Reduce salt in the brine and sauce to lower sodium content. Use low-sodium broth or water in place of pickle juice if desired.

Gluten-Free Option

This recipe is naturally gluten-free, but always verify your seasoning blends and Worcestershire sauce to ensure no hidden gluten.

Spice It Up

Add red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper to the sauce for a spicy kick. Incorporate hot sauce in the brine for an extra layer of heat.

FAQs About the Recipe

Can I use whole chicken wings instead of drumettes and flats?

Yes! Whole wings can be used; just adjust cooking time slightly to ensure thorough cooking. Consider separating them into flats and drumettes for more even cooking and crispiness.

How long should I brine the wings?

For best flavor and texture, brine for 2 to 4 hours. Longer brining can make meat too salty or mushy.

Can I prepare the sauce ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the sauce up to 5 days in advance. Store it refrigerated and reheat gently before tossing with freshly cooked wings.

What if I don’t have Dan-O’s Original Seasoning?

Substitute with a blend of garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and dried herbs like oregano and thyme for a similar savory flavor.

How do I make the wings extra crispy without frying?

Bake wings on a wire rack set over a baking sheet to allow air circulation, and broil at the end to crisp the skin. You can also toss wings with a bit of baking powder to promote crispiness.

Conclusion & Final Thoughts

Honey Garlic Parmesan Wings are a perfect blend of flavor, texture, and comfort food magic. The thoughtful brine ensures juicy meat, while the garlicky, buttery parmesan sauce offers rich, layered flavor that’s both indulgent and satisfying. Whether fried or baked, these wings are guaranteed to become a favorite for parties, game days, or simple family dinners.

This recipe combines ease and sophistication, showcasing how simple ingredients and smart techniques elevate a classic favorite to something extraordinary. Plus, it’s highly adaptable to dietary preferences and cooking styles, making it versatile for any kitchen.

Next time you want wings that are crispy, tender, and bursting with flavor, give these Honey Garlic Parmesan Wings a try—you’ll be hooked from the first bite.