Balsamic Glazed Chicken Wings Recipe

Looking for something with a serious flavor? These spicy-sweet chicken wings have it all: first, they pick up some spice in the marinade, and after they’re cooked, they’re coated in a tangy honey-balsamic glaze (with optional sriracha if you really like it kicky).

To get the best flavor, the recipe goes a little further than just ginger and red pepper flakes, but you should still be able to get all the ingredients easily at a grocery store.

Chinese 5 spice powder isn’t as strange as it sounds: it’s just equal parts cinnamon, cloves, fennel, star anise, and Szechuan peppercorns. It’s easy to get a Paleo-friendly version at the store, but if you can’t find it, just mix 1 tsp. of each spice together until it’s all blended.

The honey in the marinade is optional; you can leave it out for a spicier recipe or use it if you like more sweetness. But the honey in the balsamic glaze is necessary: if you don’t add it, the “glaze” won’t actually work.

But if you’re strictly avoiding sugar, you could always skip the glaze completely and just enjoy a plate of spicy Asian-flavored wings. It’s not quite the same recipe, but it’s still tasty.

Serve your chicken wings over a pile of stir-fried vegetables in true Paleo style, and don’t forget the egg drop soup!

Balsamic Glaze Chicken Wings Recipe

SERVES: 4 PREP: 15 min + 4 h COOK: 45 min

Ingredients

• 2 lbs. chicken wings;
• ¼ cup honey; (optional)
• ¼ cup coconut aminos;
• Juice from 1 lime;
• 1 tbsp. Chinese 5 Spice Powder;
• 1 tsp. garlic powder;
• 1 tsp. curry powder;
• 1 tsp. ginger powder;
• Sea salt and freshly ground pepper;

Ingredients for the balsamic glaze

• 1 cup water;
• ½ cup balsamic vinegar;
• ¼ cup coconut aminos (a Paleo-friendly replacement for soy sauce; you can get them online or at most health-food stores);
• ¼ cup honey;
• 1 tsp. Sriracha sauce; (optional or to taste)

Preparation

1. Mix up the marinade by combining the honey, if using, coconut aminos, lime juice, garlic powder, curry powder, ginger powder, and Chinese 5 spice powder in a bowl. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
2. Add the chicken to the marinade and marinate for a minimum of 4 hours and up to overnight in the refrigerator.
3. Preheat your oven to 400 F.
4. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and place the chicken wings on top.
5. Bake on the middle rack of your oven for 40 minutes.
6. While the wings are cooking, combine the glaze ingredients in a skillet and let simmer for 10 to 15 minutes or until the glaze is sticky. If you’re using sriracha sauce, stir it in at the last minute.
7. Turn your oven to broil and broil for approximately 5 minutes or until crispy.
8. Remove the chicken wings from the oven and transfer them to a large bowl.
9. Add the glaze with the chicken wings, toss to coat, and serve.