Making these Orange Glazed Chicken Wings fills the kitchen with the warm, fruity scent of oranges and the gentle kick of ginger. The glaze caramelizes in the oven, giving the wings a gorgeous shine and slightly crispy edges. These wings are always a crowd-pleaser, perfect for family dinners, game nights, or even casual parties.

My mother always loved cooking chicken wings, but she never tried anything as flavorful as orange-glazed ones in our home. In her kitchen, her flavors were simple, and she mostly stuck to salt and pepper. But now, this recipe is both sweet and tangy, and every bite is full of a bright citrus punch that reminds me of family dinners with a modern twist.

I have tried countless wing recipes, but I use freshly squeezed orange juice, a little brown sugar, and just the right amount of garlic and ginger. Always letting the wings marinate for a few hours or overnight makes a huge difference. It gives the meat a juicy, tender texture while allowing the glaze to soak in fully.

You can serve these wings with a side of crunchy celery sticks, some creamy ranch or blue cheese dressing, and also with a bowl of steamed rice or roasted vegetables for a full meal. They pair wonderfully with a cold soda or a sparkling lemonade, making them perfect for family lunches or casual gatherings.

It’s Perfect For:

• Family dinners on busy weeknights
• Party appetizers or game-day snacks
• Kids’ lunch or weekend brunch
• Potlucks or friendly gatherings
• Holiday or special celebration meals

Ingredients

• 2 lbs chicken wings
• 1/2 cup orange juice (freshly squeezed preferred)
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
• 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch (optional, for thicker glaze)
• Zest of 1 orange

Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need

• Large mixing bowl or resealable zip bag for marinating
• Baking sheet lined with foil or parchment paper
• Small saucepan for glazing
• Whisk for mixing ingredients
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Knife and cutting board for zesting and mincing
• Tongs for tossing wings

How to Make Orange Glazed Chicken Wings

Step 1

Prepare the orange glaze: In a medium bowl, combine orange juice, soy sauce, honey, brown sugar, olive oil, minced garlic, grated ginger, and black pepper. Whisk thoroughly until smooth. Stir in the orange zest for a bright, fragrant flavor that will make the wings extra aromatic.

Step 2

Marinate the wings: Place the chicken wings in a large bowl or a resealable zip bag. Pour the orange glaze over the wings, making sure every piece is fully coated. Cover the bowl or seal the bag, then refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. For maximum flavor, let them marinate for several hours or overnight. This allows the citrus and ginger to deeply infuse into the meat.

Step 3

Bake the wings: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with foil or parchment paper. Arrange the wings in a single layer, leaving space between each for even cooking. Bake for 35–40 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the wings are golden, slightly caramelized, and cooked through. The edges should be lightly crispy, giving a perfect balance of tender and slightly crisp texture.

Step 4

Thicken the glaze (optional): Pour any leftover marinade into a small saucepan and bring it to a gentle simmer. If you prefer a thicker, stickier glaze, whisk in the cornstarch and cook for 3–4 minutes until glossy and slightly thickened. This will create a beautiful coating for the wings.

Step 5

Coat the wings: Once baked, transfer the wings to a large bowl or serving platter and toss them with the thickened orange glaze until every wing is evenly coated. Drizzle a little extra glaze over the top for a shiny, irresistible finish. Serve immediately while warm, and enjoy the combination of sweet, tangy, and savory flavors that make these wings unforgettable.

Helpful Tips for Orange Glazed Chicken Wings

• Marinate the wings overnight whenever possible. It allows the orange, ginger, and garlic flavors to penetrate the meat for juicier results.
• Pat wings dry before baking to help them crisp up. Wet wings may steam instead of roast.
• Use fresh orange juice instead of store-bought for the best natural sweetness and flavor.
• Flip wings halfway during baking to ensure both sides caramelize evenly and don’t burn.
• Don’t skip the cornstarch in the glaze if you want a thicker coating that sticks beautifully.
• Add zest to the glaze last to preserve its bright citrus aroma.
• Serve immediately after glazing for the best shine and flavor, as the glaze hardens if left too long.

Optional Ingredients

• Red pepper flakes for a spicy kick
• Soy ginger glaze instead of orange for variation
• A splash of rice vinegar for extra tang
• Sesame seeds for garnish
• Green onions for color and flavor
• Honey or maple syrup alternatives for sweetness

How to Serve Orange Glazed Chicken Wings

I love serving Orange Glazed Chicken Wings on a large, decorative platter so they look as vibrant as they taste. I usually drizzle a little extra glaze on top right before serving to make them shiny and irresistible. Adding celery and carrot sticks around the wings provides a fresh crunch that balances the sweet glaze perfectly.

I also like to pair the wings with a small bowl of ranch or blue cheese dressing. Guests can dip as they like, which makes the experience interactive and fun. Sometimes, I serve them alongside steamed jasmine rice or roasted vegetables. The rice soaks up the delicious glaze, and the veggies keep the meal light and balanced.

For parties or casual gatherings, I like to place fresh orange slices and chopped green onions around the wings. It adds color and enhances the citrus aroma. This little touch makes the presentation feel festive, and everyone notices how special the wings look. You can even sprinkle a few sesame seeds on top for extra crunch and visual appeal.

When plating for kids, I sometimes add carrot sticks carved into fun shapes or small fruit slices around the platter. It makes the meal exciting and colorful, encouraging little ones to enjoy the wings even more. Presentation matters just as much as flavor, and this approach makes the wings feel like a complete experience.

Is Orange Glazed Chicken Wings healthy?

In moderation, yes! They are baked, not fried, which reduces the fat content compared to traditional fried wings. Using fresh orange juice, garlic, and ginger adds vitamins and antioxidants.

However, the glaze has sugar from honey or brown sugar, so enjoying these wings occasionally is best. They can be part of a balanced meal when paired with vegetables or whole grains.

Variations and Substitutions

• Spicy Orange Wings: Add red pepper flakes or Sriracha to the glaze for a sweet-spicy balance. Perfect for those who love heat.
• Honey Soy Wings: Replace orange juice with soy sauce and honey, skip the zest. It creates a sweet-savory classic.
• Ginger-Lime Wings: Swap orange juice for lime juice and increase ginger for a tangy, aromatic twist.
• Garlic Butter Wings: Add melted butter to the glaze and more garlic for a richer, savory flavor.
• Teriyaki Orange Wings: Use teriyaki sauce as a base, then add orange juice and zest. Sweet and umami-rich.
• Maple Orange Wings: Use pure maple syrup instead of honey for a deeper, caramelized sweetness.
• Baked Crispy Wings: Dust wings lightly with cornstarch before baking for an extra crispy finish.
• Gluten-Free Version: Use tamari instead of soy sauce and cornstarch for a gluten-free option without losing flavor.

How to Store & How to Reheat

Store leftover wings in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the glaze separate if possible, then drizzle over wings before reheating to maintain shine and flavor.

To reheat, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place wings on a baking sheet and heat for 8–10 minutes until warm. For extra crispiness, broil for 1–2 minutes at the end. You can also microwave them, but the glaze may lose some of its glossy texture.

Frequently Asked Questions About Orange Glazed Chicken Wings

Can I freeze Orange Glazed Chicken Wings?
Absolutely. Freeze cooked wings in a single layer on a tray first, then transfer to an airtight container. Reheat in the oven for best texture, and drizzle fresh glaze on top to refresh the flavor. Freezing works well for meal prep or parties.

Can I use bottled orange juice instead of fresh?
You can, but fresh orange juice is brighter and more aromatic. Bottled juice works in a pinch, but you may need to add a touch of orange zest to make the flavor pop. Fresh juice gives a more natural sweetness and vibrant color.

Can I grill these wings instead of baking?
Yes, grilling is a great option. Use medium heat and turn the wings often. Brush with glaze during the last few minutes for caramelized, smoky flavor while keeping the inside juicy. It’s a fun summer alternative to oven-baking.

Are these wings kid-friendly?
Yes! They’re naturally sweet and tangy, and you can adjust the garlic and ginger for little ones. Even picky eaters usually love them because the glaze tastes like a fun, fruity treat. Pair with fruit slices or veggie sticks to make it a colorful, kid-friendly meal.

Orange Glazed Chicken Wings Recipe

Recipe by Maria MeyerCourse: Appetizers, SnacksCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy

Servings

6

servings

Prep time

15

minutes

Cooking time

40

minutes

Try these easy Orange Glazed Chicken Wings! Sweet, tangy, and perfectly sticky, baked wings with fresh orange, honey, and ginger. Perfect for family dinners, parties, or game days!

Ingredients

• 2 lbs chicken wings

• 1/2 cup orange juice (freshly squeezed preferred)

• 1/4 cup soy sauce

• 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup

• 2 tablespoons brown sugar

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger

• 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper

• 1 teaspoon cornstarch (optional, for thicker glaze)

• Zest of 1 orange

Directions

• Prepare the orange glaze: In a medium bowl, combine orange juice, soy sauce, honey, brown sugar, olive oil, minced garlic, grated ginger, and black pepper. Whisk thoroughly until smooth. Stir in the orange zest for a bright, fragrant flavor that will make the wings extra aromatic.
• Marinate the wings: Place the chicken wings in a large bowl or a resealable zip bag. Pour the orange glaze over the wings, making sure every piece is fully coated. Cover the bowl or seal the bag, then refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. For maximum flavor, let them marinate for several hours or overnight. This allows the citrus and ginger to deeply infuse into the meat.
• Bake the wings: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with foil or parchment paper. Arrange the wings in a single layer, leaving space between each for even cooking. Bake for 35–40 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the wings are golden, slightly caramelized, and cooked through. The edges should be lightly crispy, giving a perfect balance of tender and slightly crisp texture.
• Thicken the glaze (optional): Pour any leftover marinade into a small saucepan and bring it to a gentle simmer. If you prefer a thicker, stickier glaze, whisk in the cornstarch and cook for 3–4 minutes until glossy and slightly thickened. This will create a beautiful coating for the wings.
• Coat the wings: Once baked, transfer the wings to a large bowl or serving platter and toss them with the thickened orange glaze until every wing is evenly coated. Drizzle a little extra glaze over the top for a shiny, irresistible finish. Serve immediately while warm, and enjoy the combination of sweet, tangy, and savory flavors that make these wings unforgettable.