There’s something about a plate of sticky, golden-brown chicken wings that just feels like home. I remember my dad making wings for game nights—he wasn’t much of a cook, but he had one rule: always make extra sauce.
He’d toss the wings in a honey mustard glaze so thick, you needed extra napkins. That balance of sweet, tangy, and savory was pure magic.
Now, I’ve taken that childhood favorite and turned it into a gluten-free version that’s just as mouthwatering, with fresh, simple ingredients you can find anywhere.
Tips for the Best Wings:
- Crispy Skin Hack: Make sure to dry the wings well before baking. Moisture is the enemy of crispiness!
- Air Fryer Method: Cook at 400°F for 20-25 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.
- Grill Option: Grill the wings over medium heat for 20 minutes, turning often.
- No Wire Rack? Flip the wings an extra time to keep them evenly crispy.
Variations & Substitutions:
- No Honey? Use maple syrup for a deeper flavor.
- Extra Heat? Add a teaspoon of sriracha or hot sauce to the glaze.
- Different Protein? Try this sauce on grilled tofu or cauliflower for a vegetarian twist.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve with celery and carrot sticks for crunch.
- A side of gluten-free ranch or blue cheese dressing balances the flavors.
- Pair with roasted sweet potatoes for a satisfying meal.
Honey Mustard Chicken Wings
Sweet, tangy, and sticky honey mustard wings with a crispy gluten-free finish. Perfect for game nights, parties, or a casual dinner!
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Ingredients
For the Wings:
- 2 lbs chicken wings (split into drumettes and flats)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp garlic powder
For the Honey Mustard Sauce:
- ¼ cup honey
- ¼ cup Dijon mustard (check that it’s gluten-free)
- 2 tbsp whole grain mustard
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tbsp gluten-free soy sauce (or coconut aminos)
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ¼ tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for a kick)
Instructions
-
Prep the Wings:
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Pat the wings dry with paper towels—this helps them get crispy. Toss them in olive oil, salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and garlic powder. -
Bake the Wings:
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil (for easy cleanup) and place a wire rack on top. Arrange the wings in a single layer. Bake for 40-45 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crispy. -
Make the Sauce:
While the wings bake, whisk together all the sauce ingredients in a small saucepan over medium heat. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened. Set aside. -
Sauce ‘Em Up:
When the wings are done, toss them in a large bowl with the warm honey mustard sauce. Coat every piece generously. -
Final Bake (Optional but Recommended!):
Place the sauced wings back on the wire rack and broil for 2-3 minutes until caramelized and sticky.
Notes
Easily adaptable to different cooking methods; check your mustard and soy sauce for gluten-free labels.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: About 6 wings
- Calories: 320 per serving
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
