Beer-Glazed Chicken Wings: Sticky, Crispy, and Smothered in Sweet, Spicy, Malty Beer Sauce

These Beer-Glazed Chicken Wings are baked or fried until golden and crispy, then tossed in a sticky, punchy glaze made with beer, brown sugar, garlic, and a kick of heat.

They’re sweet, spicy, malty, and finger-lickin’ good — basically everything you want from a wing that pairs perfectly with a cold pint.

Perfect for game day spreads, backyard parties, or anytime you want wings that go beyond basic buffalo.

Ingredients (Serves 4–6)

For the Wings:

  • 2½–3 lbs chicken wings, split and tips removed
  • 1 tbsp baking powder (helps with crispiness)
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • Optional: pinch of cayenne or smoked paprika

For the Beer Glaze:

  • ¾ cup beer (amber ale, brown ale, or IPA – see beer tip)
  • 2 tbsp honey or brown sugar
  • 2 tbsp soy sauce
  • 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
  • 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar or lime juice
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp cornstarch mixed with 1 tbsp cold water (optional, for thickening)
  • Optional: hot sauce or chili flakes for heat

Beer Tip: Use an amber ale, IPA, or brown ale for balanced sweet-hoppy-malty flavor. Avoid heavy stouts unless you want a deep, smoky glaze.

Instructions

Step 1: Prep & Bake the Wings

Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with foil and a wire rack.

Pat wings dry with paper towels. Toss with baking powder, salt, and spices until evenly coated.

Spread on the rack in a single layer and bake for 40–45 minutes, flipping once halfway, until golden and crispy.

Step 2: Make the Glaze

  • While the wings bake, combine beer, honey (or sugar), soy sauce, mustard, vinegar, garlic, and any heat boosters in a small saucepan.
  • Simmer over medium heat until reduced by about half — 10–15 minutes.
  • Stir in cornstarch slurry if using, and simmer 1–2 more minutes until glossy and thick.

Step 3: Toss & Serve

Transfer hot wings to a large bowl. Pour glaze over and toss to coat.
Serve immediately with napkins, cold beer, and extra glaze for dipping.

Serving Suggestions

  • Dip With:
    • Ranch or blue cheese
    • Garlic aioli
    • Spicy beer mustard
  • Garnish With:
    • Sliced green onions
    • Crushed peanuts or sesame seeds
    • Extra chili flakes or hot honey drizzle
  • Pair With Sides:
    • Beer-battered fries or onion rings
    • Celery and carrot sticks
    • Mac & cheese or potato salad

Beer Pairing

  • In the glaze:
    • Amber ale (balanced sweet + malt)
    • IPA (for citrusy hop sharpness)
    • Brown ale (rich and mellow)
  • In your glass:
    • Same beer as the glaze
    • Light lager to cleanse the palate
    • Fruity pale ale to highlight the heat

Final Thoughts

Beer-Glazed Chicken Wings are everything wings should be — crispy, sticky, saucy, and just a little bit addictive. The beer glaze brings flavor way beyond typical hot sauce, giving each bite sweet depth and hoppy zing.

Cheers to beer-soaked wings and licking your fingers clean! 🍗🍺🔥

More Not-So-Healthy Beer Snacks 🍻

Deep-fried, beer-battered, cheesy, and gloriously greasy — these over-the-top snack recipes are made for game days, pub nights, or cheat-day cravings. Grab a cold one and dig in.

🧀 Deep-Fried Beer Cheese Balls – Crispy outside, molten beer cheese inside — party-perfect bites.
🥓 Beer-Battered Bacon Strips – Smoky, salty bacon wrapped in golden beer batter.
🧅 Beer Battered Onion Rings – Extra-crunchy rings with a deep beer flavor.
🧄 Beer Cheese Pull-Apart Bread – Gooey, garlicky bread loaded with beer cheese pockets.
🍗 Beer-Glazed Chicken Wings – Sticky, crispy wings with a bold beer glaze.
🌮 Beer Nachos Supreme – Stacked high with beer-infused queso and all the fixings.
🍩 Beer Donuts (Fried + Glazed) – Deep-fried donuts with a sweet beer glaze finish.
🧀 Beer Mac & Cheese Bites (Fried) – Creamy beer mac, breaded and fried into crispy bites.
🥨 Beer Pretzel Bites with Beer Cheese Dip – Soft pretzel nuggets with rich beer cheese on the side.
🧆 Beer Brat Sliders – Juicy beer-braised brats on slider buns with tangy toppings.
🥜 Guinness Beer Nuts – caramelized nuts roasted in dark, malty Guinness.

Explore Our Top Cooking-with-Beer Recipes 🍺 🍺

From crispy beer-battered classics to bold mains, cheesy dips, breads, and even desserts — these roundups bring together the best of beer-infused cooking. Whether you’re hosting a game day, planning a backyard BBQ, or just experimenting in the kitchen, there’s a beer recipe collection for every craving.

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