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.
- 🍽️ Cooking with Beer (Main Hub) – Your ultimate guide to cooking with beer, from mains to apps and desserts.
- 🥨 Beer-Battered Appetizers and Sides – – Crispy onion rings, fried pickles, mushrooms, zucchini, & more pub-style favorites with a golden beer crunch.
- 🍞 Beer Bread Recipes – From 2-ingredient quick breads to jalapeño cheese loaves.
- 🧀 Beer Cheese & Dips – Beer cheese soup, queso, nachos, ranch dip & more.
- 🍖 Beer Can Chicken & Grilled Mains – Bold, juicy recipes straight from the grill.
- 🌶️ Beer Infused Chili’s – Hearty, bold, and slow-simmered beer-infused chili.
- 🍻 Beer Mac & Cheese – Creamy, quick& easy, made to impress.
- 🍰 Beer-Infused Desserts & Sweets – Sweet treats made better with beer.
- 🎉 Oktoberfest & Seasonal Ideas – Perfect pairings for parties, fall feasts, and festive gatherings.