Sticky Dr Pepper Glazed Chicken Wings

Sticky Dr Pepper Glazed Chicken Wings are a bold and irresistible twist on classic wings, coated in a sweet, tangy, and slightly spicy glaze made with the iconic soda. These wings are oven-baked or air-fried until crispy, then tossed in a thick, sticky sauce that clings to every bite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These wings offer a perfect blend of sweet, savory, and spicy flavors with a glossy, caramelized glaze. The Dr Pepper adds unique depth and a subtle hint of spice, making them stand out from ordinary BBQ wings. Whether you’re hosting a game day gathering or just craving a flavorful snack, these wings are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the wings:

• Chicken wings (split, tips removed)
• Baking powder
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Garlic powder
• Paprika

For the glaze:

• Dr Pepper soda
• Brown sugar
• Ketchup
• Apple cider vinegar
• Garlic (minced)
• Onion powder
• Worcestershire sauce
• Red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
• Cornstarch (mixed with water, for thickening)

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C) or air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
2. Pat wings dry with paper towels. Toss with baking powder, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
3. Bake on a wire rack over a sheet pan for 40–45 minutes, flipping halfway, or air fry for 20–22 minutes until golden and crispy.
4. While wings cook, prepare the glaze: In a saucepan, combine Dr Pepper, brown sugar, ketchup, vinegar, garlic, onion powder, and Worcestershire sauce.
5. Simmer until reduced by half, about 10–15 minutes. Stir in cornstarch slurry and cook until thickened.
6. Toss hot wings in the glaze until fully coated. Return to the oven or air fryer for 3–5 more minutes to caramelize if desired.
7. Serve immediately, garnished with green onions or sesame seeds if desired.

Servings and timing

Servings: 4
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes (oven) or 25 minutes (air fryer)
Total Time: 55 minutes

Variations

• Spicy Kick: Add hot sauce or extra red pepper flakes to the glaze.
• Smoky Flavor: Use smoked paprika or add a splash of liquid smoke to the sauce.
• Boneless Option: Use boneless chicken bites instead of wings.
• Diet Soda: Substitute with sugar-free Dr Pepper for a lower-sugar version.

Storage/reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 375°F (190°C) or in the air fryer for 5–7 minutes to maintain crispiness. Avoid microwaving, as it may soften the coating.

FAQs

Can I make the glaze ahead of time?

Yes, prepare the glaze and refrigerate for up to 5 days. Reheat before using.

What does Dr Pepper add to the flavor?

It adds sweetness, slight spice, and a unique depth that balances the tanginess of the vinegar and ketchup.

Can I grill these wings?

Yes, grill over medium heat until cooked through, then brush with glaze during the final minutes.

Do I need to boil the soda?

Yes, reducing it intensifies the flavor and thickens the glaze.

What’s the purpose of baking powder on the wings?

It helps dry out the skin and create a crisp texture in the oven or air fryer.

Are these very sweet?

They are mildly sweet with a savory balance from vinegar, garlic, and spices. You can adjust sugar to taste.

Can I use other soda flavors?

Yes, cola or root beer are good alternatives, though the flavor will vary slightly.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, just cook wings in batches to avoid overcrowding the oven or air fryer.

How do I make the glaze thicker?

Simmer longer or add more cornstarch slurry for a thicker consistency.

Are these wings kid-friendly?

Yes, reduce or omit chili flakes for a milder version suitable for kids.

Conclusion

Sticky Dr Pepper Glazed Chicken Wings are a creative, flavor-packed dish that takes your wing game to the next level. With crispy skin and a glossy, caramelized glaze, they’re both fun and satisfying. Ideal for parties, casual dinners, or game-day treats, these wings are sure to be a memorable hit.

Sticky Dr Pepper Glazed Chicken Wings

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Sticky Dr Pepper Glazed Chicken Wings are sweet, savory, and slightly spicy wings coated in a glossy glaze made with Dr Pepper, soy sauce, and bold seasonings. Perfect for game day or gatherings, these wings are crispy on the outside and tender on the inside.

• Author: Emma Harper
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: Baking or Air Frying
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Halal

Ingredients

Units USM Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 lbs chicken wings, separated at joints, tips removed
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• For the glaze:
• 1 cup Dr Pepper
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 1/4 cup ketchup
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water (slurry)
• Chopped green onions or sesame seeds, for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C) or air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
2. Pat chicken wings dry with paper towels. Toss in a bowl with olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika.
3. Arrange wings in a single layer on a wire rack over a baking sheet or in the air fryer basket.
4. Bake for 40–45 minutes (flipping halfway) or air fry for 20–25 minutes until crispy and cooked through.
5. While wings cook, combine all glaze ingredients (except cornstarch slurry) in a saucepan over medium heat. Simmer for 10–12 minutes.
6. Whisk in the cornstarch slurry and cook 1–2 more minutes, until the glaze thickens and becomes glossy.
7. Toss the cooked wings in the glaze or brush the glaze over them generously.
8. Garnish with green onions or sesame seeds if desired. Serve immediately.

Notes

• Patting wings dry before baking helps achieve crispiness.
• You can make the glaze ahead of time and store in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Use diet Dr Pepper if preferred, though glaze may be slightly thinner.
• For extra heat, double the cayenne or add hot sauce to the glaze.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
• Calories: 430
• Sugar: 18g
• Sodium: 740mg
• Fat: 25g
• Saturated Fat: 6g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 22g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 30g
• Cholesterol: 115mg