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### Instructions:
**1. Preheat the oven:**
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent the wings from sticking.
**2. Prepare the chicken wings:**
Pat the chicken wings dry with paper towels. This will help the wings crisp up better when baked. Place the wings in a large bowl and drizzle with olive oil. Toss to coat the wings evenly.
**3. Make the caramelized glaze:**
In a separate bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, honey, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, rice vinegar, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt if needed.
**4. Coat the wings:**
Pour the caramelized glaze over the chicken wings and toss them until they are well coated. Let the wings marinate for at least 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. If you have more time, marinating for up to an hour will deepen the flavor even more.
**5. Bake the wings:**
Arrange the wings in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 25-30 minutes, flipping the wings halfway through cooking. The wings should be golden brown and crispy on the outside, with the caramelized glaze thickened and bubbly.
**6. Finish and serve:**
Once the wings are done baking, remove them from the oven and let them rest for a few minutes. This allows the glaze to set and the wings to retain their juiciness. Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro or sliced green onions before serving.
### Tips:
– **For extra crispiness:** If you prefer your wings extra crispy, you can broil them for the last 2-3 minutes of baking, keeping a close eye on them so they don’t burn.
– **Adjust the sweetness:** You can adjust the sweetness by adding more or less honey and brown sugar based on your preference.
– **Add a smoky touch:** For an added smoky flavor, try sprinkling a little smoked paprika or using smoked soy sauce in the glaze.
### Serving Ideas:
These caramelized baked chicken wings are perfect on their own as a finger food or paired with dipping sauces like ranch or blue cheese. They also go great with a side of coleslaw, roasted vegetables, or French fries.
Enjoy these sweet, savory, and crispy chicken wings at your next gathering, game day, or even as a simple weeknight treat. They’re sure to be a hit!
