Crispy Baked Chicken Wings

Step 1

Mix butter, cayenne pepper, black pepper, and salt in a medium bowl; let stand 5 minutes. Whisk in hot sauce; keep warm.

Step 2

Do Ahead: Sauce can be made 1 week ahead. Let cool completely; cover and chill. Rewarm before using.

Step 3

Bring ginger, garlic, honey, soy sauce, and ¼ cup water to a boil in a small saucepan, stirring to dissolve honey. Reduce heat to low; simmer, stirring occasionally, until reduced to ¼ cup, 7–8 minutes. Strain into a medium bowl. Let sit 15 minutes to thicken slightly.

Step 4

Do Ahead: Glaze can be made 5 days ahead. Cover; chill. Rewarm before using.

Step 5

Preheat oven to 400°. Set a wire rack inside 2 large rimmed baking sheets. Toss chicken wings, vegetable oil, salt, and pepper in a large bowl to coat. Divide wings between prepared racks and spread out in a single layer.

Step 6

Bake wings until cooked through and skin is crispy, 45–50 minutes.

Step 7

Line another rimmed baking sheet with foil; top with a wire rack. Add half of wings to ginger-soy glaze and toss to evenly coat. Place wings in a single layer on prepared rack and bake until glaze is glossy and lightly caramelized, 8–10 minutes.

Step 8

Toss remaining half of wings in Buffalo sauce. Serve immediately (no need to bake them).