Sweet, savory, and tangy Sprite Chicken Wings seared with garlic and ginger, then simmered in Sprite, soy sauce, and ketchup until coated in a delicious sticky glaze. Perfect as a main dish, party appetizer, or pulutan.
Marinate the chicken: Place the chicken wings in a container. Pour in half of the Sprite and add the salt and black pepper. Mix well, cover, and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
Sear the wings: Remove the chicken from the marinade and drain the excess liquid. Discard the used marinade. Heat a little oil in a wide pan over medium heat. Sear the wings until lightly browned on all sides.
Add the aromatics: Add the minced garlic and ginger. Sauté briefly until fragrant, stirring frequently to prevent the garlic from burning.
Prepare the sauce: Pour in the remaining Sprite. Add the soy sauce and ketchup, then stir well to coat the wings evenly.
Simmer the chicken: Cover the pan and simmer, turning the wings occasionally, until the chicken is fully cooked. If the sauce reduces too quickly, add a small splash of water.
Reduce the glaze: Remove the lid and simmer until the sauce thickens and coats the chicken. Turn the wings frequently and lower the heat as needed to prevent the sugary sauce from burning.
Check doneness: Ensure the thickest part of the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Garnish and serve: Turn off the heat and transfer the wings to a serving plate. Spoon the glaze over the chicken and garnish with chopped spring onions. Serve hot with steamed rice or enjoy as finger food.
Notes
Pat the wings dry before searing to encourage browning.
Sprite may be substituted with another lemon-lime soda.
Avoid adding extra sugar because the soda and ketchup already provide sweetness.
Add chili flakes or sliced chilies if you prefer a spicy version.
Watch the sauce closely as it thickens because the sugar can burn quickly.
Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for 3–4 days. Reheat thoroughly in a pan with a splash of water.
Serve with steamed rice, garlic rice, or vegetables for a complete meal.