Chicken Wings (Chinese-Style)

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200 degrees Celsius). Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and set a wire rack on top. This will help the wings cook evenly and prevent them from sitting in grease.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the soy sauce, hoisin sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, garlic, ginger, five-spice powder, and black pepper. Whisk together until the mixture is thoroughly combined.
3. Add the chicken wings to the bowl with the marinade and toss until all the wings are well coated. For best flavor, let the wings marinate for at least 20 minutes in the refrigerator. If you have time, marinate for up to 2 hours.
4. Arrange the marinated chicken wings in a single layer on the prepared wire rack over the baking sheet. Reserve any marinade left in the bowl.
5. Bake the wings in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. Then, remove from the oven and brush them with some of the reserved marinade for extra flavor.
6. Turn the wings over and brush the other side with marinade as well. This helps ensure each wing is well-coated and flavorful.
7. Return the wings to the oven and continue to bake for another 25 minutes, or until the wings are fully cooked and have a nice caramelized coating. Ensure they reach an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit for safety.
8. Once done, remove the wings from the oven and let them rest for 5 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute and the wings to be more tender.
9. If desired, sprinkle with sesame seeds and sliced green onions for garnish before serving. These add a nice crunch and flavor boost.