Spicy Honey BBQ Wings

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These Spicy Honey BBQ Wings are irresistibly crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and coated in a flavorful sauce that combines the smoky richness of BBQ with a touch of honey’s sweetness and a kick of heat. The combination of spices and the tangy sauce will make these wings a crowd favorite. Plus, they’re simple to make and perfect for any gathering. You’ll love how easy it is to impress guests with these bold flavors!

Ingredients

• 2 lbs (1 kg) chicken wings, drumettes, and flats
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tbsp baking powder (optional, for crispiness)
• 1 tbsp vegetable oil

Spicy Honey BBQ Sauce:

• 1/2 cup BBQ sauce (your favorite brand)
• 2 tbsp honey
• 1 tsp hot sauce (adjust to taste)
• 1 tsp white vinegar
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder

For Serving:

• Ranch or blue cheese dressing
• Fresh parsley or green onions (optional garnish)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Prepare the Wings:
   Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Pat the chicken wings dry with paper towels to ensure they bake up crispy.
   In a bowl, toss the wings with salt, pepper, garlic powder, baking powder (if using), and vegetable oil.

2. Bake the Wings:
   Arrange the wings on a wire rack set over a baking sheet for even cooking. Bake for 40–45 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the wings are golden and crispy.

3. Make the Sauce:
   While the wings are baking, combine the BBQ sauce, honey, hot sauce, vinegar, and garlic powder in a saucepan. Heat over medium-low heat until the sauce thickens slightly and becomes glossy (about 5 minutes).

4. Coat the Wings:
   Once the wings are done baking, transfer them to a large bowl. Pour the warm sauce over the wings and toss them until they are fully coated.

5. Serve:
   Place the wings on a platter and serve with ranch or blue cheese dressing. Garnish with parsley or green onions if desired.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Total Time: 55 minutes

Variations

• Grilled Wings: For a smoky flavor, you can grill the wings instead of baking them. Simply preheat the grill to medium-high heat and cook the wings for about 25–30 minutes, flipping halfway.
• Spice Level: Adjust the heat by adding more or less hot sauce, depending on your preference. You can even experiment with different hot sauce varieties for a unique flavor.
• Honey Substitution: If you prefer a different sweetener, you can swap honey with maple syrup or agave syrup for a different taste profile.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftover wings in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: To keep the wings crispy, reheat them in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for 10–15 minutes. You can also reheat them in a hot air fryer for a few minutes for extra crispiness.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen wings for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen wings. Just be sure to thaw them before cooking to ensure even baking.

2. Can I make the sauce ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the spicy honey BBQ sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to a week. Just heat it up before using.

3. How can I make the wings extra crispy?

Using baking powder and making sure the wings are patted dry before cooking will help them achieve a crispier texture. Cooking them on a wire rack also allows air circulation for even crispiness.

4. Can I use a different type of hot sauce?

Yes! Feel free to use any hot sauce you like, such as Sriracha, Tabasco, or Frank’s RedHot, to adjust the heat and flavor to your liking.

5. Can I grill the wings instead of baking them?

Absolutely! Grilled wings will have a smoky flavor. Grill the wings over medium-high heat for 25–30 minutes, flipping halfway through.

6. How long should I bake the wings?

Bake the wings for 40–45 minutes at 425°F (220°C) until they are golden brown and crispy.

7. Can I use boneless chicken instead of wings?

While traditional wings work best for this recipe, you can substitute with boneless chicken thighs or breasts. Just adjust the cooking time as needed.

8. Can I make these wings without hot sauce?

Yes, if you prefer a milder flavor, you can skip the hot sauce or reduce the amount. The honey and BBQ sauce will still give the wings a delicious flavor.

9. How can I make this recipe spicier?

To increase the heat, add extra hot sauce or even a pinch of cayenne pepper to the sauce. You can also toss the wings with chili flakes before baking.

10. Can I use a different BBQ sauce?

Yes, feel free to use any BBQ sauce you like, from tangy to sweet or smoky. Experimenting with different sauces can give the wings a unique flavor.

Conclusion

These Spicy Honey BBQ Wings are a perfect combination of crispy texture and bold, sweet, and spicy flavors. Easy to make and incredibly satisfying, they’re sure to be a hit at your next get-together. Whether you serve them as an appetizer or a main dish, everyone will be reaching for seconds!