Smoky Hot Honey Barbecue Chicken Wings

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These wings are a perfect blend of smoky, sweet, and spicy flavors. The smoky barbecue sauce pairs beautifully with the sticky, spicy honey, giving each bite a mouthwatering kick. They’re crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside, making them the perfect finger food for any occasion. Plus, they’re easy to make and require minimal effort, ensuring you get maximum flavor without much work. This recipe is sure to become your go-to for homemade wings!

Ingredients

• 12 chicken wings (drumettes and flats)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon chili powder

For the Smoky Hot Honey Barbecue Sauce:

• 1/2 cup barbecue sauce (your favorite brand or homemade)
• 2 tablespoons hot honey (adjust to spice preference)
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for extra heat)

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

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). If you’re grilling the wings, preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
2. Pat the chicken wings dry with paper towels. In a large bowl, toss the wings with olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and chili powder. Ensure the wings are evenly coated.
3. If baking: Place the wings on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a wire rack. Bake for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the wings are crispy and golden brown.
4. If grilling: Grill the wings for 20-25 minutes, turning them every 5-7 minutes, until crispy and cooked through.
5. While the wings are cooking, prepare the smoky hot honey barbecue sauce. In a small saucepan, combine the barbecue sauce, hot honey, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper (if using). Stir and bring to a simmer over medium heat. Let it simmer for 3-5 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
6. Once the wings are cooked, toss them in the smoky hot honey barbecue sauce until well coated.
7. Serve immediately, garnished with extra sauce or chopped green onions if desired.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4 (approx. 3 wings per person)
• Prep time: 10 minutes
• Cook time: 25-30 minutes (if baking) or 20-25 minutes (if grilling)
• Total time: 35-40 minutes

Variations

• Make them spicier: Add extra cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the barbecue sauce for a spicier kick.
• Use a different sauce: If you’re not a fan of barbecue sauce, try a honey mustard sauce or a teriyaki glaze for a different flavor profile.
• Add a smoky touch: If you want extra smokiness, consider using liquid smoke in the barbecue sauce or smoking the wings on the grill.
• Try different cooking methods: If you don’t have access to a grill or oven, you can cook these wings in an air fryer for about 20 minutes, flipping halfway through.

Storage/Reheating

Leftover wings can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes or until heated through. Alternatively, you can reheat them in an air fryer for a crispy texture.

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken wings for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken wings. Just make sure they are fully thawed before seasoning and cooking them. Frozen wings may require an extra 5-10 minutes of cooking time.

Can I make the sauce ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the smoky hot honey barbecue sauce ahead of time. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week and reheat before tossing the wings.

How can I make the wings spicier?

To increase the heat, add more cayenne pepper or use extra hot honey in the sauce. You can also drizzle extra hot sauce over the wings before serving.

Can I make these wings in the air fryer?

Yes! To make them in an air fryer, preheat it to 400°F (200°C) and cook the wings for 20-25 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. Coat the wings in the sauce after cooking.

Can I use a different type of honey?

If you don’t have hot honey, you can use regular honey and add hot sauce or red pepper flakes to the barbecue sauce to create a spicy version.

Can I use a different type of barbecue sauce?

Absolutely! Feel free to use any barbecue sauce you prefer, whether it’s sweet, tangy, or smoky. You can even make your own homemade barbecue sauce for a custom touch.

Can I grill these wings on skewers?

Yes, you can skewer the wings if you prefer. Just make sure to soak the wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes before grilling to prevent burning.

How do I know when the wings are cooked through?

The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption. If you don’t have a meat thermometer, make sure the juices run clear, not pink, when you cut into the thickest part of the wing.

Can I bake these wings without flipping them?

While flipping the wings ensures even cooking and crispiness, you can bake them without flipping. Just keep an eye on them to ensure they don’t overcook.

How can I make these wings gluten-free?

This recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as you ensure your barbecue sauce and other ingredients are gluten-free. Double-check labels when purchasing sauces or seasonings.

Conclusion

Smoky Hot Honey Barbecue Chicken Wings are the perfect combination of heat, sweetness, and smokiness. Whether you’re cooking them on the grill or in the oven, these wings are guaranteed to impress with their bold flavors and crispy texture. The smoky barbecue sauce combined with the hot honey creates an irresistible glaze, making these wings the ultimate choice for game day, gatherings, or a simple dinner that packs a punch of flavor.

Smoky Hot Honey Barbecue Chicken Wings

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Smoky Hot Honey Barbecue Chicken Wings are crispy, flavorful wings coated in a smoky barbecue sauce with a touch of heat from hot honey, perfect for any occasion.

• Author: Laura
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25-30 minutes (if baking) or 20-25 minutes (if grilling)
• Total Time: 35-40 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings (approx. 3 wings per person)
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: Baking or Grilling
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Gluten Free

Ingredients

1. 12 chicken wings (drumettes and flats)
   
   2 tablespoons olive oil
   
   Salt and pepper, to taste
   
   1 teaspoon garlic powder
   
   1 teaspoon onion powder
   
   1 teaspoon smoked paprika
   
   1/2 teaspoon chili powder
   
   For the Smoky Hot Honey Barbecue Sauce:
   1/2 cup barbecue sauce (your favorite brand or homemade)
   
   2 tablespoons hot honey (adjust to spice preference)
   
   1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
   
   1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
   
   1 teaspoon smoked paprika
   
   1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for extra heat)

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Instructions

Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). If you’re grilling the wings, preheat your grill to medium-high heat.

1. Pat the chicken wings dry with paper towels. In a large bowl, toss the wings with olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and chili powder. Ensure the wings are evenly coated.
2. If baking: Place the wings on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a wire rack. Bake for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the wings are crispy and golden brown.
3. If grilling: Grill the wings for 20-25 minutes, turning them every 5-7 minutes, until crispy and cooked through.
4. While the wings are cooking, prepare the smoky hot honey barbecue sauce. In a small saucepan, combine the barbecue sauce, hot honey, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper (if using). Stir and bring to a simmer over medium heat. Let it simmer for 3-5 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
5. Once the wings are cooked, toss them in the smoky hot honey barbecue sauce until well coated.
6. Serve immediately, garnished with extra sauce or chopped green onions if desired.

Notes

• Add extra cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the barbecue sauce for a spicier kick.
• Try a different sauce like honey mustard or teriyaki glaze for variation.
• For extra smokiness, use liquid smoke or smoke the wings on the grill.
• These wings can also be made in an air fryer for a crispy texture in less time.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving (approx. 3 wings)
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 10g
• Sodium: 450mg
• Fat: 22g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Unsaturated Fat: 17g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 10g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 28g
• Cholesterol: 75mg