Honey Hot Chicken Wings

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These wings hit all the right notes: crispy skin, juicy meat, and a sauce that’s equal parts sweet, spicy, and tangy. They’re easy to make at home and way better than takeout. You can control the spice level, bake or fry them depending on your preference, and they work great as both an appetizer and a main dish. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or treating yourself, Honey Hot Chicken Wings always satisfy.

Ingredients

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

• Chicken wings (drumettes and flats)
• Baking powder (for crispy skin, if baking)
• Salt and black pepper
• Garlic powder
• Paprika
• Hot sauce (like Frank’s RedHot or your favorite brand)
• Honey
• Butter
• Optional: cayenne pepper, crushed red pepper flakes, fresh parsley for garnish

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C) or heat oil to 350°F (175°C) if frying.
2. Prepare the wings: Pat wings dry with paper towels. In a bowl, toss them with baking powder, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika until evenly coated.
3. Bake or fry:
   • To bake: Arrange wings on a wire rack set over a baking sheet. Bake for 40–45 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and crispy.
   • To fry: Heat oil in a deep pot and fry wings in batches for 8–10 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. Drain on paper towels.
4. Make the honey hot sauce: In a saucepan over medium heat, combine honey, hot sauce, butter, and optional cayenne. Stir until butter is melted and sauce is smooth.
5. Toss the wings: Place the cooked wings in a large bowl, pour the honey hot sauce over them, and toss until evenly coated.
6. Serve: Garnish with parsley or red pepper flakes if desired. Serve hot with ranch or blue cheese dressing and celery sticks.

Servings and timing

Servings: 4–6
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 40–45 minutes (baking) or 10–15 minutes (frying)
Total time: 50–55 minutes

Variations

• Extra Crispy: Double-bake wings by letting them rest 5 minutes, then broil for 2–3 minutes before saucing.
• Sticky Garlic Version: Add minced garlic to the honey hot sauce for a garlicky twist.
• Sweet & Smoky: Add a dash of smoked paprika or chipotle powder to the sauce.
• Asian-Inspired: Swap hot sauce for sriracha and add a splash of soy sauce and rice vinegar.
• Mild Option: Use less hot sauce or choose a milder variety for a more kid-friendly version.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftover wings in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them on a baking sheet in a 375°F (190°C) oven for 10–15 minutes, or until heated through and crispy. You can also reheat them in an air fryer at 375°F for 5–7 minutes. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the skin soggy.

FAQs

Can I use frozen wings?

Yes, but thaw them completely and pat dry before cooking to ensure they crisp up properly.

What’s the secret to crispy baked wings?

Drying the wings well and tossing them with baking powder helps render fat and crisp the skin.

How spicy are these wings?

That depends on the hot sauce and how much you use. You can easily adjust the heat level to your taste.

Can I grill these wings instead?

Yes. Grill over medium-high heat, turning occasionally, until crispy and cooked through. Toss in sauce afterward.

Can I make them ahead of time?

You can bake or fry the wings ahead and reheat them just before serving. Toss in sauce just before eating for best texture.

What sides go well with honey hot wings?

Celery sticks, coleslaw, fries, potato wedges, or a crisp salad all pair perfectly.

Can I make the sauce in advance?

Yes, make and store the sauce in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Reheat before using.

Are these gluten-free?

Yes, as long as your hot sauce and any added seasonings are certified gluten-free.

Can I use boneless chicken instead?

Yes. Chicken tenders or boneless thighs work great—just adjust the cooking time.

Do I need to flip the wings while baking?

Yes, flipping halfway through baking helps them cook evenly and crisp up on all sides.

Conclusion

Honey Hot Chicken Wings are the perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and crispy—everything a wing lover could ask for. Whether you’re hosting a game-day party, planning a casual dinner, or just indulging in a crave-worthy snack, these wings are guaranteed to impress. With simple ingredients and big flavor, this recipe is one you’ll come back to again and again.

Honey Hot Chicken Wings

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Honey Hot Chicken Wings are crispy, juicy wings coated in a sticky, sweet-and-spicy glaze made with honey and hot sauce. Baked or fried to perfection, they’re perfect for game day, parties, or whenever you crave bold, flavorful wings.

• Author: Laura
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 4–6 servings
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: Baking or Frying
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Gluten Free

Ingredients

1. 2 lbs chicken wings (drumettes and flats)
2. 1 tbsp baking powder (for baking method)
3. 1 tsp salt
4. 1/2 tsp black pepper
5. 1 tsp garlic powder
6. 1 tsp paprika
7. 1/2 cup hot sauce (like Frank’s RedHot)
8. 1/3 cup honey
9. 2 tbsp butter
10. Optional: 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper or crushed red pepper flakes
11. Optional garnish: chopped fresh parsley

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Instructions

Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C) or heat oil to 350°F (175°C) for frying.

1. Pat chicken wings dry. In a bowl, toss with baking powder, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika until evenly coated.
2. To Bake: Arrange wings on a wire rack over a baking sheet. Bake for 40–45 minutes, flipping halfway through, until crispy and golden.
3. To Fry: Heat oil in a deep pot and fry wings in batches for 8–10 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. Drain on paper towels.
4. In a saucepan over medium heat, combine hot sauce, honey, butter, and optional cayenne. Stir until smooth and heated through.
5. Toss cooked wings in the honey hot sauce until fully coated.
6. Serve hot, garnished with parsley or red pepper flakes if desired. Serve with ranch or blue cheese and celery sticks.

Notes

• Dry wings thoroughly before cooking to ensure crispiness.
• Adjust spice level by altering the amount of hot sauce or cayenne.
• Double-bake or broil for extra crispy skin before saucing.
• Grill option: Cook wings over medium-high heat until done, then toss in sauce.
• Use boneless chicken tenders for a kid-friendly version.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1/6 of recipe
• Calories: 340
• Sugar: 14g
• Sodium: 680mg
• Fat: 21g
• Saturated Fat: 7g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 15g
• Fiber: 0g
• Protein: 24g
• Cholesterol: 95mg