If you’re searching for the ultimate sweet-meets-spicy finger food, look no further than Hot Honey Wings. This dish combines crispy, golden-baked chicken wings with a lick-your-fingers hot honey glaze that’s boldly sweet, delightfully fiery, and destined to be the star of every gathering. Whether you’re prepping for game day or treating yourself to an easy weeknight indulgence, these wings serve up juicy meat, crackly skin, and a sauce you’ll want to drizzle on everything. Prepare to fall in love with this unforgettable take on classic wings!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in Hot Honey Wings is chosen to maximize flavor and crunch without overcomplicating things. Simple pantry staples and a handful of fresh items merge to create a plate piled high with irresistibly zesty wings that taste anything but basic.
- Chicken wings (2 pounds, split and tips removed): The star of the show, providing juicy bites and crispy skin that’s perfect for soaking up that hot honey sauce.
- Baking powder (1 tablespoon): The secret to ultra-crispy skin, as it raises the pH level and promotes browning.
- Salt (1 teaspoon): Brings out the chicken’s natural flavors while seasoning every bite.
- Black pepper (½ teaspoon): Adds subtle, aromatic heat.
- Garlic powder (½ teaspoon): For a savory depth and a hint of garlicky kick.
- Smoked paprika (½ teaspoon): Contributes an alluring smokiness and beautiful color.
- Olive oil (2 tablespoons): Binds the seasonings and helps the wings turn golden and crisp in the oven.
- Honey (½ cup): The base of the hot honey sauce, lending sticky sweetness.
- Hot sauce (2 tablespoons; like Frank’s RedHot): Packs vibrant heat and a tangy undertone.
- Apple cider vinegar (1 tablespoon): Adds brightness and balances the sweetness.
- Crushed red pepper flakes (½ teaspoon, optional): For an extra punch of heat, ideal if you like your wings fiery.
How to Make Hot Honey Wings
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Equipment
Start by heating your oven to 425°F (218°C). Line a baking sheet with foil for easy cleanup and place a wire rack on top, lightly greasing it to keep the wings from sticking. This setup allows hot air to circulate all around the wings for even crisping—don’t skip the rack!
Step 2: Dry and Season the Wings
Thoroughly pat your chicken wings dry with paper towels—this is crucial for that crispy texture. In a large mixing bowl, toss the wings with baking powder, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and olive oil. Make sure every wing is well coated so the flavors infuse deeply and every bite is seasoned to perfection.
Step 3: Arrange and Bake
Lay the seasoned wings in a single layer on the prepared rack. Pop them in the hot oven, and bake for 40 to 45 minutes. Flip the wings halfway through to guarantee they’re evenly browned and crispy on both sides. The irresistible aroma that fills your kitchen is just a preview of what’s to come!
Step 4: Make the Hot Honey Sauce
While the wings finish crisping up, make the hot honey sauce. In a small saucepan over low heat, combine the honey, hot sauce, apple cider vinegar, and red pepper flakes (if you’re after more heat). Warm gently, stirring often, until the sauce is smooth and well blended—it should be just warmed through, not boiling.
Step 5: Toss and Serve
As soon as the wings are gorgeously golden and done baking, transfer them to a large bowl. Immediately pour over the hot honey sauce and toss thoroughly so every piece glistens with that sweet, spicy glaze. Serve your Hot Honey Wings piping hot and watch them disappear!
How to Serve Hot Honey Wings
Garnishes
When it comes to garnishes, a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley or cilantro adds a burst of freshness and fantastic color. For extra drama, a few pinches of flaky sea salt or an extra drizzle of hot honey over the top work wonders. Don’t forget a few lemon wedges on the side if you love a zippy finish!
Side Dishes
Pair Hot Honey Wings with crisp celery and carrot sticks for a refreshing crunch, or serve alongside a classic blue cheese or ranch dip to balance the heat. They also go wonderfully with cornbread, potato wedges, or a simple green salad for a hearty plate.
Creative Ways to Present
Try piling the wings high on a rustic platter with extra sauce on the side for dipping, or thread them onto skewers for easy, party-ready bites. For a fun twist, serve atop waffles for a savory-sweet brunch dish that’s sure to wow your crowd.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Got leftovers? Refrigerate your Hot Honey Wings in an airtight container, where they’ll stay fresh for up to 3 days. Their bold flavor only deepens, making them just as crave-worthy the next day!
Freezing
To freeze, let the wings cool completely, then spread them on a baking sheet to freeze individually before transferring to a freezer-safe bag. They’ll keep beautifully for up to 2 months. For best texture, freeze them before saucing, and toss with hot honey after reheating.
Reheating
For crispiness, reheat wings in a 375°F (190°C) oven for 15 minutes, or until hot. The air fryer works even better, restoring that crispy bite in about 8 minutes. Zap in the microwave if you must, but expect softer skin.
FAQs
Can I use boneless wings instead?
Absolutely! Boneless chicken pieces (like chunks of thigh or breast) cook up deliciously in the same way—just keep an eye on baking time, as they may finish faster than classic wings.
How spicy are these Hot Honey Wings?
The heat level is customizable. With just hot sauce, they’re warmly spicy, but the optional red pepper flakes will kick things up a notch. Adjust the hot sauce to taste based on your spice preference.
Can I make these Hot Honey Wings in the air fryer?
Definitely! Air fry at 400°F for about 25 minutes, shaking halfway through. The air fryer gives the wings incredible crispness while speeding up the process a bit.
What’s the best hot sauce to use?
Classic options like Frank’s RedHot, Crystal, or Cholula work well, but you can experiment with your favorite style. Each sauce brings unique flavors, so try a few and have fun discovering your top pick!
Can I double the recipe for a crowd?
Yes! Simply multiply the ingredients and use two baking sheets so you avoid crowding the wings. Rotate the pans halfway through for even cooking, and you’ll have plenty of Hot Honey Wings to share.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve been dreaming of the ultimate balance between spicy, sweet, and unmistakable crispiness, Hot Honey Wings are your answer. Gather your ingredients, fire up the oven, and get ready to impress yourself and anyone lucky enough to snag a wing (or five). Trust me, you’ll want these in your regular rotation!
Print
Hot Honey Wings Recipe
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
These Hot Honey Wings are the perfect balance of sweet and spicy, with a crispy baked exterior. A delicious appetizer for game day or any gathering.
Ingredients
For the chicken wings:
- 2 pounds chicken wings (split and tips removed)
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
For the hot honey sauce:
- ½ cup honey
- 2 tablespoons hot sauce (like Frank’s RedHot)
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional for extra heat)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 425°F (218°C) and line a baking sheet with foil. Place a wire rack on top and lightly grease it.
- Prepare the chicken wings: Pat the chicken wings dry with paper towels. In a large bowl, toss the wings with baking powder, salt, pepper, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and olive oil until evenly coated. Arrange the wings in a single layer on the rack.
- Bake the wings: Bake for 40 to 45 minutes, flipping halfway through, until crispy and golden brown.
- Make the hot honey sauce: While the wings bake, combine honey, hot sauce, vinegar, and red pepper flakes in a small saucepan over low heat. Stir and heat until just warm and well blended.
- Toss the wings: Once the wings are done, transfer them to a large bowl and toss immediately with the hot honey sauce until well coated. Serve warm.
Notes
- For extra crispiness, let the wings sit uncovered in the refrigerator for an hour after seasoning.
- You can also air fry the wings at 400°F for 25 minutes, shaking halfway through.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 5-6 wings
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 540mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 27g
- Cholesterol: 105mg
