Irresistible Honey BBQ Chicken Wings Recipe

Honey BBQ Chicken Wings

There’s something undeniably satisfying about biting into a perfectly cooked chicken wing that’s coated in a sweet and tangy honey BBQ sauce. Whether you’re hosting a game day gathering, planning a family dinner, or just craving something delicious, these Honey BBQ Chicken Wings are sure to be a crowd-pleaser. The best part? They’re baked, not fried, making them a healthier alternative without sacrificing any flavor.

This recipe combines the perfect balance of spices for the coating, creating wings with a crispy exterior that’s then smothered in a homemade honey BBQ sauce that caramelizes beautifully in the oven. The result is an irresistible dish that will have everyone reaching for seconds.

Ingredients

For the Wings:

• 20 chicken wings or drumettes
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

For the Honey BBQ Sauce:

• 1 cup barbecue sauce (preferably with Hickory Smoke Flavor)
• 1/2 cup honey
• 2 tablespoons ketchup (optional)
• 2 tablespoons hot sauce (optional, for extra kick)
• 4 tablespoons butter (optional, for richer sauce)
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)

Kitchen Equipment Needed

• Large mixing bowls
• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Tongs
• Small saucepan (for the sauce)
• Wooden spoon or spatula

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 55 minutes (45 minutes for initial baking + 10 minutes for sauce caramelization)
• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Servings: 4-6 people
• Yield: 20 wings

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparing the Chicken Wings

1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). This high temperature ensures that your wings get nice and crispy.

2. Prepare your baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup much easier.

3. Create your seasoned flour mixture. In a large bowl, combine the flour, chili powder, kosher salt, black pepper, paprika, and garlic powder. Mix thoroughly to ensure the spices are evenly distributed.

4. Prepare the chicken wings by patting them dry with paper towels. This helps the flour coating stick better and contributes to crispier wings.

5. Coat the wings in the seasoned flour mixture, making sure they’re evenly covered. Shake off any excess flour.

Baking the Wings

6. Arrange the wings on your prepared baking sheet in a single layer, ensuring they’re not touching. This allows for even cooking and maximum crispiness.

7. Bake the wings for 45 minutes, flipping them halfway through the baking time. This ensures they cook evenly on both sides.

8. Check for doneness. The wings should be golden brown and crispy on the outside. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.

Preparing the Honey BBQ Sauce

9. While the wings are baking, prepare your honey BBQ sauce. In a small saucepan over medium-low heat, combine the barbecue sauce and honey. If you’re using the optional ingredients, add the ketchup, hot sauce, butter, and additional garlic powder as well.

10. Simmer the sauce gently for about 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally. This helps the flavors meld together and the sauce to thicken slightly.

Final Glazing and Caramelization

11. Increase the oven temperature to 500°F (260°C).

12. Coat the wings with the honey BBQ sauce. Remove the wings from the oven and place them in a large clean bowl. Pour the sauce over them and toss until they’re completely coated.

13. Return the coated wings to the baking sheet, arranging them again in a single layer.

14. Bake for an additional 8-10 minutes until the sauce is bubbly and caramelized. Keep a close eye on them during this final baking to prevent burning.

15. Allow the wings to cool for a few minutes before serving. This lets the sauce set up a bit, making them less messy to eat.

Recipe Variations

Spice Level Adjustments

You can easily adjust the heat level of these wings to suit your personal preference:

• Mild Version: Omit the hot sauce and reduce or eliminate the cayenne/chili powder.
• Medium Heat: Follow the recipe as written.
• Extra Spicy: Increase the amount of hot sauce and add additional cayenne pepper to both the flour mixture and the sauce.

Cooking Method Alternatives

While this recipe calls for baking the wings, you can also prepare them using other methods:

• Air Fryer: Cook at 380°F for about 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through, then toss in sauce and air fry for an additional 5 minutes at 400°F.
• Deep Frying: Heat oil to 350°F and fry wings in batches for 8-10 minutes until golden and cooked through. Then toss in sauce and finish in the oven as directed.
• Grilling: Grill wings over medium heat for about 20-25 minutes, turning occasionally, until cooked through. Then toss in sauce and return to the grill for a few minutes to caramelize.

Sauce Variations

The basic honey BBQ sauce can be customized in many ways:

• Honey Garlic BBQ: Add 2-3 minced garlic cloves or increase the garlic powder.
• Smoky Honey BBQ: Add 1/2 teaspoon of liquid smoke or use a smoky barbecue sauce as your base.
• Bourbon Honey BBQ: Add 2 tablespoons of bourbon to the sauce (the alcohol will cook off).
• Sweet and Spicy: Add 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño to the sauce.

Serving Suggestions

These Honey BBQ Chicken Wings make a fantastic main dish or appetizer. Here are some ideas for serving:

• Classic Game Day Spread: Serve with celery sticks, carrot sticks, blue cheese or ranch dipping sauce, and cold beverages.
• Complete Meal: Pair with coleslaw, potato salad, or a green salad for a well-rounded dinner.
• Finger Food Buffet: Include as part of an appetizer spread with other party favorites like nachos, sliders, and dips.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Refrigeration: Leftover wings can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

Freezing: These wings can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. For best results, freeze them before adding the sauce, then thaw, reheat, and add fresh sauce when ready to serve.

Reheating: For the best texture when reheating, place wings on a baking sheet and warm in a 350°F oven for about 10-15 minutes. Microwaving is not recommended as it can make the wings soggy.

Nutritional Information

While exact nutritional values will vary based on specific ingredients and portions, here’s an approximate breakdown per serving (assuming 5 wings per serving):

• Calories: Approximately 450-550 per serving
• Protein: 25-30g
• Carbohydrates: 30-35g
• Fat: 25-30g
• Fiber: 1-2g
• Sugar: 20-25g (primarily from the honey and BBQ sauce)

Cook’s Tips and Tricks

• Pat wings dry thoroughly before coating them in flour. This ensures a crispier coating.
• Don’t overcrowd the baking sheet. Space the wings out to allow hot air to circulate around each piece.
• For extra crispy wings, refrigerate them for an hour after coating in flour, then coat them again before baking.
• Use fresh parchment paper after the initial baking if the original sheet becomes too dirty.
• Watch closely during final caramelization. The high sugar content of the sauce means it can burn quickly.
• For a thicker sauce, simmer it longer to reduce it to your desired consistency.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I use frozen chicken wings for this recipe?

A: Yes, but they need to be completely thawed first. Pat them dry thoroughly before proceeding with the recipe. Cooking time may need to be increased slightly.

Q: What type of barbecue sauce works best?

A: A hickory smoke-flavored barbecue sauce is recommended, but any barbecue sauce you enjoy will work. Different varieties (Kansas City, Memphis, Texas-style) will each bring their own unique flavor profile.

Q: Can I make these wings ahead of time for a party?

A: Yes! You can bake the wings up to the point of adding the sauce, then refrigerate. When ready to serve, reheat the wings in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes, toss with the warm sauce, and finish with the final high-heat caramelization step.

Q: How do I know when the chicken wings are fully cooked?

A: The safest way is to use a meat thermometer – chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Visually, the juices should run clear when pierced, and the meat should not show any pink.

Q: Can I use this recipe for chicken drumsticks or thighs instead of wings?

A: Absolutely! The cooking time will need to be adjusted – larger pieces will take longer to cook. Use a meat thermometer to ensure they reach 165°F (74°C).

These Honey BBQ Chicken Wings are versatile, delicious, and sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection. The combination of crispy coating and sweet, tangy sauce creates an irresistible dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just treating yourself, these wings deliver maximum flavor with minimal effort.

Author

Shinta

 

Shinta is a biotechnologist turned writer. She holds a master's degree in Biotechnology from Karunya Institute of Technology and Sciences and a PG Diploma in cellular and molecular diagnostics from Manipal University. Shinta realised her love for content while working as an editor for a scientific journal.

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