If you are searching for that perfect balance of sweet heat and crispy, juicy chicken, this Hot Honey Chicken Wings Recipe is an absolute winner. These wings combine a golden, crunchy texture with a luscious glaze that marries honey’s natural sweetness with the bold kick of hot sauce and red pepper flakes. Perfect for any gathering or a cozy night in, this recipe elevates simple chicken wings into an unforgettable flavor experience that will have everyone reaching for more.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is surprisingly simple and key to making these wings shine. Each ingredient plays a vital role in building layers of flavor and getting that ideal crispy yet tender texture.
- Chicken wing portions: The star of the show, wings with skin on give you that irresistible crispy bite.
- Paprika: Adds a smoky flavor and vibrant color that enhances the wings’ appeal.
- Garlic powder and onion powder: These boost savory depth without overpowering the sweet and spicy notes.
- Salt and black pepper: Essential for amplifying all the other flavors.
- Cornstarch: The secret behind that extra-crisp skin after baking.
- Honey: Brings a natural sweetness that perfectly balances heat and caramelizes beautifully.
- Salted butter: Adds richness and helps bind the sauce ingredients together smoothly.
- Frank’s RedHot Original Sauce: The classic choice for tangy heat that doesn’t overpower the honey.
- Red pepper flakes: For an extra punch of spicy warmth, adjusted to your heat preference.
- Fresh garlic clove: Minced finely to infuse the sauce with aromatic sharpness.
- Chopped green onions (optional): A fresh, colorful garnish that adds a mild bite.
- Toasted sesame seeds (optional): For a nutty crunch and visual appeal.
How to Make Hot Honey Chicken Wings Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Oven
Start by warming your oven to 400°F and setting up your baking environment. Lining a baking sheet with parchment paper and placing a wire rack on top ensures the wings cook evenly and crisp up all around without sitting in grease. This simple setup is a game-changer for crispy wings every time.
Step 2: Season the Wings
Place the chicken wings in a large bowl, then whisk together your paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and cornstarch in a separate small bowl. Sprinkling this seasoning mix over the wings and tossing them thoroughly ensures every bite is bursting with flavor. The cornstarch will help the skin become perfectly crispy in the oven.
Step 3: Bake Until Crispy
Arrange the seasoned wings skin-side up on the wire rack-lined baking tray. Bake them for 40 to 45 minutes, flipping once halfway through. This slow, hot roast draws out moisture and crisps the skin nicely without the oiliness of frying, keeping the inside juicy and tender.
Step 4: Prepare the Hot Honey Sauce
While the wings are baking, it’s time to make that famously irresistible sauce. Melt butter in a small saucepan over medium heat, then stir in honey, Frank’s RedHot sauce, minced garlic, red pepper flakes, and a pinch of salt. Whisk everything together and let the mixture simmer gently for five minutes, melding the flavors and thickening slightly for a luscious glaze.
Step 5: Toss and Caramelize
Once the wings are baked, toss them in about ¼ cup of the hot honey sauce to coat evenly. Return the wings to the oven for an additional 5 to 10 minutes. This step caramelizes the glaze, adding sticky, flavorful layers of sweetness and spice. For an extra touch of crispiness, broil the wings for 3 to 5 minutes more, watching closely to avoid burning.
Step 6: Serve
Drizzle your wings with any remaining hot honey sauce and transfer them to a platter. This is where you can get creative with garnishes like chopped green onions, more red pepper flakes for heat lovers, and a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds for texture and visual appeal. Serve immediately while they’re still warm and irresistibly sticky.
How to Serve Hot Honey Chicken Wings Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh garnishes really take these wings to the next level. Chopped green onions add a pop of vibrant color and subtle crunch, balancing the sticky glaze perfectly. Toasted sesame seeds contribute a lovely nutty flavor and textural contrast that pairs wonderfully with the hot honey glaze. Don’t forget to sprinkle some extra red pepper flakes on top if you like a bit more heat to wake up your taste buds.
Side Dishes
Hot Honey Chicken Wings are fantastic alongside classic sides like crisp celery and carrot sticks for a refreshing crunch. Creamy ranch or blue cheese dressing complements the spicy-sweet flavor and cools the palate. For heartier meals, consider pairing wings with garlic mashed potatoes or a simple coleslaw to round out the meal with textures and flavors that harmonize beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try serving these wings as sliders on mini buns with a slice of crunchy pickles and a drizzle of ranch. You can also skewer the cooked wings on sticks for an easy-to-eat party appetizer. Another idea is plating them alongside a small bowl of extra hot honey sauce for dipping, which invites everyone to customize their heat and sweetness. Presentation matters and adding personal flair makes the experience even more enjoyable.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Hot Honey Chicken Wings store beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To keep them at their best, place a paper towel in the container to absorb any excess moisture and preserve the crispiness of the skin as much as possible. They make a delicious snack or addition to a next-day meal.
Freezing
If you want to enjoy these wings later, freezing is a smart option. Let the wings cool completely, then arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze individually. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe container or bag where they’ll keep for up to two months. This way, you can thaw and reheat just what you need without sacrificing quality.
Reheating
The best way to reheat Hot Honey Chicken Wings is in the oven, which helps revive their crispiness and caramelized coating. Preheat your oven to 375°F and spread the wings on a baking sheet, heating for about 10-15 minutes. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep them tasting close to freshly made, as microwaves can make the skin soggy.
FAQs
Can I use fresh wings instead of portions?
Absolutely! Fresh wings or wingettes work just as well for this recipe. Just make sure they are patted dry before seasoning to get that extra crispy skin.
How spicy is this Hot Honey Chicken Wings Recipe?
The heat level is moderate and can be adjusted by varying the amount of red pepper flakes and hot sauce you add. It offers a nice warming kick without overpowering the sweet honey glaze.
Is it possible to bake these wings without a wire rack?
While a wire rack promotes even cooking and crispiness, you can bake the wings directly on parchment-lined baking sheets. Just turn them more frequently to help crisp the skin on all sides.
Can I make the hot honey sauce ahead of time?
Yes! The sauce can be made a day ahead and refrigerated. Just warm it gently before tossing with the wings to bring back its glossy, pourable consistency.
What dipping sauces pair well with these wings?
Classic choices like ranch, blue cheese, or even a cooling cucumber yogurt dip work beautifully alongside the spicy-sweet flavor of the wings to help balance and complement their bold taste.
Final Thoughts
This Hot Honey Chicken Wings Recipe is truly a crowd-pleaser that delivers juicy meat beneath delightfully crispy skin, all coated in a sauce that hits every note from sweet to spicy. Whether for game day, a party, or a tasty weeknight treat, this recipe invites you to share something special and flavorful with your favorite people. Give it a try — I promise these wings will become a beloved go-to in your kitchen!
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Hot Honey Chicken Wings Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 16 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Hot Honey Chicken Wings are crispy baked wings coated in a sweet and spicy homemade hot honey sauce. Perfectly seasoned and oven-baked for a deliciously caramelized finish, they make a great crowd-pleaser appetizer or snack for any occasion.
Ingredients
Chicken Wings
- 2 pounds chicken wing portions
- 1 ¼ teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- 1 ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
Hot Honey Sauce
- â…“ cup honey
- 2 tablespoons salted butter
- 2 tablespoons Frank’s RedHot Original Sauce
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (plus more for serving)
- 1 garlic clove (finely minced)
- ¼ teaspoon salt
For Garnish (Optional)
- Chopped green onions
- Toasted sesame seeds
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper and place a wire rack on top to ensure even cooking and crispiness.
- Season Chicken: Place the chicken wing portions in a large bowl. In a small bowl, whisk together paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and cornstarch. Sprinkle this seasoning mix over the wings and toss well until every wing is evenly coated.
- Bake Wings: Arrange the wings skin-side up on the wire rack atop the baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven for 40 to 45 minutes, flipping halfway through cooking to achieve crispy skin all around.
- Prepare Hot Honey Sauce: While the wings bake, melt butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add honey, Frank’s RedHot sauce, red pepper flakes, minced garlic, and salt. Whisk the mixture until well combined and let it simmer gently over medium-low heat for 5 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Toss Wings in Sauce: Once the wings are cooked, transfer them to a bowl and toss with ¼ cup of the prepared hot honey sauce. Return the coated wings to the oven for an additional 5 to 10 minutes, allowing the sauce to caramelize on the wings. For extra crispiness, broil them for 3 to 5 minutes more, watching carefully to avoid burning.
- Serve: Drizzle remaining hot honey sauce over the wings. Transfer wings to a serving platter and garnish with chopped green onions, additional red pepper flakes, and toasted sesame seeds if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy.
Notes
- You can adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to control the heat level to your preference.
- For extra crispy skin, make sure to pat wings dry before seasoning and baking.
- Leftover sauce can be stored in the refrigerator and used as a dip or glaze for other dishes.
- Using a wire rack helps air circulate around the wings for better crisping.
- If preferred, you can substitute Frank’s RedHot with another similar hot sauce.
