One of the best ways to bring family and friends together is through the magic of food. Among my favorite recipes to whip up for a casual get-together are these delightful Honey BBQ Chicken Wings. They’re simple, delicious, and perfect for any occasion, from a lazy Sunday afternoon to a lively game day celebration.
My love for cooking wings started during summer cookouts at my grandparents’ house. Grandpa had this old charcoal grill where he’d meticulously prepare batches of his famous chicken wings. I remember watching him with wide-eyed fascination, taking in the smoky aroma that filled the air. The wings were always a hit, disappearing almost as soon as they left the grill. Though he never wrote down his recipe, I’ve spent years perfecting my version, which brings me to this Honey BBQ Chicken Wings recipe.
These wings are incredibly easy to make and are always a crowd-pleaser. The combination of a crispy baked exterior with a sweet and tangy sauce strikes the perfect balance, making them irresistible. You start with a simple seasoned flour mixture to coat the wings, ensuring a crisp texture. Baking the wings instead of frying makes them a bit healthier without sacrificing flavor or crunch.
The real star here is the sauce. Mixing natural honey with your favorite barbecue sauce adds a depth of sweetness and a sticky, caramelized finish that clings to the wings beautifully. One of my favorite tweaks is adding a touch of smoked paprika or a dash of hot sauce to the honey BBQ mix, giving the wings an extra kick that is both unexpected and delightful.
These Honey BBQ Chicken Wings are perfect for serving at parties, as they’re easy to handle and even easier to devour. Pair them with a selection of dips like ranch or blue cheese, and some crunchy celery sticks on the side, and you have a platter that’s bound to impress. So next time you’re planning a gathering or simply craving something finger-licking good, give these wings a try—they might just become your new favorite too!
How to Make Honey BBQ Chicken Wings
Ingredients
- 1 cup natural honey
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon ground chili powder
- 1 teaspoon coarse kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon ground paprika
- 20 chicken wings or drumettes
- 1 cup barbecue sauce
- 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 425°F.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, chili powder, salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder. Coat the wings in the seasoned flour mixture, shaking off any excess.
- Place the coated wings in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake the wings for 40-45 minutes, turning halfway through, until they are golden and crispy.
- While the wings are baking, preheat your oven to 500°F.
- In another bowl, mix together the barbecue sauce and honey until smooth.
- Toss the baked wings in the honey BBQ sauce until they are fully covered.
- Return the wings to the baking sheet, ensuring they are in a single layer.
- Bake for an additional 8-10 minutes until the sauce is bubbly and slightly caramelized. Allow the wings to cool for a few minutes before serving.
Storing Suggestions:
Store any leftover Honey BBQ Chicken Wings in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 375°F for about 10-15 minutes or until heated through. Alternatively, you can microwave them for 2-3 minutes, though they may not remain as crispy.
FAQs:
Can I use frozen chicken wings for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken wings. Just make sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before coating them with the flour mixture to ensure they bake evenly and get crispy.
What can I use as a substitute for barbecue sauce?
If you don’t have barbecue sauce, you can use a mixture of ketchup, brown sugar, and a little vinegar to achieve a similar taste. Adjust the ingredients to your liking for sweetness and tanginess.
How can I make the wings spicier?
To add more heat to the wings, you can increase the amount of chili powder in the flour mixture or add some cayenne pepper. You can also mix some hot sauce into the honey BBQ sauce.
Is there a way to make these wings healthier?
For a healthier version, you can bake the wings on a wire rack set on top of the baking sheet to allow extra fat to drip off. You can also use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour for added nutrients.
Can I grill the wings instead of baking them?
Absolutely! You can grill the wings over medium-high heat for about 20-25 minutes, turning frequently until they are cooked through and crispy. Then, toss them in the honey BBQ sauce and grill for an additional 5 minutes.
What should I do if the sauce burns?
If the sauce starts to burn, reduce the oven temperature slightly and keep a close eye on the wings. You can also cover them loosely with foil for the remaining baking time to prevent further burning while allowing the sauce to caramelize.
Honey BBQ Chicken Wings
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon ground chili powder
- 1 teaspoon coarse kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon ground paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 20 chicken wings or drumettes
- 1 cup barbecue sauce
- ½ cup natural honey
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 425°F.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, chili powder, salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder. Dredge the wings in the seasoned flour mixture, ensuring an even coat, and shake off any excess.
- Arrange the coated wings in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake the wings for 40-45 minutes, turning them halfway through, until they are golden and crispy.
- While the wings are baking, preheat your oven to 500°F.
- In another bowl, mix together the BBQ sauce and honey until well combined.
- Toss the baked wings in the honey BBQ sauce until they are thoroughly coated.
- Return the wings to the baking sheet, spreading them out in a single layer again.
- Bake for an additional 8-10 minutes until the sauce is bubbly and slightly caramelized. Let the wings cool for a few minutes before serving.
