Okay, so you know how everyone goes nuts for wings? Well, let me tell you, these Hot Honey BBQ Chicken Wings are the absolute *kings* of the wing world. Seriously, they’ve got this incredible sweet kick from the honey, blended perfectly with a touch of heat and that smoky BBQ flavor. The first time I made these for my buddies during a playoff game, they disappeared so fast I barely got one! It’s become my go-to, and trust me, once you try them, you’ll see why they’re destined to be your favorite too.
Why You’ll Love These Hot Honey BBQ Chicken Wings
Honestly, these wings are just phenomenal. Here’s why they’re going to be your new favorite:
- Super Easy: You basically toss, bake, and sauce. Seriously, less than an hour from start to finish!
- Flavor Explosion: That mix of sweet honey, tangy BBQ, and a little spicy kick? It’s pure magic.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Game day? Check. Birthday party? Check. Just a Tuesday night craving? Double check!
- Crowd Pleaser: Everyone loves a good wing, and these are guaranteed to disappear fast.
Gather Your Ingredients for Hot Honey BBQ Chicken Wings
Alright, let’s get down to business and talk ingredients! You don’t need anything too fancy here, just good quality stuff to make these wings sing. First off, you’ll need about 2 pounds of chicken wings. Make sure they’re already cut up into drumettes and flats – that just makes life easier, right? You’ll also want a little salt and some freshly cracked black pepper to season them up before they hit the oven. That’s for our wings!
Now for the star of the show, the sauce! You’ll need about half a cup of your favorite BBQ sauce – whatever brand makes you happy is perfect. Then, we’re adding a quarter cup of honey. This is where that gorgeous sweet flavor comes from. For that yummy kick, grab about 1 tablespoon of hot sauce; you can totally add more if you’re feeling brave like me! A little splash of apple cider vinegar (just 1 teaspoon) adds a nice tang, and finally, about half a teaspoon of garlic powder to give it that savory depth. See? Simple, but oh-so-delicious!
Essential Equipment for Making Hot Honey BBQ Chicken Wings
To whip up these amazing wings, you don’t need a whole lot of fancy gear. Just a few trusty kitchen staples are all you need! You’ll definitely want a sturdy baking sheet – trust me, the right one makes a huge difference. Grab a large bowl for tossing those wings with all the good stuff, and a small saucepan to get that glorious sauce bubbling.
Step-by-Step Guide to Perfect Hot Honey BBQ Chicken Wings
Alright, let’s get these amazing wings into your mouth! It’s honestly so simple, you’ll feel like a total pro in no time. Just follow these easy steps, and you’ll be diving into a pile of saucy goodness before you know it. I love this part because it smells so good while it’s happening!
Prepping Your Oven and Baking Sheet
First things first, let’s get that oven nice and toasty. Crank it up to 400°F (that’s 200°C for my metric friends!). And grab your baking sheet – line it really well with parchment paper. It makes clean-up an absolute breeze, and trust me, no one likes stuck-on wing bits!
Seasoning and Arranging the Chicken Wings
Now, grab those chicken wings. The secret to getting that nice crisp on the outside? Pat them super dry with paper towels. Seriously, get them as dry as you can! Then, pop them into your big bowl, sprinkle them with your salt and pepper, and give ‘em a good toss. Once they’re all seasoned, spread them out on that prepared baking sheet in a single layer. Don’t crowd the pan, give them space to get nice and golden!
Baking the Wings to Golden Perfection
Into the hot oven they go! We’re looking at about 30 minutes for these, but here’s the trick: flip ’em halfway through. This ensures they get beautifully golden brown and cooked through on all sides. You’ll know they’re ready when they look perfectly roasted and are cooked all the way to the bone.
Crafting the Flavorful Hot Honey BBQ Sauce
While the wings are doing their thing in the oven, let’s whip up that incredible sauce. Just grab a small saucepan, throw in your BBQ sauce, honey, hot sauce, apple cider vinegar, and garlic powder. Give it all a good stir over medium heat. You just want to heat it all through until it’s nicely blended and warmed up. That smell? Pure happiness right there!
Coating the Wings with the Sauce
Okay, this is the grand finale! Once those wings are out of the oven and looking gorgeous, carefully transfer them right into that big bowl you used earlier. Now, pour that warm, luscious hot honey BBQ sauce all over them. Toss them gently but thoroughly until every single wing is coated in that deliciousness. You can even check out Food Network’s guide if you want even more wing inspo!
Tips for Extra Crispy Hot Honey BBQ Chicken Wings
So you want that *extra* crunch, huh? I totally get it! Crispy wings are just so much more satisfying. The recipe as-is is pretty great, but if you’re like me and want that shatter-crisp texture, try this: after you toss the wings in the sauce, pop them back on the baking sheet. You can either bake them for another 5-10 minutes, or even pop them under the broiler for just a minute or two. BUT, you have to watch them like a hawk under the broiler, seriously – they can go from perfect to burnt in about ten seconds flat! Another trick is to use a wire rack over your baking sheet when you first bake them; the air circulation really helps crisp everything up beautifully.
Ingredient Notes and Substitutions for Your Hot Honey BBQ Chicken Wings
So, you’ve got your ingredients ready? Awesome! Let’s chat a little about some of these choices. For the BBQ sauce, honestly, use your favorite! Whether it’s smoky, sweet, or a little tangy, it all works beautifully. If you don’t have any on hand, a good ketchup base mixed with a little Worcestershire sauce and brown sugar can be a decent last-minute stand-in.
When it comes to hot sauce, the sky’s the limit! Frank’s RedHot is a classic for buffalo-style wings, but feel free to experiment. A splash of Sriracha or a ghost pepper sauce will definitely amp up the heat if that’s your jam. And for the honey, if you happen to have some maple syrup lying around, it can work in a pinch, but honey really gives that signature sticky-sweetness we’re going for.
Frequently Asked Questions About Hot Honey BBQ Chicken Wings
Can I make these Hot Honey BBQ Chicken Wings in an air fryer?
Oh, absolutely! Air fryers are superstars for wings. Just toss your seasoned wings in the air fryer basket, set it to about 375°F (190°C), and cook for about 20-25 minutes, flipping them halfway. Then, just toss them in the sauce like we did with the oven baked ones. So easy!
How spicy are these Hot Honey BBQ Chicken Wings?
That really depends on the hot sauce you use! The recipe calls for 1 tablespoon, which gives a nice sweet heat that most people enjoy. If you’re sensitive to spice, maybe start with just a teaspoon, or use a milder hot sauce. If you want them fiery, go ahead and add a bit more – trust me, they can handle it!
Can I make the Hot Honey BBQ sauce ahead of time?
Yes, you totally can! The sauce is pretty stable. You can whip it up a day or two in advance and store it in an airtight container in the fridge. Just give it a good stir and warm it up gently on the stove or in the microwave before you toss your wings.
What if I don’t have apple cider vinegar?
No worries at all! If you’re out of apple cider vinegar, a tablespoon of regular white vinegar or even rice vinegar will work just fine in the sauce. It just adds a little tang to balance out all that sweet and spicy goodness.
Serving Suggestions for Hot Honey BBQ Chicken Wings
Now that you’ve got these ridiculously good Hot Honey BBQ Chicken Wings ready to go, what do you serve them with? Oh, the possibilities are endless! For that classic experience, you HAVE to have some cool, crunchy celery sticks and a big dollop of creamy blue cheese dip on the side – it’s the perfect contrast. A big bowl of fresh coleslaw also works wonders, cutting through all that amazing sweet and spicy glaze. Or, if you’re making a meal out of it, some classic potato salad or even some garlic bread to soak up any extra sauce wouldn’t be a bad idea at all!
Storing and Reheating Your Delicious Hot Honey BBQ Chicken Wings
So, you’ve got some leftover wings? Lucky you! To keep them tasting amazing, pop any leftovers into an airtight container and pop them straight into the fridge. They’re usually good for about 3-4 days. When you’re ready to reheat them, don’t even think about the microwave – it makes them soggy! Instead, spread them out on a baking sheet in a 375°F (190°C) oven for about 10-15 minutes, or until they’re nice and crispy again. Your air fryer works like a charm too, just a few minutes at a similar temp should do the trick!
Nutritional Information (Estimated)
Just a heads-up, these numbers are estimates and can totally change depending on the exact brands and ingredients you use. But for roughly 4 wings (that’s 1 serving, if you can stop at just one!), you’re looking at around:
- Calories: 350-450
- Protein: 25-30g
- Carbohydrates: 15-25g
- Fat: 20-30g
Still pretty great for such an awesome appetizer or meal!
Share Your Hot Honey BBQ Chicken Wings Creations!
Okay, you’ve made them, you’ve devoured them, now tell me EVERYTHING! Did they turn out perfectly crispy? Was your sauce just the right amount of sweet and heat? Let me know in the comments below! And if you snapped any pics, seriously, tag me on social media – I’d absolutely LOVE to see your amazing Hot Honey BBQ Chicken Wings!
Hot Honey BBQ Chicken Wings
Ingrédients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Pat the chicken wings dry with paper towels. In a large bowl, toss the wings with salt and pepper.
- Arrange the wings in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake for 30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and cooked through.
- While the wings are baking, prepare the sauce. In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the BBQ sauce, honey, hot sauce, apple cider vinegar, and garlic powder. Stir until well combined and heated through.
- Once the wings are cooked, transfer them to the large bowl. Pour the hot honey BBQ sauce over the wings and toss to coat evenly.
- Serve immediately.