These Easy Honey Barbecue Chicken Wings are sticky, sweet, and absolutely tasty! Just coat the wings in honey and barbecue sauce, then bake or grill them until they’re golden and delicious.
Wings are the perfect snack for game day or a fun get-together! I usually end up eating way more than I should because they’re just so good—just watch out for the sticky fingers! 😂
The best part? They are super easy to make! I love how you can just toss the sauce on and let the oven do all the work. Grab some napkins and enjoy!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Wings: The star of the show! I usually go for a mix of flats and drumettes for variety. If you’re looking for a healthier option, you can substitute with chicken thighs or even cauliflower wings for a vegetarian version.
Barbecue Sauce: Feel free to use your favorite store-bought sauce, but making your own is a fun option too! A tangy or sweet sauce works best. You can substitute with a honey garlic sauce for a different flavor profile.
Honey: This adds sweetness and helps the sauce stick. If you’re looking for a vegan option, maple syrup can work well in its place. Just adjust the sweetness according to your taste!
Smoked Paprika: It gives a nice smoky flavor. If you don’t have it on hand, regular paprika or even chili powder can be a good substitute, but expect a different flavor kick!
How Do I Get My Chicken Wings Extra Crispy?
To achieve that desired crispy texture, start by properly drying the wings before applying oil and seasoning. Here’s how:
- Pat the wings dry with paper towels to remove moisture. This step is crucial for crispiness!
- Use a rack for baking! The air circulates all around the wings, helping them cook evenly and crisp up nicely.
- Flipping the wings halfway through baking helps them brown evenly. Rotate them back onto the rack for an extra crispy finish.
And lastly, don’t skip out on the final bake after saucing! It helps caramelize the sauce for that perfect glaze.
Easy Honey Barbecue Chicken Wings
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Wings:
- 2 pounds chicken wings, separated into flats and drumettes
For the Sauce:
- 1 cup barbecue sauce (your favorite brand or homemade)
- 1/3 cup honey
For Seasoning:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
For Serving:
- Fresh lettuce leaves (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes approximately 10 minutes to prep the wings, plus about 40-45 minutes of cooking time. So, in total, you’re looking at around 1 hour for crispy, sticky, sweet, and smoky chicken wings. Perfect for get-togethers!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This temperature will help your wings turn out crispy and delicious!
2. Prepare the Baking Sheet:
Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil for easy cleanup. Place a wire rack on top. This allows air to flow around the wings for even cooking, resulting in a better texture.
3. Season the Wings:
In a large bowl, toss the chicken wings with olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix well until all the wings are evenly coated with the seasoning.
4. Arrange the Wings:
Place the seasoned wings on the wire rack in a single layer. Make sure they’re not touching each other, as this helps them cook evenly.
5. Bake the Wings:
Put the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes. Flip the wings halfway through cooking to ensure they brown nicely on both sides.
6. Make the Honey Barbecue Sauce:
While the wings are baking, mix together the barbecue sauce and honey in a separate bowl. This will be the sweet and sticky coating for your wings!
7. Coat the Wings:
Once the wings are done baking, take them out of the oven. Generously brush both sides of the wings with the honey barbecue sauce you prepared.
8. Bake Again:
Return the sauced wings to the oven and bake for an additional 5-7 minutes. This final bake will caramelize the sauce and give the wings that perfect glaze.
9. Serve and Enjoy:
Once done, remove the wings from the oven and let them rest for a few minutes. If you like, serve them on a bed of fresh lettuce leaves for a nice presentation. Enjoy your sticky, sweet, and smoky honey barbecue chicken wings!
These wings are sure to be a crowd-pleaser at any gathering. Enjoy every bite, and don’t forget the napkins!
FAQ for Easy Honey Barbecue Chicken Wings
Can I Use Frozen Chicken Wings for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken wings! Just make sure to thaw them completely before seasoning and cooking. The best way to thaw is overnight in the fridge or by placing them in a sealed bag and submerging them in cold water for about an hour.
What if I Don’t Have Smoked Paprika?
No worries! If you don’t have smoked paprika, you can substitute it with regular paprika for a milder flavor, or use chili powder for a bit of heat. Adjust the quantity to your taste if you prefer less spice.
How Do I Store Leftover Wings?
Store any leftover wings in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until heated through and to regain some crispiness.
Can I Make These Wings Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the wings and season them a day in advance, storing them in the fridge. When ready to cook, simply bake them as instructed. You can also bake them ahead, let them cool, then reheat with the sauce before serving for that fresh-out-of-the-oven taste!
