These honey barbecue chicken wings are a sweet and sticky treat that everyone will love! They’re perfect for game days or any gathering with friends and family.
Who can resist the juicy, crispy goodness of wings coated in a tasty honey barbecue sauce? I can’t help but munch on a few extra—they’re just that good! 😋
Making these wings is super easy! Just toss them in the oven or on the grill, brush with sauce, and watch them get all caramelized. Grab some napkins; you’ll need them!
Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Wings: The main event! If you can’t find wings, drumsticks make a good substitute, though they may need a few extra minutes in the oven. Bone-in, skin-on cuts are the best choice for juicy, flavorful results.
Honey: I love using raw honey for its rich flavor, but store-bought honey works too. For a vegan option, consider agave syrup or maple syrup. They won’t match the exact taste but will still offer that sweet touch!
Barbecue Sauce: Choose your favorite flavor! Sweet, spicy, or even a tangy sauce works well. If you’re feeling adventurous, make your own using ketchup, vinegar, and spices. You can also use a sugar-free version if you’re cutting sugar.
Soy Sauce: This adds a savory depth to the wings. If you’re gluten-free, opt for tamari instead. Coconut aminos are a great soy sauce alternative for a lighter flavor.
Spices: Garlic powder and onion powder are perfect for flavoring. You can use fresh garlic and onions if you prefer, just adjust the amounts to taste. For the smoked paprika, regular paprika or chili powder can be used if you don’t have it.
How Do I Make My Wings Extra Crispy?
Getting crispy wings is all about technique. It starts with how you prepare and cook them.
- First, ensure your wings are dry by patting them with paper towels. Moisture leads to sogginess.
- If you have a wire rack, use it! This allows hot air to circulate around the wings, making them crispy all over.
- Bake them at 400°F (200°C) to get that nice, golden brown color.
- Flipping the wings halfway through helps them cook evenly. Don’t skip this step!
- For an extra crispy finish, broil them for the last few minutes, but keep a close eye on them to avoid burning.
How to Make Honey Barbecue Chicken Wings
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Chicken Wings:
- 2 lbs chicken wings
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/2 cup barbecue sauce (your choice of flavor)
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh lettuce leaves for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 10 minutes to prepare and then you’ll need to bake the wings for 30-35 minutes. If you can, marinating the wings for at least 30 minutes will enhance the flavor! So, if you plan to marinate overnight, the total time could stretch to the next day, but it’s totally worth it!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
First, let’s get that oven nice and hot! Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). While it’s heating up, take a large baking sheet and line it with aluminum foil for easy clean-up. If you have a wire rack, place it on top of the baking sheet—it’ll help the wings cook evenly!
2. Make the Marinade:
In a large bowl, mix together the honey, barbecue sauce, soy sauce, olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and a sprinkle of salt and pepper. Stir it all well until it’s a smooth and tasty marinade.
3. Marinate the Chicken Wings:
Add your chicken wings to the bowl and toss them in that delicious marinade. Make sure they are well coated! For great flavor, let the wings marinate for at least 30 minutes. If you have time, marinating them overnight in the fridge is even better!
4. Prepare for Baking:
Now, lay the marinated chicken wings out on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer. This helps them to cook evenly and get crispy. If you used a wire rack, place the wings on it for even better results!
5. Bake the Wings:
Pop the baking sheet into your preheated oven and bake the wings for about 30-35 minutes. Remember to flip the wings halfway through the cooking time for even crispiness. You’ll know they’re ready when they’re golden brown and caramelized!
6. Crisp Them Up (Optional):
If you like your wings extra crispy, turn on the broiler for the last 2-3 minutes. But keep an eye on them so they don’t burn. They’ll get that lovely charred look and taste!
7. Rest and Serve:
Once they’re done baking, take the wings out of the oven and let them rest for a few minutes. This will help keep them juicy!
8. Garnish and Enjoy:
If you like, garnish with fresh lettuce leaves, and serve the wings warm with some extra barbecue sauce on the side. Enjoy your finger-licking honey barbecue chicken wings!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken Wings in This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken wings, but make sure to thaw them completely before marinating. The best way to do this is by placing them in the refrigerator overnight or using the quick method of sealing them in a plastic bag and submerging them in cold water for about 1-2 hours.
What If I Don’t Have Honey?
If you’re out of honey, you can substitute it with maple syrup or agave nectar for a different but delicious flavor. You can also use brown sugar in a pinch—just mix it with a bit of water to create a syrupy consistency.
How to Store Leftover Chicken Wings?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place them in an oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until they are warmed through and crispy again. You can also reheat in the microwave, but they may not stay crispy.
Can I Cook These Wings on the Grill Instead?
Absolutely! If you prefer grilling, preheat the grill to medium heat. After marinating, place the chicken wings directly on the grill grates. Grill for about 20-25 minutes, turning occasionally, until they are well-cooked and have a nice char. Make sure to baste with extra marinade for added flavor!
