These Honey Barbecue Chicken Wings are sticky, sweet, and perfect for any get-together. Toss them in a yummy honey barbecue sauce for a flavor that makes your taste buds dance!
Honestly, who can resist wings? They’re great for sharing (or just keeping all to yourself). I love cooking these up for game nights—everyone gets excited when they smell them!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Wings: Fresh chicken wings work best for this recipe. If you can’t find them, you could substitute with drumsticks or boneless chicken thighs. They will still taste delicious, but the cooking time may vary.
Barbecue Sauce: Use your favorite brand for a flavor you love. If you’re looking for a healthier or homemade option, you can easily mix tomato sauce with a dash of vinegar and spices instead.
Honey: Honey adds sweetness, but if you’re looking for alternatives due to dietary restrictions, maple syrup or agave nectar can work well too, giving you that sweet note.
Smoked Paprika: While it gives a nice smoky flavor, you can omit it if you don’t have any on hand. Regular paprika or a pinch of cayenne can add color and a bit of heat if you prefer.
What’s the Best Way to Ensure Crispy Baked Chicken Wings?
Getting crispy wings in the oven can be tricky but completely doable! Here’s how to achieve that perfect crispiness:
- Preheat your oven well. An oven at 400°F (200°C) does a great job at cooking without drying out the wings.
- Make sure to line your baking sheet with aluminum foil. It helps with cleanup and allows the fat to drip off the wings.
- Arrange the wings in a single layer. This helps them cook evenly and get crispy on all sides.
- Flipping halfway is crucial. This promotes even browning.
Let your wings rest after baking. This helps them retain juiciness while still being crispy!
How to Make Honey Barbecue Chicken Wings
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Wings:
- 2 pounds chicken wings
For the Sauce:
- 1 cup barbecue sauce
- 1/3 cup honey
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Garnish:
- Fresh lettuce leaves
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take you about 10 minutes to prepare and around 40-45 minutes to bake. So, you’ll be enjoying delicious honey barbecue chicken wings in about an hour! Perfect for game day or a casual gathering.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). While it’s heating up, line a baking sheet with aluminum foil. This will make cleaning up a breeze!
2. Make the Sauce:
In a large bowl, mix together the barbecue sauce, honey, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika (if you’re using it). Sprinkle in some salt and pepper to taste. Stir everything until it’s well combined. This sauce is what gives the wings all their delicious flavor!
3. Coat the Chicken Wings:
Now, add the chicken wings to the bowl with your sauce. Use your hands or a spatula to toss the wings until they are all nicely coated with that yummy sauce mixture. Make sure every wing is covered!
4. Prepare for Baking:
Take the coated wings and arrange them in a single layer on the baking sheet. This helps them cook evenly and get crispy!
5. Bake the Wings:
Pop the baking sheet into your preheated oven. Bake the wings for about 40-45 minutes, flipping them halfway through. You’re looking for them to turn crispy and caramelized—that’s when they’re perfect!
6. Let Them Rest:
Once they’re done baking, take the wings out of the oven and let them rest for a few minutes. This helps keep them juicy!
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Arrange the wings on a platter and garnish with fresh lettuce leaves for a nice touch. Serve them up and enjoy every tasty bite!
Can I Use Different Types of Chicken Instead of Wings?
Absolutely! You can use drumsticks, thighs, or even chicken breast cut into bite-sized pieces. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time: drumsticks and thighs generally need about the same time as wings, while chicken breast may cook a bit faster, so check for doneness at around 30-35 minutes.
What if I Don’t Have Barbecue Sauce?
No problem! You can make a quick substitute by mixing ketchup with Worcestershire sauce and a splash of vinegar for tang, or use a homemade barbecue sauce if you have the time. Just taste as you go to find your preferred flavor balance!
How Should I Store Leftover Chicken Wings?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To keep your wings juicy, you can drizzle them with a bit of extra barbecue sauce before sealing. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, simply reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
Can I Make These Chicken Wings Ahead of Time?
Definitely! You can marinate the wings in the sauce mixture up to 24 hours in advance, letting the flavors soak in. Just be sure to cover them tightly in the fridge. Then, when you’re ready to bake them, simply follow the instructions starting from preheating the oven!
