Hot Honey Chicken Wings

Level up your appetizer game with these crispy Hot Honey Chicken Wings glazed in a hot, sweet, and tangy homemade hot honey sauce. Perfect for game day, parties, or a cozy night in, these wings are sure to impress anyone who tries them. The unique blend of flavors makes these hot honey wings a standout dish that will have everyone coming back for more.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy Preparation: This recipe requires minimal prep work and can be done in under an hour.
• Flavor Explosion: The combination of spicy and sweet creates a tantalizing taste that’s hard to resist.
• Versatile Option: Perfect as an appetizer or main dish, these wings fit any occasion seamlessly.
• Crispy Texture: Baking instead of frying delivers crispy wings without the extra oil.
• Customizable Heat: Adjust the spice level by adding more or less hot sauce to suit your taste.

Tools and Preparation

To make the Hot Honey Chicken Wings effortlessly, gather your tools and equipment before starting.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Wire rack
• Baking sheet (9×13)
• Pastry brush
• Plastic bag (for coating)
• Mixing bowl

Importance of Each Tool

• Wire rack: Allows air circulation for even cooking and helps achieve that perfect crispiness.
• Baking sheet: Provides a sturdy surface to catch drippings while baking the wings.
• Pastry brush: Ensures an even coating of oil and sauce on the wings for maximum flavor.

Ingredients

For the Wings

• 2 Tablespoons Avocado Oil
• 2 1/2 lbs Chicken Wings (12-14 wings)
• 1/3 cup Cornstarch
• 1 Tablespoon Brown Sugar
• 1 teaspoon Smoked Paprika
• 2 teaspoons Baking Powder
• 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder
• 1 teaspoon Onion Powder
• 1 teaspoon coarse Kosher Salt
• 1 teaspoon Black Pepper

For the Sauce

• 6 Tablespoons Franks Hot Sauce
• 1/4 cup unsalted Butter; melted
• 1/4 cup Honey
• 2 Tablespoons fresh Parsley; chopped
• 1 teaspoon Smoked Paprika
• 1 teaspoon Onion Powder
• 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder
• 1/2 teaspoon Red Chili Flakes

How to Make Hot Honey Chicken Wings

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat the oven to 400° F. Use a pastry brush to oil the wire rack with avocado oil. Place the rack on a baking sheet (9×13) and set aside.

Step 2: Coat the Chicken Wings

• In a plastic bag, combine cornstarch, baking powder, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, kosher salt, and black pepper.
• Pat the chicken wings dry using paper towels. Add them into the bag and seal it tightly.
• Shake well until all wings are fully coated in the mixture.

Step 3: Bake the Wings

Remove the wings from the bag and place them on the prepared wire rack. Bake at 400° F for about 20 minutes.

Step 4: Get Them Crispy

After initial baking, take out the wings and brush both sides with avocado oil again. Return them to bake for another 20 minutes or until crispy.

Step 5: Prepare the Sauce

In a mixing bowl, add Franks Hot Sauce, melted butter, honey, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and red chili flakes. Mix well until combined. Divide this into two bowls to prevent contamination.

Step 6: Apply Hot Honey Sauce

Once baked, remove wings from oven and use a clean pastry brush to coat them generously with one bowl of hot honey sauce. Discard any leftover sauce from this bowl.

Step 7: Broil for Extra Crispiness

Broil on high or return to oven at 400° F for an additional five minutes until juices run clear and wings are crispy. Ensure they reach an internal temperature of at least 165° F.

Step 8: Final Touches

Remove from oven and baste with any remaining hot honey sauce.

Step 9: Garnish & Serve

Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over top before serving with Ranch dipping sauce for an added flavor boost!

How to Serve Hot Honey Chicken Wings

Hot Honey Chicken Wings are perfect for gatherings, game days, or a cozy night in. Their sweet and spicy flavor pairs well with various sides and dips, making them a versatile appetizer.

With Ranch Dipping Sauce

• Ranch sauce adds a creamy contrast to the spicy wings. Just serve it in a small bowl for dipping.

On a Bed of Greens

• Serve the wings on a bed of fresh greens like arugula or spinach. This adds a refreshing crunch and balances the heat.

As Part of a Platter

• Create a party platter by including other appetizers like veggie sticks, pita chips, or cheese cubes alongside the wings.

With Celery and Carrots

• Fresh celery and carrot sticks provide a crisp texture that complements the wings. They also help cool down the spice!

How to Perfect Hot Honey Chicken Wings

To achieve the ultimate crispy texture and flavor in your Hot Honey Chicken Wings, follow these essential tips.

• Dry the Wings Thoroughly: Ensure your chicken wings are dry before seasoning. This helps them crisp up in the oven.
• Use Baking Powder: Adding baking powder to your seasoning mix enhances crispiness. It creates air pockets during cooking.
• Let Them Rest: Allow your seasoned wings to rest for about 30 minutes before baking. This helps the flavors meld together.
• Broil for Extra Crispiness: After baking, broil your wings briefly to get that perfect golden-brown finish.
• Glaze Twice: Brush on the hot honey sauce twice – once before broiling and again after. This maximizes flavor and stickiness.

Best Side Dishes for Hot Honey Chicken Wings

These Hot Honey Chicken Wings pair wonderfully with various side dishes that complement their sweet and spicy flavors.

1. Creamy Coleslaw: A crunchy coleslaw adds freshness and balances the heat from the wings.
2. Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Smooth mashed potatoes provide a comforting base that pairs well with spicy flavors.
3. Corn on the Cob: Grilled or boiled corn adds sweetness and a satisfying bite that teams perfectly with the wings.
4. Sweet Potato Fries: These fries offer a sweet contrast to the spiciness of the wings, making every bite delightful.
5. Vegetable Stir-Fry: A colorful mix of stir-fried vegetables brings additional nutrients and texture to your meal.
6. Quinoa Salad: A light quinoa salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette offers a healthy option that complements rich flavors.
7. Potato Wedges: Crispy potato wedges are an excellent finger food option, perfect for dipping into sauces alongside your wings.
8. Pickled Vegetables: Tangy pickles or pickled carrots can cut through the richness of the wings, adding an exciting flavor dimension.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Hot Honey Chicken Wings, it’s easy to overlook a few key steps. Here are some common mistakes to watch out for:

• Skipping the Drying Step: Not patting the wings dry can lead to soggy skin. Always dry your wings thoroughly before coating them.
• Overcrowding the Baking Sheet: Placing too many wings on one pan can prevent them from getting crispy. Bake in batches if needed to ensure even cooking.
• Ignoring Temperature Checks: Not checking the internal temperature may result in undercooked wings. Use a meat thermometer to ensure they reach 165°F.
• Using the Wrong Sauce Amount: Applying too much sauce can make the wings soggy. Brush on just enough sauce for flavor without overwhelming them.
• Forgetting to Prepare the Sauce Separately: Mixing raw and cooked sauce can lead to contamination. Always divide your sauce before brushing it onto cooked wings.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover Hot Honey Chicken Wings in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Ensure the wings are completely cooled before sealing them in containers.

Freezing Hot Honey Chicken Wings

• Freeze wings in a single layer on a baking sheet for about 1-2 hours before transferring them to a freezer-safe bag.
• They will keep well for up to 3 months.

Reheating Hot Honey Chicken Wings

• Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F and bake wings for about 10-15 minutes until heated through.
• Microwave: Heat in short intervals of 30 seconds, checking frequently until hot. This method may result in softer skin.
• Stovetop: Place wings in a skillet over medium heat, turning occasionally until heated through and crispy.

Frequently Asked Questions

If you have questions about making Hot Honey Chicken Wings, you’re not alone! Here are some common inquiries:

How do I make Hot Honey Chicken Wings crispy?

To achieve crispy wings, ensure they are fully dried before seasoning and avoid overcrowding on the baking sheet.

Can I use other types of chicken for this recipe?

Yes! You can use drumsticks or boneless chicken pieces if you prefer. Adjust cooking times accordingly.

What is the best way to store leftover Hot Honey Chicken Wings?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months.

How spicy are Hot Honey Chicken Wings?

The spice level can be adjusted by varying the amount of hot sauce used. For milder wings, reduce the hot sauce or use a milder variety.

Can I make Hot Honey Chicken Wings ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare and bake the wings ahead of time, then reheat them when ready to serve.

Final Thoughts

These Hot Honey Chicken Wings are not only delicious but also versatile. You can customize the heat level or switch up dipping sauces based on your taste preferences. Don’t hesitate—give this recipe a try and enjoy these sticky, sweet, and spicy delights at your next gathering!