Honey BBQ Wings are a sweet and sticky alternative to hot wings. This treat has a perfect balance of sweet and savory, making them a popular choice for game days, parties, or just a satisfying snack. They leave you wanting more, with their perfect blend of textures and tastes and made in only 35 minutes.
These appetizers are always a hit. So try my spicy and sweet chicken wings garlic parmesan wings sauce recipe.
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Why this Honey BBQ Chicken Wings Recipe is a Keeper
These honey barbecue wings are packed with tons of flavor. These are a great alternative to hot wings but are still tasty, sticky and juicy. They’re wonderful for parties because they are the perfect appetizer.
- Delicious Flavor: The dish tastes amazing and is a hit every time. The sauce coat the wings with so much flavor.
- Consistent Results: The recipe turns out well every time you make it.
- Freezes Well: It’s great for making ahead and freezing for later.
- Can Feed a Crowd: It can easily be scaled up to feed a large group, making it perfect for gatherings.
- Comforting: It has a comforting, homey feel that makes you want to return to it. The wings are juicy but with a crispy skin.
How Do I Make My Wings Crispy?
Ensure wings are dry before cooking. Pan sear them so they are crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside.
Ingredient Notes for Honey BBQ Wings
You will need just a few super simple ingredients to make this honey BBQ wings recipe. They’re all easy to find at the store, but you may even have some of the ingredients in your kitchen already.
- Chicken Wings: You can use any of the pieces that you like. Chose your favorite chicken.
- Tomato Paste: This gives that tang when making wings.
- Apple Cider Vinegar: This gives that acid tang to make the sauce so delicious.
- Honey: Honey or maple syrup will give a touch of sweetness to the sauce.
See the recipe card below for a complete list of the ingredients with measurements.
Prep Ahead Suggestions for Honey BBQ Sauce Wings
Prepping steps ahead of time can really help to save you time and kitchen space if you’re hosting a party!
- Sauce: Prep the sauce ingredients. Make the homemade barbecue sauce ahead of time and store in the fridge until you’re ready to use.
Pro Tip to Make Honey BBQ Wings
Baking Powder Boost: Lightly dust the wings with baking powder before cooking. It helps create a wonderfully crispy exterior.
How to Make the Best Honey BBQ Wings
This recipe comes together in just 5 quick and easy steps. These wings are so good, you’ll be making them every football season!
These are the basic steps for making Honey BBQ Wings. Refer to the full, printable recipe card below for detailed instructions.
1. Preheat the Oven and Prep Baking Pan
Preheat oven to 425℉ and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Make the Homemade BBQ Sauce
Combine tomato paste and water in a saucepan over medium heat. Whisk until combined. Whisk in apple cider vinegar, honey, soy sauce, Worchestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, chipotle powder, paprika, salt and pepper.
Bring mixture to a simmer, then reduce heat to low for 2 more minutes. Remove from heat and whisk in butter.
3. Sear the Chicken Wings
Add oil to a cast iron skillet over medium heat. Pat the wings dry with a paper towel and place the wings in the skillet. Pan sear the chicken wings on each side until golden brown, about 2-3 minutes per side.
4. Bake the Chicken Wings
Remove the chicken wings back to the prepared cookie sheet. Bake chicken wings for 15-20 minutes, until an inserted meat thermometer reads 165℉.
5. Toss the Wings in Sauce
Place the chicken wings in a large bowl and pour in 2-3 tablespoons of the BBQ sauce, as desired. Toss the chicken wings until wings are coated.
How to Store, Reheat and Use Leftover Crispy Chicken Wings
- Storing: This simple recipe for leftover wings can be stored in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Reheating: Bake the wings in the oven on a baking sheet with a wire rack at 350 degrees until warmed through. You can also reheat a batch in the air fryer. Save some sauce to baste on top or for dipping.
- Using Leftovers: Enjoy leftovers with more BBQ sauce and Honey Butter Skillet Corn.
Variations and Substitutions for Crispy Game Day Wings
This appetizer for game day is so versatile! Try taking it to the next level by experimenting with flavors.
- Hot Honey: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper, red pepper flakes, or a dash of hot sauce to the honey BBQ sauce for some heat.
- Chipotle Honey: Incorporate a spoonful of chipotle peppers in adobo sauce for a smoky, spicy kick, perfect for game day.
- Vegetables: Try roasting or grilling vegetables like cauliflower florets, Brussels sprouts, or sweet potatoes and tossing them in the honey BBQ sauce.
- Smoking: Smoke the wings low and slow for an intense smoky flavor. You can also air fry the wings or baked in the oven if you prefer.
Hot Honey Barbecue Chicken Wings Recipe FAQs
This perfect chicken wing recipe is great with extra sauce, Cream Cheese Salami Roll Ups, Caramelized Onion Dip or Charcuterie Skewers.
Yes! Wings freeze well in an airtight container for up to 3 months. For crispy wings, air fry or place in the oven to broil.
No! This is a great recipe to make instead of hot Buffalo chicken wings.
Expert Tips for Making This Recipe
- Rub: A spicy rub can be add to your wings while wings are baking.
- Boneless: Use chicken thighs or breasts cut into bite size pieces, or chicken tenders with the sweet honey BBQ. Just adjust your cooking times.
- Thicken It Up: Simmer the sauce slightly to thicken it before tossing the wings. This ensures better coating.
- Rest: While you want these wings hot, let them rest in the sauce for a minute or two before serving for ultimate flavor.
Honey BBQ Wings
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Ingredients
Chicken Wings:
- 2 pounds Chicken wings
- 2 tablespoons Oil, as needed
Sauce:
- 6 ounces Tomato paste
- ½ cup Water, as needed
- 3 tablespoons Apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons Honey
- ½ tablespoon Soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon Worchestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon Garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Onion powder
- 1 teaspoon Chipotle powder
- 1 teaspoon Paprika
- ¼ teaspoon Salt, to taste
- ¼ teaspoon Pepper, to taste
- 1 ½ tablespoons Butter
Instructions
Sauce:
- Combine tomato paste and water in a saucepan over medium heat. Whisk until combined.
- Whisk in all remaining ingredients, except for the butter.
- Bring mixture to a simmer, then reduce heat to low for 2 more minutes.
- Remove from heat and whisk in butter.
Chicken Wings:
- Preheat oven to 425℉.
- Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. Set aside.
- Place 1 tablespoon of oil in a cast iron skillet over medium heat.
- Pat the chicken wings dry and add in batches to the skillet.
- Pan sear the chicken wings on each side until golden brown, about 2-3 minutes per side. You're not cooking the wings in the skillet, just searing them.
- Remove the chicken wings to the prepared cookie sheet.
- Bake chicken wings for 15-20 minutes, until an inserted meat thermometer reads 165℉.
- Place the chicken wings in a bowl and pour in 2-3 tablespoons of the BBQ sauce, as desired.
- Toss the chicken wings until fully coated. Serve warm.
Christina’s Notes
- Rub: A spicy rub can be add to your wings while wings are baking.
- Boneless: Use chicken thighs or breasts cut into bite size pieces, or chicken tenders with the sweet honey BBQ. Just adjust your cooking times.
- Thicken It Up: Simmer the sauce slightly to thicken it before tossing the wings. This ensures better coating.
- Rest: While you want these wings hot, let them rest in the sauce for a minute or two before serving for ultimate flavor.
- Scale the recipe: Simply adjust the serving size in the recipe card and the ingredients will update automatically.
- Make your own All Purpose Seasoning: When a recipe calls for All Purpose Seasoning, you can use my homemade All Purpose Seasoning recipe or substitute salt and pepper to taste.
- Meat doneness: I always use a meat thermometer to test for doneness when cooking meat.
- Use unsalted butter: I use unsalted butter so I can control the salt level in the recipe.
- Preheat the oven: Unless otherwise noted, always preheat your oven before baking.
For more helpful information about this recipe, such as variations, substitutions and other pro-tips, check out the blog post.