Hot Honey Chicken Wings: The Perfect Sweet & Spicy Game Day Snack
There’s something magical about the combination of sweet and spicy—especially when it’s slathered over crispy, golden chicken wings. These Hot Honey Chicken Wings are my go-to crowd-pleaser, whether it’s game day, a casual get-together, or just a Tuesday night when I’m craving something indulgent. The sticky glaze, the hint of heat, and that satisfying crunch? Pure perfection.
I first fell in love with hot honey at a little Brooklyn pizzeria, drizzled over pepperoni slices. But when I tried it on wings? Game over. The balance of fiery chili and rich, floral honey takes ordinary wings to superstar status. And the best part? They’re surprisingly easy to make. No deep fryer needed—just a sheet pan, a few pantry staples, and about 45 minutes. Trust me, once you try these, you’ll be making them on repeat.
Why You’ll Love These Hot Honey Chicken Wings
If you need convincing (though one bite will do the trick), here’s why these wings are a must-make:
- Sweet, spicy, and crispy—the ultimate flavor trifecta.
- Easy to customize—adjust the heat level to your liking.
- Baked, not fried—less mess, same delicious crunch.
- Crowd-friendly—perfect for parties or solo snacking.
How to Make Hot Honey Chicken Wings
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 2 lbs chicken wings, split at joints
- 1 tbsp baking powder (for extra crispiness!)
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 cup honey
- 2 tbsp hot sauce (like Frank’s RedHot)
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tbsp butter
- 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for extra heat)
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prep the wings: Pat wings dry with paper towels (this helps them crisp up). Toss with baking powder, salt, and garlic powder.
- Bake: Arrange wings on a wire rack over a baking sheet. Bake at 425°F for 40–45 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and crispy.
- Make the glaze: In a small saucepan, combine honey, hot sauce, vinegar, butter, and red pepper flakes. Simmer for 3–4 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Toss and serve: Drizzle hot honey glaze over wings and toss to coat. Garnish with sesame seeds or chopped parsley if desired.
Tips for the Best Hot Honey Wings
Want to take these wings to the next level? Here are my pro tips:
- Dry those wings! Moisture is the enemy of crispiness. Pat them thoroughly before seasoning.
- Baking powder is key. It helps create that restaurant-style crunch without frying.
- Double the glaze. Because let’s be honest—extra sauce is always a good idea.
- Serve with cooling sides. A creamy ranch dressing or blue cheese dip balances the heat.
Pairing Suggestions
These wings are fantastic on their own, but if you’re serving them as part of a spread, try pairing them with:
- A crisp, cold beer (an IPA works great with the spice)
- A simple coleslaw for crunch
- Loaded potato skins or potato wedges
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make hot honey chicken wings ahead of time?
Yes! Bake the wings and store them (un-sauced) in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven, then toss with warmed glaze.
How spicy are these wings?
The heat level depends on your hot sauce. For milder wings, use less hot sauce or a sweet chili sauce instead.
Can I use an air fryer?
Absolutely! Air fry at 400°F for 20–25 minutes, shaking the basket occasionally.
What’s the best honey for hot honey glaze?
I prefer raw honey for its floral notes, but any honey works. For a deeper flavor, try buckwheat honey.
Can I use frozen wings?
Yes, but thaw them completely and pat dry to avoid soggy wings.
How do I store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven to maintain crispiness.
There you have it—the ultimate Hot Honey Chicken Wings recipe that’s guaranteed to disappear fast. Whether you’re hosting friends, treating yourself, or just need a little spicy-sweet comfort, these wings deliver every time. Don’t be surprised if they become your new signature dish. And hey, if you’re feeling adventurous, try drizzling leftover hot honey on pizza, fried chicken, or even roasted veggies. Trust me, it’s life-changing.
PrintHot Honey Chicken Wings
Description
Crispy baked chicken wings coated in a sweet and spicy hot honey glaze, perfect for game day or any gathering. These wings are sticky, flavorful, and have just the right amount of heat.
Ingredients
For the Crust:
- For the wings:
- 2 lbs chicken wings, split into drumettes and flats
- 1 tbsp baking powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- For the hot honey glaze:
- 1/2 cup honey
- 2 tbsp hot sauce (such as Frank’s RedHot)
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
- 1/4 tsp salt
- For garnish:
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
- 1 tsp sesame seeds
Instructions
1. Prepare the Crust:
- 1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and place a wire rack on top.
- 2. Pat the chicken wings dry with paper towels. In a large bowl, toss the wings with baking powder, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika until evenly coated.
- 3. Arrange the wings in a single layer on the wire rack. Bake for 45-50 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crispy.
- 4. While the wings bake, make the hot honey glaze: In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine honey, hot sauce, butter, apple cider vinegar, red pepper flakes, and salt. Simmer for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened.
- 5. Once wings are done, transfer them to a large bowl. Pour the hot honey glaze over the wings and toss until fully coated.
- 6. Garnish with chopped parsley and sesame seeds. Serve immediately.
Notes
For extra crispy wings, let them sit uncovered in the refrigerator for 1 hour before baking. Adjust the amount of hot sauce and red pepper flakes to control the spice level. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days.