Get ready to tantalize your taste buds with these hot honey wings! Juicy chicken wings are coated in a sticky, sweet honey glaze, perfectly balanced with a kick of cayenne pepper and a splash of apple cider vinegar for that zesty punch. Baked to crispy perfection, they’re the ideal finger food for game day or a cozy night in. Serve them up with a side of cooling ranch or blue cheese dip, and watch your friends devour every last bite. Trust me, these wings will be the star of your next gathering!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Table of Contents
- Trust me, you’re going to love this sweet and spicy combo!
- This one’s a game-changer for your next gathering.
- Easy to make with simple ingredients you already have.
- Perfectly sticky and finger-licking good!
- Great for meal prep or a fun weeknight dinner.
Recipe Snapshot
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Category: | Appetizer |
| Cuisine: | American |
| Prep Time: | 15 minutes |
| Cook Time: | 40 minutes |
| Total Time: | 55 minutes |
| Dietary: | Gluten-free |
| Serves: | 4-6 |
| Best Served: | With ranch or blue cheese dressing |
Ingredients
- Chicken Wings – The star of the dish; choose fresh or thawed wings for the best flavor.
- Hot Sauce – Adds the necessary heat; pick your favorite brand for a personal touch.
- Honey – Provides sweetness to balance the spice; opt for raw honey for a richer taste.
- Garlic Powder – Enhances flavor; fresh garlic can be used for a stronger punch.
- Onion Powder – Adds depth to the seasoning; a must for a well-rounded flavor profile.
- Smoked Paprika – Introduces a subtle smokiness; great for adding complexity to the wings.
- Salt – Essential for seasoning; adjust to taste for the perfect balance.
- Pepper – Adds a bit of heat; freshly ground pepper works best for flavor.
- Butter – Helps to create a rich sauce; use unsalted for better control over seasoning.
- Lemon Juice – Brightens the flavors; fresh juice is always preferable for a zesty kick.
Ingredients with measurements will be right under the article in the recipe card.
How to Make the Recipe
Get ready to whip up some delicious hot honey wings that will have everyone begging for more!
Step 1: Gather Your Ingredients
Collect chicken wings, honey, hot sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Don’t forget some cooking oil for frying!
Step 2: Prepare the Chicken Wings
Rinse the chicken wings under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels. This helps them get crispy!
Step 3: Season the Wings
In a large bowl, toss the wings with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Make sure they’re evenly coated!
Step 4: Heat the Oil
In a deep skillet, heat about 2 inches of cooking oil over medium-high heat. You want it hot but not smoking!
Step 5: Fry the Wings
Carefully add the wings to the hot oil in batches. Fry them for about 8-10 minutes until golden brown and crispy.
Step 6: Make the Hot Honey Sauce
In a small saucepan, combine honey and hot sauce over low heat. Stir until well mixed and warmed through.
Step 7: Coat the Wings
Once the wings are done frying, remove them and let them drain on paper towels. Then, toss them in the hot honey sauce until fully coated!
Step 8: Serve and Enjoy!
Plate your hot honey wings and serve them with your favorite dipping sauce. Get ready for a flavor explosion!
Pro Tips for Making the Recipe
• Use fresh chicken wings for the best flavor and texture.
• Marinate the wings overnight for deeper flavor absorption.
• Adjust the heat level by varying the amount of hot sauce in the honey glaze.
• For extra crispiness, double fry the wings after the initial cooking.
• Serve with a side of cooling ranch or blue cheese dressing to balance the heat.
How to Serve
Enjoy your hot honey wings with these fun serving suggestions:
- Serve with a side of creamy ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping.
- Pair with crispy celery and carrot sticks for a refreshing crunch.
- Offer a platter of assorted veggies for a colorful, healthy side.
- Serve on a bed of fluffy rice to soak up the delicious sauce.
- Top with fresh cilantro or green onions for a pop of color and flavor.
- Enjoy with a side of sweet potato fries for a delightful contrast.
- Pair with a refreshing lemonade or iced tea to balance the heat.
- Make it a party platter with a variety of wings flavors for guests to choose from.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing leftovers is easy and ensures you can enjoy your hot honey wings later!
Storing Leftovers
- Allow wings to cool to room temperature.
- Place wings in an airtight container.
- Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Label the container with the date for easy tracking.
Freezing
- Cool wings completely before freezing.
- Wrap wings tightly in plastic wrap or foil.
- Place wrapped wings in a freezer-safe bag or container.
- Label with the date and freeze for up to 3 months.
Reheating
- Thaw wings in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
- Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes.
- For crispy skin, broil for an additional 2-3 minutes.
- Check internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) before serving.
hot honey wings recipe
Equipment
- 1 Deep skillet For frying the wings.
- 1 Large bowl For tossing the wings with seasonings.
- 1 Small saucepan For making the hot honey sauce.
Ingredients
Chicken Wings
- 2 lbs Chicken Wings The star of the dish; choose fresh or thawed wings for the best flavor.
- 1/2 cup Hot Sauce Adds the necessary heat; pick your favorite brand for a personal touch.
Honey
- 1/4 cup Honey Provides sweetness to balance the spice; opt for raw honey for a richer taste.
- 1 tsp Garlic Powder Enhances flavor; fresh garlic can be used for a stronger punch.
- 1 tsp Onion Powder Adds depth to the seasoning; a must for a well-rounded flavor profile.
- 1 tsp Smoked Paprika Introduces a subtle smokiness; great for adding complexity to the wings.
- to taste tsp Salt Essential for seasoning; adjust to taste for the perfect balance.
- to taste tsp Pepper Adds a bit of heat; freshly ground pepper works best for flavor.
- 1/4 cup Butter Helps to create a rich sauce; use unsalted for better control over seasoning.
- 1 tbsp Lemon Juice Brightens the flavors; fresh juice is always preferable for a zesty kick.
Instructions
Step 1: Gather Your Ingredients
- Collect chicken wings, honey, hot sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Don’t forget some cooking oil for frying!
Step 2: Prepare the Chicken Wings
- Rinse the chicken wings under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels. This helps them get crispy!
Step 3: Season the Wings
- In a large bowl, toss the wings with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Make sure they’re evenly coated!
Step 4: Heat the Oil
- In a deep skillet, heat about 2 inches of cooking oil over medium-high heat. You want it hot but not smoking!
Step 5: Fry the Wings
- Carefully add the wings to the hot oil in batches. Fry them for about 8-10 minutes until golden brown and crispy.
Step 6: Make the Hot Honey Sauce
- In a small saucepan, combine honey and hot sauce over low heat. Stir until well mixed and warmed through.
Step 7: Coat the Wings
- Once the wings are done frying, remove them and let them drain on paper towels. Then, toss them in the hot honey sauce until fully coated!
Step 8: Serve and Enjoy!
- Plate your hot honey wings and serve them with your favorite dipping sauce. Get ready for a flavor explosion!
FAQs
What can I use instead of chicken wings?
If you prefer, you can substitute chicken wings with drumsticks or even boneless chicken thighs. Both options will still absorb the delicious hot honey sauce and provide a satisfying bite!
Can I make these wings in the oven instead of frying?
Absolutely! Baking is a healthier option. Simply coat the wings in the hot honey sauce and bake them at 400°F (200°C) for about 40-45 minutes, flipping halfway through for even crispiness.
What sides pair well with hot honey wings?
Hot honey wings go great with classic sides like coleslaw, potato wedges, or a fresh garden salad. They also pair nicely with creamy dips like ranch or blue cheese to balance the heat!
Final Thoughts
There you have it—your new favorite hot honey wings recipe! Imagine the sweet and spicy aroma filling your kitchen as you whip these up. It’s a simple, rewarding dish that’s perfect for game nights or cozy gatherings. So grab your ingredients, unleash your inner chef, and enjoy every delicious bite. Trust me, your taste buds will thank you, and you’ll be the star of the show!
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