These Easy Honey Barbecue Chicken Wings are sweet, sticky, and oh-so-delicious! Coated in a tasty honey barbecue sauce, they make for a perfect snack or party treat.
Who needs takeout when you can whip these up at home? I love serving them with a side of carrots and celery for a fun feast that everyone enjoys! 🥕
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Wings: Fresh or frozen wings work well. If you’re in a pinch, you can use thighs or drumsticks as a substitute. They’ll take a bit longer to cook, though!
Barbecue Sauce: Any favorite barbecue sauce will do, but homemade can add a personal touch. If you want a lower-sugar option, look for sugar-free barbecue sauces.
Honey: This is essential for that sweet glaze. Agave syrup or maple syrup can be nice substitutes if you’re looking for a vegan option.
Smoked Paprika: This adds a lovely smoky flavor. If you don’t have it, regular paprika or chili powder can be used instead.
How Do You Get Chicken Wings Extra Crispy?
To ensure your wings turn out crispy, the key is drying them properly before cooking. Moisture is the enemy of crispiness! Here’s how to get them that perfect crunch:
- Pat wings dry with paper towels thoroughly.
- Arrange wings in a single layer on the baking sheet, making sure not to overcrowd.
- Flipping halfway through the baking time helps them cook evenly and adds to crispiness.
- Consider broiling for an additional 2-3 minutes at the end for an extra crunch on the skin.
By following these tips, you’ll achieve perfectly crispy honey barbecue wings that everyone will love! Enjoy your cooking!
Easy Honey Barbecue Chicken Wings
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 pounds chicken wings, separated into drumettes and flats
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional for smoky flavor)
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 cup barbecue sauce
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce (optional, for depth of flavor)
- Fresh lettuce leaves (for serving)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare, with an additional 35-40 minutes for baking. So, in total, you’ll spend around 50 minutes making these tasty chicken wings. A perfect amount of time for deliciousness!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat Your Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C) to get it nice and warm for baking the wings.
2. Prepare the Wings:
Pat the chicken wings dry with paper towels. This is important because it helps them get crispy! In a large mixing bowl, toss the wings with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and vegetable oil until they are evenly coated.
3. Arrange the Wings:
Take a baking sheet and line it with foil or parchment paper to make clean-up easier. Place the chicken wings in a single layer on the baking sheet, making sure they are not overcrowded. This helps them cook evenly and become crispy.
4. Bake Them Up:
Pop the baking sheet in the oven and let the wings bake for 35-40 minutes. Be sure to flip them halfway through to ensure they get golden and crispy all over!
5. Make the Honey Barbecue Sauce:
While the wings are baking, prepare the honey barbecue sauce. In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the barbecue sauce, honey, and soy sauce (if using). Stir the mixture and let it simmer for about 3-5 minutes until it thickens slightly.
6. Coat the Wings:
When the wings are perfectly baked, remove them from the oven and transfer them to a large bowl. Pour the warm honey barbecue sauce over the wings and toss gently to coat them evenly in that sticky goodness.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Now it’s time to serve! Lay the glazed wings on a bed of fresh lettuce leaves for a beautiful presentation. Enjoy them hot and feel free to serve with celery sticks and your favorite dipping sauce for that extra crunch!
This recipe yields delicious wings with a glossy honey barbecue coating, perfect for a gathering or a cozy night in. Enjoy! 🍗
FAQ for Easy Honey Barbecue Chicken Wings
Can I Use Frozen Chicken Wings?
Yes, you can! Just make sure to thaw them completely before cooking. A quick way to thaw is to place them in a sealed plastic bag and submerge them in cold water for about 30 minutes.
How Can I Make These Wings Spicy?
To add some heat, mix in cayenne pepper or chili powder into the seasoning before baking. You can also find spicy barbecue sauces to mix with the honey for an extra kick!
What Should I Do with Leftovers?
Store any leftover wings in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply pop them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through. You can also microwave them, but the oven keeps them crispy!
Can I Make These Wings in an Air Fryer?
Absolutely! Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (193°C) and air fry the wings in a single layer for about 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through. Toss them in the honey barbecue sauce after cooking for that sticky finish!
