Introduction

Hot honey chicken wings combine the perfect balance of spicy heat and sweet honey glaze, delivering a deliciously crispy and flavorful snack. Easy to prepare at home, these wings are ideal for game day or casual gatherings.

This image shows a white plate full of cooked chicken wings that are golden brown and glossy with seasoning and small black pepper spots. The wings are topped with fresh, chopped green onions, adding bright green color and freshness. On the top left side of the plate, there is a small glass bowl filled with golden honey mixed with red chili flakes, with a wooden honey dipper resting inside. The background is a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

2 pounds chicken wings
1 tablespoon kosher salt
1 teaspoon black pepper
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon paprika
½ teaspoon onion powder
⅓ cup hot honey (purchased or homemade)
1 tablespoon hot sauce
4 tablespoons unsalted butter

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
Step 2: Bring a large pot of water to a boil over high heat. Add the chicken wings and cook for 7 minutes.
Step 3: Remove the pot from heat, drain the wings, and pat them dry thoroughly with paper towels to ensure crispiness. Place the dried wings in a mixing bowl and set aside.
Step 4: In a small bowl, combine kosher salt, black pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and onion powder. Sprinkle the seasoning mix over the wings and toss to coat evenly.
Step 5: Place a baking rack on a baking sheet and lightly oil the rack. Arrange the seasoned wings in a single layer on the rack.
Step 6: Bake the wings uncovered for 10 minutes. Flip each wing and bake for another 10 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
Step 7: While the wings finish baking, prepare the sauce by combining hot honey, hot sauce, and butter in a small saucepan. Warm over low heat, stirring until well mixed.
Step 8: Once wings are cooked, switch the oven to broil. Broil the wings for 2-3 minutes to crisp the edges, watching carefully to prevent burning.
Step 9: Remove the wings from the oven and let them cool slightly. Place wings in a large bowl, drizzle with the warm hot honey sauce, and toss to coat evenly.
Step 10: Serve the wings warm with your favorite dips and sliced vegetables.

Tips & Variations

Patting the wings dry after boiling is key to achieving crispy skin.
Don’t skip flipping the wings halfway through baking to ensure even cooking.
Watch the wings closely during broiling to avoid burning the glaze.
For extra heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the seasoning mix.
Substitute hot honey with maple syrup and chili flakes for a different sweet-spicy twist.

Storage

Store leftover wings in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes to restore crispiness. Avoid microwaving as it may make the wings soggy.

How to Serve

A close-up image of golden brown chicken wings seasoned with black pepper and garnished with bright green chopped scallions scattered on top. Next to the wings is a small jar filled with honey, with a wooden honey dipper resting inside, coated with thick honey and tiny red pepper flakes. The dish is placed on a white plate set on a white marbled surface. The wings have a shiny, slightly crispy texture showing their cooked perfection. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken wings?

Yes, but be sure to fully thaw them before boiling and baking to ensure even cooking and the best texture.

Is hot honey difficult to make at home?

Not at all. Simply warm honey and mix it with your favorite hot sauce or chili flakes. Let it infuse for a few minutes before using.