Grilled hot honey BBQ wings offer a saucy, delicious flavor, creating a rich and sticky finish with BBQ sauce and hot honey. This simple recipe transforms chicken wings into a velvety, sweet, and spicy favorite perfect for gatherings.
Grab store-bought ingredients like garlic and season with chili powder, paprika, kosher salt, and black pepper to make these hot honey BBQ wings easy. Bake until golden and crispy, then toss in tangy BBQ glaze for a sensational game Day snack. This affordable recipe is sure to be a winner with guests.
Preparation Stage For Honey BBQ Wings
Achieving Crispiness
A soggy wing lacks crunch and texture. Patting the wings dry and letting them sit uncovered in the fridge for a few hours works wonders. Sprinkle cornstarch with your seasoning on high heat before grilling to make the skin crispy and delicious.
Flavoring the Wings
Start by separating the drums and flats and placing them in a metal mixing bowl. Drizzle olive oil and add salt, pepper, garlic powder, and cornstarch. Mix well to ensure every piece of chicken is equally covered. Place the wings on the grill at 350-400 degrees to lock in juices.
Baking and Finishing Touches
Alternatively, wash, dry, and season the wings with salt, garlic, cayenne, and paprika. Preheat the oven to 375 and spray a cookie sheet. Place the wings in a single layer and cook for 35-40 minutes, turning once. Dip in sauce and bake for an extra 5 minutes until bubbling.
Crafting Hot Honey Sauce
Start by heating a pan over medium heat and add 2 tablespoons of butter. Toss in minced garlic and cook until it turns slightly brown. Turn the temperature low and mix in your favorite BBQ sauce and hot honey, stirring until everything is incorporated before you shut off the heat.
Bring the sauce outside when your wings are almost finished. Brush some sauce on the wings and flip them as you baste. Once they reach the desired temperature, toss the coated wings with extra sauce. Serve hot with a cold drink, and keep napkins handy. So good!
What to Serve with Hot Honey BBQ Wings
Pair your wings with creamy mashed potatoes, cornbread, or a fresh garden salad to make them a complete meal. The sides will perfectly balance the spicy and sweet flavors.
For a Southern twist, serve with mac and cheese, collard greens, or baked sweet potatoes. These comforting dishes complement the wings and create a satisfying, crowd-pleasing feast.
Variations and Substitutions
- Transform this recipe by making cauliflower wings for a vegetarian or plant-based Simply roast or BBQ cauliflower to enjoy a flavorful substitute with the same tangy sauce.
- Skip the barbecue and bake in the oven. Arrange wings on a wire rack over a baking sheet and bake at 425F (220C) for 35 to 40 minutes until crispy and golden.
- For a quicker option, try an air fryer. Check the instruction manual for precise cook time and temperature, as each appliance varies.
- For a honey-garlic version, gently warm honey with garlic over low heat in a pot on the stove. For a milder twist, substitute the hot honey for a tablespoon of this aromatic mixture.
FAQS
- What is honey BBQ wings sauce made of?
It is typically made of hot sauce, honey, butter, and sometimes additional spices or BBQ sauce for flavor. - Is honey BBQ wings good?
Honey BBQ wings are popular for their sweet, tangy, and slightly smoky flavor. - Is honey BBQ hotter than Sweet BBQ?
No, honey BBQ is usually milder, with sweetness and tang, while Sweet BBQ is sweeter without heat. - What does hot honey BBQ taste like?
It has a mix of sweet, spicy, tangy, and smoky flavors, balancing heat from spices with the sweetness of honey.
Hot Honey BBQ Wings
Equipment
- Grill or oven
- Mixing Bowl
- Baking sheet (if baking)
- Tongs or spatula (for turning wings)
- Small saucepan (for making the sauce)
Ingredients
For the Wings:
- 1 lb chicken wings drums and flats
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp chili powder
For the Hot Honey BBQ Sauce:
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 tbsp minced garlic
- 1/2 cup BBQ sauce your choice
- 2-3 tbsp hot honey or substitute with honey and garlic for a milder version
Instructions
- Prep the Wings: Pat the wings dry and place them in a bowl. Add olive oil, garlic powder, salt, pepper, cornstarch, paprika, and chili powder. Mix well to coat the wings.
Cook the Wings:
- Grill: Preheat the grill to 350-400°F. Place wings on the grill and cook for 20-30 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden and crispy.
- Bake: Preheat the oven to 375°F. Place wings on a baking sheet in a single layer and bake for 35-40 minutes, flipping once halfway through.
- Make the Sauce: In a small saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant. Stir in BBQ sauce and hot honey, then lower the heat to combine the ingredients.
- Coat the Wings: Once the wings are cooked, toss them in the hot honey BBQ sauce, making sure to coat them thoroughly.
- Serve: Serve the wings hot with a cold drink and enjoy!