Sticky, Sweet, Spicy: Honey Bbq Chicken Wings Recipe

Honey BBQ chicken wings are a delicious, sticky, sweet, and tangy treat that can be baked, grilled, or fried. They're perfect for game day or any party and are a real crowd-pleaser. The key to their mouth-watering flavour is the combination of BBQ sauce and honey, with some recipes adding extra spices and ingredients like lime juice, hot sauce, or paprika. The wings can be baked in the oven, grilled on a barbecue, or cooked in an air fryer, and are usually served with carrot and celery sticks, and a side of ranch or blue cheese dressing.

Choosing the right chicken wings

First, decide on the type of chicken wings you want. You can choose between fresh or frozen wings. Fresh chicken wings are preferred by some as they can result in juicier and more flavourful wings. However, frozen wings can be more convenient if you're short on time or want to prepare them in advance.

Next, consider the cut of the wings. You can use a mixture of wings and drumettes, or opt for just one type. Drumettes are the upper portion of the wing and tend to have more meat on them. If you're serving a crowd, it's a good idea to have a mix to cater to different preferences.

When selecting your chicken wings, look for ones that appear plump and meaty. Avoid wings that have a lot of exposed bone, as they may be overcooked or dry. Check the colour of the meat; it should be a pale pink or beige colour. Also, examine the packaging to ensure the wings are within their "best before" date and have been handled and stored properly.

Before cooking, it's important to prepare the wings correctly. Pat the wings dry with a paper towel to remove any excess moisture. This step is crucial, as it helps the seasoning stick to the wings and promotes even browning.

Finally, don't be afraid to ask your butcher or grocer for advice. They can guide you on the best options available and ensure you get the right quantity for your recipe.

Remember, choosing the right chicken wings is the first step to creating mouth-watering honey BBQ chicken wings that your family and friends will love!

Preparing the chicken wings

Firstly, it is important to note that fresh chicken wings are recommended over frozen ones. You can use a mixture of wings and drumettes, or opt for boneless or bone-in wings—the latter will be more tender and juicy. Before seasoning, pat the chicken wings dry with a paper towel.

For the seasoning, or dry rub, you will need salt, paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, and black pepper. Combine these spices in a small bowl and then rub them evenly onto the chicken wings. Make sure to coat each wing generously.

Next, prepare your baking equipment. Line a large baking sheet or cookie sheet with aluminum foil, and place an oven-safe wire rack on top. This wire rack will help the wings get extra crispy as it allows heat to circulate evenly. If you don't have a rack, you can use parchment paper, but the rack method is recommended. Place the seasoned wings on the wire rack, ensuring they are not touching. Depending on the size of your wings, you may need to use two baking sheets.

Now, it's time to cook the wings. Preheat your oven to a temperature between 375-425°F (190-220°C). Bake the wings for 35-45 minutes, flipping them halfway through to ensure even cooking and crispiness.

Once the wings are cooked, allow them to cool for a few minutes before coating them in the sauce. This will help the sauce adhere better to the wings.

Making the sauce

Firstly, you'll want to gather your ingredients. The exact measurements may vary slightly depending on the recipe you're following, but the key ingredients for the sauce are BBQ sauce and honey. You can use store-bought BBQ sauce or make your own from scratch if you're feeling adventurous. In addition, some recipes suggest adding a few extra ingredients to the sauce to enhance the flavour. These can include lime juice, hot sauce, garlic powder, butter, ketchup, or even wine. Once you have your ingredients, you're ready to start making the sauce.

Combine the BBQ sauce and honey in a separate bowl and mix them together. The amount of each ingredient will depend on the recipe and your personal preference for sweetness and tanginess. Some recipes call for equal parts BBQ sauce and honey, while others use more BBQ sauce than honey. You can also adjust the measurements to your taste. If you're adding any additional ingredients, such as lime juice or hot sauce, do so gradually and taste as you go to ensure the flavours blend well. Stir the sauce thoroughly until all the ingredients are incorporated and you have a smooth, glossy mixture.

While the chicken wings are baking or grilling, you can slowly simmer the sauce over low heat. This step is optional but helps to thicken the sauce and deepen the flavours. Keep an eye on the sauce and stir occasionally to prevent burning. If you're adding butter, this is the step where you'll want to add it to the sauce and stir until melted.

Once your sauce is ready, you can either coat the cooked chicken wings in it or use it as a dipping sauce. If you choose to coat the wings, place them back in the oven or under the grill for a few minutes to allow the sauce to caramelize. This will give your wings that signature sticky glaze. Serve the wings with a side of ranch or blue cheese dressing, and some celery and carrot sticks to balance out the sweetness of the dish.

And that's it! You've now mastered the art of making the sauce for honey BBQ chicken wings. It's a simple process but can be customized to your taste preferences, ensuring your wings are always delicious and crowd-pleasing.

Cooking the chicken wings

There are several ways to cook your chicken wings, including baking them in the oven, grilling them on a barbecue, or frying them in an air fryer.

Baking

If you're baking your wings, you'll want to preheat your oven to somewhere between 375°F and 425°F. While the oven is heating up, prepare a baking sheet by lining it with aluminum foil and placing an oven-safe wire rack on top. If you don't have a rack, you can use parchment paper, but the rack will help your wings get extra crispy.

Next, prepare your chicken wings. If you're using a dry rub, coat the wings and place them on the wire rack, making sure they're not touching. If you're using a wet rub or marinade, add the wings, oil, salt, pepper, and lemon pepper to a large bowl and massage the mixture into the wings. You can then leave the wings to marinate for at least 30 minutes, or even overnight in the fridge.

Once your wings are prepared, place them in the oven and bake for 35 to 45 minutes, flipping them halfway through.

Grilling

If you're grilling your wings, you'll want to preheat your barbecue and oil the grill with a neutral oil, such as avocado oil. Place the wings over medium heat and cook for about 30 minutes, or until fully cooked (165°F to 170°F on a meat thermometer). Turn the wings over a few times while they cook.

Air Frying

If you're using an air fryer, preheat it to 400°F. Toss the wings with olive oil, salt, and pepper, and place them in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Cook for 15 minutes, then remove the wings and toss them with your sauce. Place them back in the air fryer for another 5 to 7 minutes.

Making the Sauce

While your wings are cooking, you can make your sauce by combining barbecue sauce and honey, and, if you like a little extra kick, some hot sauce. You can also add some fresh lime juice for a tangy twist.

Finishing the Wings

Once your wings are cooked, remove them from the oven, grill, or air fryer, and toss them in your sauce. Place them back in the oven or on the grill for another 5 to 10 minutes, or until the sauce is bubbly and caramelized.

Serve your wings warm, with some extra sauce on the side for dipping.

Serving suggestions

Honey BBQ chicken wings are a versatile dish that can be served as an appetiser, main course, or party food. Here are some serving suggestions to make the most of this delicious dish:

As a Main Course

For a hearty meal, serve the honey BBQ chicken wings with some homemade mac and cheese, BBQ baked beans, and a biscuit. This creates a well-rounded and satisfying dish, perfect for a family dinner or a casual get-together with friends.

As Appetisers or Party Food

Honey BBQ chicken wings also make excellent appetisers or party food. Serve them with carrot and celery sticks on the side, providing a refreshing and crunchy contrast to the sticky sweetness of the wings. You can also offer extra BBQ sauce for dipping, allowing your guests to customise their wing experience.

Side Dishes

To round out the meal, consider serving the wings with a bright and fresh Mexican corn salad, or a simple healthy slaw. For a more indulgent option, serve with homemade ranch dressing or super thick and creamy blue cheese dressing. These dressings can also be offered as dips for the wings, adding extra flavour and moisture.

Drinks

As for drinks, a cold beer is always a classic choice to pair with chicken wings. Alternatively, offer a refreshing cocktail like a margarita or a tangy lemonade to balance the sweetness of the wings.

Dessert

For dessert, consider something light and fruity to cleanse the palate, such as a fruit salad or sorbet. Alternatively, continue the sticky, sweet theme with a dessert like honey-glazed doughnuts or a rich chocolate brownie.

Frequently asked questions