These Easy Honey Barbecue Chicken Wings are a fun and tasty treat! They are sticky, sweet, and full of flavor—perfect for game day or a cozy night in.
I’ll confess, I might eat more than I should because they are just that good!🍗 Just toss the wings in honey and barbecue sauce, bake them, and you’ll have a delicious dish in no time.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Wings: Fresh chicken wings are best for this recipe, but you can also use frozen wings. Just make sure to thaw them completely first. Drumettes or flats both work, so pick your favorite!
Barbecue Sauce: Use your favorite store-bought or homemade barbecue sauce. Sweet, smoky, or spicy varieties can change the flavor. If you’re out of barbecue sauce, mix ketchup with a bit of brown sugar, vinegar, and spices for a quick substitute.
Honey: Honey adds sweetness that balances the barbecue sauce. If you need a substitute, maple syrup or agave syrup can work well, but the flavor will change a bit.
Garlic Powder: For a stronger garlic flavor, feel free to use fresh minced garlic. If you don’t have garlic powder, onion powder can also add a nice depth of flavor.
How Can I Make My Wings Extra Crispy?
Getting that perfect crispy texture on chicken wings can be tricky, but I have some tips to help!
- Dry the Wings: Make sure to pat the chicken wings dry. This step is crucial for achieving crispiness when baked.
- Use a Wire Rack: Baking them on a wire rack allows hot air to circulate around the wings, making them crispier than if they sit directly on the baking sheet.
- Broil at the End: Broiling the wings for a few minutes after glazing gives them that delicious, sticky finish while ensuring they are crispy. Just keep an eye on them!
Easy Honey Barbecue Chicken Wings
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 pounds chicken wings, split and tips removed
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 cup barbecue sauce (your favorite brand or homemade)
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or vegetable oil
- Lettuce leaves for serving (optional, for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and about 45 minutes to cook. You’ll be enjoying these delicious wings in under an hour, making them perfect for any casual gathering or cozy night in!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Meanwhile, line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and set a wire rack on top of it. Lightly grease the rack to prevent sticking.
2. Prepare the Chicken Wings:
Pat the chicken wings dry with paper towels. This step is important as it helps them get extra crispy when they bake. In a large bowl, toss the wings with salt, black pepper, and garlic powder until they are evenly coated.
3. Bake the Wings:
Arrange the wings in a single layer on the wire rack, which allows the heat to circulate around them for even cooking. Bake the wings for 40-45 minutes, flipping them halfway through to ensure they cook evenly. Keep an eye on them until they are cooked through and golden brown.
4. Make the Honey Barbecue Glaze:
While the wings are baking, mix together the barbecue sauce, honey, and olive oil in a bowl. This sweet and tangy glaze is what makes these wings irresistible!
5. Toss and Broil:
Once the wings are done baking, remove them from the oven and immediately toss them in the honey barbecue glaze until they are thoroughly coated. For an extra sticky finish, place the glazed wings back on the wire rack and broil on high for 2-3 minutes. Watch them closely to avoid burning!
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Remove the wings from the oven and let them cool slightly. Serve them on a plate lined with fresh lettuce leaves for a nice presentation. Now, enjoy your sweet, tangy, and smoky honey barbecue chicken wings!
This recipe yields about 4 servings, making it perfect for sharing at parties or enjoying as a tasty snack! 🐔🍯
FAQ for Easy Honey Barbecue Chicken Wings
Can I Use Frozen Chicken Wings?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken wings! Just ensure they are completely thawed before preparing. You can thaw them overnight in the refrigerator or place them in a sealed plastic bag and submerge in cold water for a quicker method.
How Do I Make These Wings Spicier?
If you’d like to add some heat, try mixing in cayenne pepper or chili powder with the garlic powder. You can also use a spicy barbecue sauce or add hot sauce to the honey glaze for an extra kick!
Can I Make These Wings Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can bake the wings and toss them in the glaze ahead of time, then refrigerate them for up to 2 days. When ready to serve, just reheat in the oven and broil for a few minutes to get them crispy again.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftover Wings?
Store any leftover wings in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes or until heated through for the best texture.
