Hot Honey Chicken Wings

Name: Hot Honey Chicken Wings
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 40 min
Ingredients: 1 pound chicken wings (6-10 wings); 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon pepper; 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/2 teaspoon onion powder; 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika; 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper; 2 Tablespoons olive oil; 1/3 cup honey; 4 Tablespoons salted butter; 2 Tablespoons hot sauce; 2 teaspoons apple cider vinegar; 1 teaspoon minced garlic; 1/4 teaspoon red chili flakes

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These crave-worthy Hot Honey Chicken Wings are a total crowd-pleaser—crispy, sweet, and packing just the right kick of heat. Baked to golden perfection and drenched in a rich, irresistible sauce, they’re perfect for everything from game day feasts to effortless weeknight dinners!

Close-up of glazed chicken wings with a honey dipper applying sauce, showcasing a golden, shiny surface.

Hot Honey Chicken Wing Recipe

Wings are always one of our game day staples but these aren’t your average hot wings! Drenched in a honey glaze with cayenne pepper, hot sauce and more, these hot honey chicken wings are the perfect mix of sweet and spicy!

The best part is there’s no messy deep frying like with traditional wings. These are baked in the oven until they’re perfectly crispy on the outside and juicy inside. Easy and super flavorful, they make the ultimate party food or a quick weeknight meal.

And if you’re in the mood for more delicious wing flavors, be sure to try these Crispy Garlic Parmesan Wings too!

A plate of seasoned chicken wings surrounded by dipping sauces, celery, and carrot sticks on a white surface.

Why We Love This Recipe

Sweet heat: The wings are coated in a hot honey sauce that has the perfect balance of sweet and spicy.
Less mess: Baking them means you won’t have messy oil splatters to deal with when they’re done.
Great for any occasion: Honey garlic wings make the perfect party and game day appetizer or throw in a simple side dish for an easy lunch or dinner.

Ingredients

Chicken wings
Salt
Pepper
Garlic powder
Onion powder
Smoked paprika – you can replace this with chili powder.
Cayenne pepper
Olive oil – Any oil will work.
Honey
Salted butter
Hot sauce – use your favorite hot sauce.
Apple cider vinegar
Red pepper flakes – If you want less heat, omit this.
Minced garlic

How to Make Hot Honey Wings

Step 1. Preheat oven to 425°F

Step 2. In a large bowl, toss the chicken wings with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper, coating evenly in the spices.

Raw chicken with seasoning in a glass bowl, surrounded by small bowls of various ingredients on a white surface.

Step 3. Drizzle with a little olive oil and toss again to coat. This helps the skin crisp up while they’re baking.

Step 4. Place a wire rack over a baking sheet, then arrange the seasoned wings in a single layer on the rack.

A bowl of raw chicken wings seasoned with spices, surrounded by small bowls of ingredients like sauce, garlic, and honey on a white countertop.

Step 5. Bake the wings for 35-40 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they are golden brown, crispy on the outside. They should reach an internal temperature of 165°F on a meat thermometer.

Step 6. While the wings are baking, prepare the sauce. In a small pot, combine honey, salted butter, hot sauce, apple cider vinegar, minced garlic, and red chili flakes. Whisk over medium heat and simmer until the butter melts and the sauce reduces slightly.

A saucepan filled with a brown sauce containing garlic and spices, placed on a light marble surface.

Step 7. Once the wings are cooked, add the chicken to a large bowl.

Step 8. Drizzle the sauce over the wings, and toss to coat evenly.

A clear glass bowl containing six seasoned and cooked chicken wings on a white surface.

Serve hot and enjoy!

A brush is applying sauce to grilled chicken wings on a plate. Other plates of wings and a jar labeled "Honey" are in the background.

How to Store Honey Hot Wings

Fridge: If you have leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container. They’ll stay fresh in the fridge for about for 3-4 days. To reheat the wings, place them back in a 400°F oven for about 15 minutes, or until warmed through.

Freezer: Allow the cooked wings to cool, then place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for 1 hour. Wrap in plastic wrap and place in a labeled plastic bag and they should stay good for up to a few months. Defrost overnight in the fridge. When ready to serve, reheat at 400°F in the oven until heated through.

A plate of golden-brown chicken wings, garnished with herbs, surrounded by carrot and celery sticks.

Top Recipe Tips

Always pat the wings dry with paper towels before seasoning. This helps the spices stick better and creates that crispy chicken exterior when baked.
Don’t skimp on the seasoning. A good coating ensures the wings are flavorful, even before adding the sauce.
Allow the sauce to simmer long enough to let all the flavor come together and thicken slightly. A thicker sauce clings better to your delicious wings.
Baking on a wire rack really does make a difference! If you don’t have one, place the wings directly on the baking sheet, and flip them a few times to avoid sogginess.
Toss the wings in the hot honey sauce right before serving. This keeps them crispy longer.

Close-up of a plate of glazed chicken wings with herbs, stacked in front of a white background.

Variations and Add-ins

Chicken drumsticks: You can easily swap the wings for chicken drumsticks. Follow the same steps, but bake for a bit longer. They’ll need about 45-50 minutes or until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F.
Honey garlic BBQ: Add a smoky twist by mixing in a few tablespoons of your favorite BBQ sauce with the honey mixture. This adds a tangy sweetness that pairs perfectly with the hot honey and garlic.
Milder wings: If you prefer milder wings, you can swap the cayenne for smoked paprika with chili powder. You may also want to omit the hot sauce.
Maple: Replace honey with maple syrup for a different flavor twist.
Sriracha lime glaze: Add a splash of fresh lime juice to the sauce and swap your regular hot sauce for Sriracha.
Bourbon honey: Add a splash of bourbon to the sauce while it simmers to bring out a slightly smoky, rich flavor.

A plate of seasoned chicken wings with a side of carrot and celery sticks, accompanied by dip sauces in bowls, placed on a wooden surface.

FAQs

Are these honey wings hot?

These are chicken wings slathered in a sauce that has red pepper flakes, cayenne and hot sauce. The honey does help to balance some of the heat, but if you love wings with a kick, this recipe is for you.

Can I make these wings in my air fryer?

If you prefer to air fry these wings, just add your chicken wings to the fryer basket in a single layer, working in batches if necessary. Cook on 375°F for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway.

What should I serve with these?

These homemade chicken wings have the perfect balance of sweet and heat that goes great with crunchy veggies like carrots and celery. I love to cool some of the heat by dipping the wings in creamy ranch or blue cheese dressing.

Person dipping a chicken wing into a bowl of white sauce. A plate of chicken wings and sliced vegetables is in the background.

More Tasty Appetizers

If you liked this hot honey wings recipe, you’ll want to try some of these delicious appetizers too!

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