Sticky & Sweet: Honey BBQ Wings Recipe

Written by Sarah Gardner

There’s nothing quite like a plate of honey BBQ wings to make any gathering feel like a party. These wings strike the perfect balance between sweet, smoky, and tangy, making them a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Whether you're whipping them up for game day, a family dinner, or just because you’re craving finger-licking goodness, this recipe will have everyone coming back for seconds (or thirds). Let’s dig in!

Honey bbq Wings

Honey BBQ Wings Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Course Appetizer
Cuisine American
Servings 4

Equipment

  • Baking Sheet With a Wire Rack or an Air Fryer
  • Mixing bowls
  • Basting brush
  • Small saucepan
  • Tongs

Ingredients
  

For the Wings

  • 2 lbs chicken wings drumettes and flats
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • 2 tbsp vegetable oil

For the Honey BBQ Sauce

  • ½ cup BBQ sauce your favorite brand or homemade
  • ¼ cup honey
  • 1 tbsp ketchup
  • 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
  • ½ tsp chili powder optional, for heat

Instructions
 

Preheat and Prep the Wings

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). If using an air fryer, set it to 375°F (190°C). Pat the chicken wings dry with paper towels to ensure crispiness. Toss them in a large bowl with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, pepper, and vegetable oil.

Cook the Wings

  1. Oven Method
    Arrange the wings on a wire rack placed over a lined baking sheet. Bake for 20 minutes, then flip the wings and bake for another 15 minutes until crispy and golden.
  2. Air Fryer Method
    Place the wings in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook for 12 minutes, flip, and cook for another 12 minutes.
    chicken wings arranged in neat rows on a wire rack

Make the Honey BBQ Sauce

  1. While the wings cook, combine BBQ sauce, honey, ketchup, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, and chili powder in a small saucepan. Simmer over low heat for 5 minutes, stirring frequently.

Sauce the Wings

  1. Once the wings are fully cooked, transfer them to a large mixing bowl. Pour the warm honey BBQ sauce over the wings and toss until evenly coated.
    oven-roasted chicken wings being tossed in a glossy homemade honey BBQ sauce

Broil for Extra Stickiness (Optional)

  1. For that perfect caramelized glaze, place the sauced wings back on the wire rack and broil for 2–3 minutes. Watch closely to avoid burning!

Pairings

Honey BBQ wings shine on their own but pair wonderfully with:

  • Creamy Ranch or Blue Cheese Dip: For a cooling contrast.
  • Celery & Carrot Sticks: A crisp, refreshing side.
  • Coleslaw: A tangy, crunchy complement.
  • Cornbread: Sweet and savory perfection to balance the wings.

FAQs

1. What type of chicken should I use?

Use a mix of drumettes and flats for variety. Fresh or frozen wings both work, but if using frozen, thaw them completely and pat dry before seasoning.

2. Can I make the wings boneless?

Absolutely! Swap traditional wings for boneless chicken breast or thigh chunks, and adjust the cooking time slightly (about 15-20 minutes in the oven or air fryer).

3. How do I store leftovers?

Store leftover wings in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat them in an oven or air fryer at 375°F for 5–8 minutes to maintain crispiness.

4. Can I make the sauce spicier?

Of course! Add a dash of hot sauce or cayenne pepper to the honey BBQ sauce for a fiery kick.

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